The Elora Centre for the Arts is hosting a volunteer meet and greet on April 17.
“We value all the effort and time our volunteers devote to the Centre,” said volunteer coordinator Lena Nudds. “Without them, this organization just wouldn’t be what it is today.”
The centre’s general manager Arlene Saunders agrees.
“We have over 80 active volunteers at the centre every year and we wouldn’t be able to carry out the many services we bring to the community without the help of the many volunteers,” said Saunders.
She explained the list of volunteer roles are as diverse as the people who come out to support the events and regular maintenance of the art centre’s heritage building.
Volunteers take part in fundraising, programming, special events, bartending and selling tickets at shows.
The volunteers help the art centre with its room rentals by supporting other groups who make use of the centre’s various spaces for private functions such as concerts, performances or meetings. They ensure the centre is appropriately staffed for the occasion.
“We are a big heritage building and we are responsible for the upkeep of this site, and that takes a great deal of support,” Saunders explained.
“We have a volunteer building committee that does cleaning and maintenance, and we have a yard crew that takes care of landscaping and beautification of the grounds.
“It’s an enormous undertaking that we couldn’t do without our volunteers.”
The centre also features two galleries, the Harris Collective and the Minarovich Gallery, each featuring exhibitions that are free to the public and open seven days a week.
To staff these rooms, gallery docents are required to greet the public and answer any questions about the art work or the building itself.
“Volunteers are also important with our programming, such as the PA Day art camps for children,” Saunders said. “Their assistance allows us to keep our camps affordable for which keeps our camps affordable for the families in this area.”
As a not-for-profit art centre, fundraising is vital to the operation of the arts centre, and both Nudds and Saunders acknowledge the dedication of their volunteers in events, including two of their most important annual events, Art by the Yard and the Artcetera.
Ensuring the centre’s continued success is also a vital volunteer responsibility.
The centre’s board of directors is made up of 11 community volunteers, including artists, business people and interested citizens who donate their time and resources to ensure the growth of the centre’s initiatives.
Saunders said volunteers range in age from 13 to 90, and there is many opportunities for people to lend their skills, whatever they may be.
“We are always looking for volunteers to help as a gallery host, painting and building maintenance, special events, distributing posters in the area, assisting with children’s programs, office help, photographing events,working in the gardens and more,” Nudds said.
“It’s a great way to make new friends and get involved in your community.”
To show their appreciation, the Elora Centre for the Arts is hosting a volunteer meet and greet on April 17 from 3 to 6pm. Everyone is welcome, including people interested in volunteering in the future. Refreshments will be served.
For more information contact Nudds at volunteer@eloracentreforthearts.ca or 519-846-9698. The centre is located at 75 Melville Street in Elora. For information visit eloracentreforthearts.ca.
