#CheersForVolunteers đź‘Ź
National Volunteer Week is here, and it’s a coast-to-coast-to-coast celebration of the commitment, dedication, generosity and selflessness of Canada’s almost 13 million volunteers.
Today we share an interview wil Lynda Snider, lifelong volunteer and self-described art-a-holic.
"Lynda Snider is a gem", writes Jill Nuckles, Volunteer Coordinator, Alberta Craft Gallery. "Volunteering for the Alberta Craft Gallery - Calgary every Saturday for nearly 3 years she has engaged thousands of people with her knowledge, wit and experience in the art world. She not only actively promotes Alberta Craft Council retail and exhibition artists, she also connects visitors to the greater art community. A few weeks ago she was helping this lovely couple in such a meaningful way that they asked to have their picture taken with her so they could remember meeting her. Lynda is a lifelong volunteer and champion for the arts."
Alberta Craft Council: We know you’re an arts and culture maven, and have been fan of craft for a long time! How did you first become involved with the Alberta Craft Gallery in Calgary?
Lynda: On cSPACE's official Grand Opening Day (October 21st, 2017) I walked up the front stairs and the artistic energy in the building was palpable ... I looked to my left and saw the Alberta Craft Gallery. I walked to the counter, asked if they needed volunteers, the answer was YES. I sent in my resume and that’s how I met Jill Nuckles , Corinne Cowell etc. and now 3 wonderful years have passed. I am there Saturdays and for special events, and it’s always a happy enlightening learning experience! I also personally gain inspiration from the company we keep in cSPACE - it’s an art/craft transfusion - a "village" has been created…and we are also dog friendly and we provide treats to our pet visitors!
We know no bounds
ACC: What do you think makes Alberta fine craft special?
Lynda: Alberta has a very long and celebrated history of print making, ceramics, glass, weaving, sculpture, jewellery, metal craft, textiles and more. I believe our artists/artisans have greatly benefited from the superb quality of instruction and inspiration provided by ACAD (renamed Alberta Universty of the Arts) and the University of Calgary Faculty of Arts to name only a few, as we have a plethora of riches! Many in other locations in the province and have also played a pivotal role.
Private gallerists who continue to inform and promote, volunteers, docents, and individuals with a passion for the arts act to engage and inspire young children, youth and adults, as we do at Alberta Craft Council - we know no bounds!!!
photos by Jeff Yee
ACC: You have volunteered for many, many events in Calgary…which one has been your favourite?
Lynda: As I am "chronologically gifted", you are correct, I have volunteered extensively over many many years. Hence it is a difficult question for me to answer succinctly, as each experience has left a distinct impression and impact on me.
However, I would single out my years of involvement, at the Nickle Art Galleries at the University of Calgary, as a Board Member in the Collections Committee and I co-curated four exhibitions. It has been such a rewarding time and I feel very privileged to have had those opportunities. Now, in-between, I have had the benefit to have been on other Boards, and worked on, or participated in, many, many volunteer endeavours, or as I refer to them as “privileges”.
Each experience has had its own rewards, but I must relate (not because you have honoured me with this interview - seriously ;) - that Alberta Craft Council, the staff, has been such a positive experience in so many special ways and provided me with a fantabulous three years!
I have been a "maker" all my life, hence I have a personal appreciation for the ingenuity and quality of the artist/artisans selected to participate. I understand the time, effort, diligence, consistency and perseverance that is required to produce the fine quality of work that we are able to promote and encourage at the Alberta Craft Gallery.
“Come on in, the water’s fine!”
ACC: You’re so involved in the community, and we’re sure you know the positive impact that volunteers make to non-profits. What do you say to those who are thinking of volunteering for an arts organization but haven’t made the leap yet?
Lynda: I say, “Come on in, the water’s fine!”
It is such a meaningful, rewarding experience for the volunteer to meet the makers, so many interested and interesting people. You get to observe innovative projects and have the pleasure of knowing that their time and energy will continue Alberta's well earned and deserved fine craft reputation. We, the volunteers, will have the opportunity to meet many wonderful local people and visitors from all over the world. We can also be impactful and inspiring to youth, which I think it’s very important.
ACC: The galleries are closed closed right now and we truly miss seeing you! But sure enough we’ll get to hang out again soon. Which exhibition are you most looking forward to seeing this year?
Lynda: Well, you already know my answer. Although circumstances have delayed this opening, I am really looking forward to seeing Holding Rocks,Charles Lewton-Brain’s exhibition in Calgary. He is a master goldsmith, internationally renowned for innovative works of creative genius. He taught at ACAD for 19 years. His biography is a fascinating book.
I would also like to add that based on my past experience I have appreciated and been enlightened by all curated installations and new works arriving frequently. Meeting the accomplished artists (some who I have know for many years), speaking with them, asking process questions - it is always a learning opportunity. And because I personally consider myself an “art-a-holic" I hope to always be inspired by the visual joy that I feel, and to pass on enthusiasm and interest to others…and who knows, they may just become volunteers!
