“I remember looking at the gallery as a child dreaming, ‘someday I want to be a part of this place.’ I am happy to say I am. The Albright-Knox and its staff make everyone feel welcome. I will always remember my first time volunteering. I can say it has truly been a wonderful time for me. I enjoy helping people experience art—many for the first time. I have also made many friends I hope to have for a lifetime. The Albright-Knox brings families, communities, and friends together, and I am happy that my childhood dream has come true.”
– Jodie Denne, Art Alive Co-Chair and Volunteer, 2008–present
“Although my main field is music, I have been an art buff all my life, so when the announcement was made about becoming a volunteer for the Monet exhibition in 1999, I regarded this as a golden opportunity, and signed up immediately. Being able to see the actual paintings every week is an experience not to be missed: observing the brushwork and colors (as opposed to looking in a book), becoming gradually more familiar with the works, and continually learning more about art and the art world. A side benefit is that the Albright-Knox is a peaceful oasis of culture (you can ‘feel’ this as soon as you enter) in today’s chaotic world, plus you work with and meet a lot of nice people! I feel privileged and honored to be able to serve as a volunteer.”
– Vicki Stearns, Volunteer, 1999–2006 and 2014–present