Lebanon
AVA — which stands for Alliance for the Visual Arts — provides exhibitions, affordable studio space and other programming to support artists and their patrons in the Upper Valley. Sheryl Trainor, the AVA office manager, said that the holiday season is important to the organization. During the annual holiday exhibition artists sell their work, which in turn contributes revenue to support AVA’s programming.
The gallery has an array of volunteer openings.
“Our volunteer opportunities are as varied as the interests of the individuals who volunteer at AVA and are geared to their interests and abilities,” Trainor said.
Volunteer greeters welcome visitors to the exhibition space and help answer their questions about the artwork. These volunteers spend three-hour shifts in the gallery, surrounded by people and art. Shifts run Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and until 7 p.m. on Thursdays.
“Our volunteer gallery greeters are often the first face of AVA to gallery visitors,” Trainor said. “They are available to answer questions, give directions and refer people to staff members. A gift for conversation, and an appreciation for art is a definite plus.”
People who are outgoing might also appreciate working with AVA’s outreach programs, which engage older adults, children and special needs individuals with art. Those who prefer to work behind the scenes can help with classroom maintenance, hanging exhibitions or organizing events.
Trainor emphasized that anyone who is interested is welcome to volunteer, regardless of how familiar they are with art.
“Volunteers do not need to know anything about art, but only need to have a curiosity about it and a general feeling for its importance in building community,” Trainor said.
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Editor’s note: Anyone who is interested in volunteering should contact Sheryl Trainor by calling 603-448-3117 or emailing sheryl@avagallery.org.