HeArtfelt Thanks
We couldn’t do all that we do here at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art without the help of our wonderful volunteers!
February 2012 ~ Sophia Cataldo and Ele Rinas
In February 2012, the CRMA would like to honor our Junior Docents! Junior Docents are students in middle school or high school, and they always volunteer as pairs or small groups when leading tours. Students gain a knowledge of art, but also develop leadership skills, public speaking skills, and an active involvement with the role the CRMA plays in our community.
Sophia and Ele are two Junior Docents who have been volunteering for nearly a year now, both at the CRMA and at the Grant Wood Studio, as well as helping with several educational events. They worked as a team several times last summer, and developed a good rapport with our visitors.
Sophia Cataldo
How long have you been a volunteer at CRMA/Studio? Why are you interested?
I have been a volunteer for about six months. I like to learn about art in general, and i am really enjoying this!!!
What is your favorite part of being a CRMA volunteer?
My favorite part about being a volunteer is being able to learn about amazing artists and getting to meet new people.
What is your favorite work of art at the Museum or studio?
I honestly love all the pieces of art! They all represent different things and feelings. They are all very inspiring!!!
What advice do you have for others who may be interested in volunteering at the Museum?
My advice for others who may be interested in volunteering is that they should deffidently consider trying it. It's a lot of fun learning about artists and meeting other volunteers who have the same interests as you!!!!
Ele Rinas
How long have you been a volunteer at the CRMA? And why were you interested in volunteering here?
I haven't been volunteering at the CRMA for long, but have given quite a few tours at Grant Wood's studio and really enjoy it. I'm interested at vouluntering at the CRMA because I think it's a great way to tell others about some great artists while learning a lot about them at the same time.
What is your favorite part about being a CRMA volunteer?
My favorite part about being a CRMA volunteer is definitely being able to see all the amazing artwork in the building and having the opportunity to show others some of the amazing pieces.
What is your favorite work of art at the CRMA/Studio?
I truly don't know which piece is my favorite- there are so many amazing pieces!
What advice do you have for others who may be interested in volunteering at the Museum?
My advice for other would-be volunteers is definitely to take a chance and try it out. I'm not usually the most outgoing person, but I love volunteering as a Junior Docent.
December 2011 ~ Phyllis Fleming
We are pleased to honor our first volunteer for HeArtfelt Thanks, Phyllis Fleming. Last year, Phyllis clocked more 146 hours of volunteer time, accounting for nearly a quarter of all the docents' hours combined. Phyllis was always willing to lend a hand, no matter the project. She was insightful, steadfast, and fiercely supportive of the CRMA. We're blessed to have had her as a part of our family.
Phyllis accepts the State of Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award on behalf of the Museum Docents.
Let's take a few minutes to get to know Phyllis...
How long have you been a volunteer at the CRMA? And why were you interested in volunteering here?
I started to volunteer in 2003 after I had retired from The Gazette at the end of 2002. I was interested in the Art in Roman Life exhibition which was getting ready to open. And I learned a lot during the orientation for the exhibit.
What is your favorite part about being a CRMA volunteer?
The reaction of visitors to the art and to 5 Turner Alley, Grant Wood's studio, is probably my main reason for continuing to volunteer. I have spent many hours doing tours at 5 Turner Alley and find that more out-of-town people come rather than local people if you don't include school tours. We get many school tours often accompanied by a parent who says "I didn't know this was here." Too many local people tell us this is the first time they've been. Grant Wood's whole style of painting changed while he was living at 5 Turner Alley and that's significant since American Gothic (1930) was done while he was there. That painting, which made him famous, and the others to follow set him apart.
What is your favorite work of art?
My favorite painting is one of Monet's water lilies that's in the National Art Gallery. My favorite Grant Wood painting is Daughters of the Revolution. My favorite as a docent doing tours for children is Grant Wood's painting of the Stamat's house because it offers so many wonderful images for children to look for—leaves that look like feathers or asparagus and more. This painting really challenges children's imagination. Then you can always draw their attention to Wood's portrait of Sally Stamats who lived in the house and is the baby in the carriage.
What advice do you have for others who may be interested in volunteering at the Museum?
Anybody interested in being a docent needs to understand that not only will they be doing tours but they will be learning too. They need to be ready to commit to the time to do that. Having a good background about the art gives the docent confidence as they do tours. Since docents do many tours for school children as well as adults also means that the docent needs to develop methods for capturing the interest of all ages. And the methods are different. With children you can focus on colors, shapes, etc. With adults you might focus on what the artist was trying to accomplish. The docent needs to let the viewers tell you what they see which may not be what you think they should see.