It is the warm fuzzy feelings, the art, the artists and the friendships that keep Redland Art Gallery volunteers Gillian Rich, Sylvia Heterick and Eileen Stagg coming back. It’s been 21 years since the three joined the volunteer team when the gallery opened in February 2003. And they aren’t considering retiring any time soon. “It’s an enjoyable thing to do. I’ll continue to do it until I can’t do it anymore. In giving, we receive and I think you get more than you give,” Eileen said.
Eileen, 85, of Redland Bay said the gallery had also educated her on many things, through speaking with the public and undergoing annual training. “It has opened up a new world to me. I have also bought some art so I get to take that joy home with me,” she said. Sylvia, 89, of Victoria Point brings to the gallery a knowledge of art as a member of the Redland Yurara art group. Currently one of her paintings is hanging in the gallery as part of the gallery’s current exhibition. “I was looking for something to do. I decided to join. I get to see the exhibitions, meet the artists and the visitors and get talking. I like talking,” Sylvia said.
“I feel proud when my work gets exhibited. I feel proud that I can do something that stands up and is good enough to go on the wall with other artists. It gives me a good feeling,” she said. As a life member and former president of the Coochie art group, Gillian, 82, of Cleveland also has work currently on exhibition and has already sold one of her paintings on the wall. “When I’m volunteering here, I always hope that people say something nice about my work,” she said. The contributions of these original volunteers and others were marked by Mayor Karen Williams at a celebration held in December. “Over the past two decades, Redland Art Gallery has developed a profile within the region and public art gallery network for its quality programs and exhibitions, and strong commitment to local arts development.
This success would not have been possible without the ongoing support of the local arts community, artists, gallery staff and, of course, our wonderful volunteers,” Cr Williams said. “As the gallery looks toward the future, the continued support of volunteers remains an integral part of its success.” Sylvia said the gallery was vital to the community as a destination for visitors and tourists and a place for artists to show their work. Volunteers conduct guided tours, support at gallery functions and events, provide information to visitors, assist with workshops and contribute to various administration tasks.
The RAG volunteer program operates on a roster basis, with most volunteers giving a few hours twice a month to support the gallery’s operations.
More on artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au/opportunities/volunteering-atrag/
FAST FACTS
Exhibitions and events at Redland Art Gallery feature local, State, national and internationally recognised artists.
The gallery opened on February 14, 2003.
The gallery exhibition program supports the representation of Redlands Coast’s diverse culture and heritage.
The annual calendar of exhibitions and programs provides access to visual arts, craft and design including artist talks, exhibition openings, workshops for children and adults, artist professional development sessions and drop in family friendly activities.
Admission to the gallery is free. Opening hours at Cleveland, corner Middle and Bloomfield streets are Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm and Sunday from 10am to 2pm and at Capalaba Place, Noeleen Street from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and Saturday from 9am to 4pm.
WEB: artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au
PHONE: 3829 8899
EMAIL: gallery@redland.qld.gov.au
FB: @redlandartgallery
INSTA: @redlandartgallery
