Is there some art-related project you’d love to carry out – perhaps a course, workshop or conference – that would develop your skills, expand your knowledge, and enhance your work here at the AGO?

If so, you may be a great candidate for a Margaret Machell Study Grant, administered by your Volunteer Executive (VE).

Each year the VE invites applications for the grant, which are then reviewed by a three-person staff/volunteer committee. The committee may award the full $500 to one person, divide it among several recipients, or at its discretion instead roll the sum forward to the following year (as happened in 2011, creating a total of $1,000 in 2012).

In 2012, three volunteers were awarded grants: Michaela Novotna, of the Marvin Gelber Print and Drawing Centre; Susan Davidson, of School Groups; and Lynda Kelly, of Art Rental + Sales. Each put the money to a different use, but had a similar, and very positive reaction to the experience.

Michaela: “I used my award to take an online course offered by the Ontario Museum Association on the social history and development of museums. It is one of the nine courses in their program that leads to a certificate in museum studies. The Margaret Machell grant got me started, and I appreciate it very much.”

Lynda: “Our clients at Art Rental + Sales are always asking questions about abstract art. I used my grant to attend a two-day workshop called The Abstraction of Landscape Symbols by one of my favourite Canadian artists, Brian Atyeo. I am now better informed and better able to  communicate with our clients, so I am most grateful for the opportunity that the grant gave me.”

While on the workshop, Lynda (herself an artist) completed the untitled work shown here, which she has donated to the June 5 Celebration of the Arts fundraiser for Gilda’s Club of Toronto.

Margaret Machell Study Grant

• Eligibility: active volunteer, with at least two years service at the time of application
• Project: some form of study that will build the volunteer’s skills, knowledge and quality of service to our visitors
• Deadline for application: July 15, 2013.
• Application: Submit a full description of the proposed course and all related expenses to Phyllis Couzin ([email protected]), President, Volunteer Executive

For more information: From this page,  click on “Information” in the menu on the right-hand side; then click on “Volunteer Recognition” and select “The Margaret Machell Study Grant.”

Any questions? Contact Phyllis Couzin.