Six exceptional AGO volunteers were recognized  this spring for their service.  This week we learn a bit more about Cecile Freeman, Prints & Drawings (10 year award)

Congratulation to another recipient of this year’s Ontario Service Award – Cecile Freeman.

Cecile has been a volunteer in the Marvin Gelber Print and Drawing Study Centre for over 13 years. It was her cousin who volunteered in the Study Center first and invited her to visit. As she describes, “One look at the special place was all I needed to fall in love with this hidden gem.”

You can usually find Cecile volunteering during Wednesday afternoon Open Door. Her favorite role is to tour AGO guests of all ages and from around the globe, through the centre and to discuss the works selected each month for display.

Previously Cecile was an elementary school teacher and also taught adult ESL. Cecile says in her role in P&D she is “still learning and teaching – it’s the best of both worlds!”

One moment that Cecile says she will always remember is when she finished a tour and talk with a very quiet gentleman, who had not spoken one word throughout the time. As he was leaving, he asked me, “Where do I make a donation?” It’s a great reward for what we do, when our visitors show their appreciation.

— Cara-Lynn Nisenbaum