Hello everyone!

Let’s imagine: if we were back in the Gallery this week, I’d be joining you for a coffee (or tea) from the cafe, and some homebaked treats in the volunteer lounge. We’d be awaiting a behind-the-scenes tours in conversation, or looking forward to a talk with our installation crew on the 5th floor. Tonight, we’d all be together (imagine!) for a cocktail party in Gallery Italia, hosted by your Volunteer Council.

Although we can’t be together today, it is especially poignant to remember what you do best – welcome & help, engage and connect, in person and on our front line. You bring the galleries to life! And our community is made richer for your collective curiosity & enthusiasm, shared love of art, and commitment to life long-learning, all in the name of the AGO. How lucky were are to have you!

This week, we will be celebrating all of you in spirit, if not in person. We’ll be publishing a series of articles featuring this year’s Ontario Volunteer Service Award winners. A special thank you to this year’s celebrants, and also to Shelagh Barrington, past Volunteer President and Friday evening Gallery Guide, for putting this series together!