The Volunteer Executive recognized Susan for  for 15 years of exceptional service by nominating her for an Ontario Service Award earlier this year.  We asked Susan to tell us about herself in her own words:

I first started volunteering at the the AGO for the first King Tut show when I was fortunate  to spend quality time with the head of King Tut as a young boy. After voluntering for the Turner show I next joined the studio/education program in 1996 until education guides were no longer required. This past September I started as a volunteer in Prints and Drawing. P & D may be the best kept secret at the AGO.

I have volunteered at Art with Heart for Casey House and for the Colour & Form Society where I am also a member. I left a 30 year career in advertising to complete a studio/fine art degree at U of T so I can be gainfully unemployed artist!

The Marchesa Casati and I have a very long relationship- both the painting by Augustus John and sculpture by Jacob Epstein. I hope the AGO will one day devote an exhibit to the many artists  who have been drawn to this unusual woman.

I have been priviledged to be a guide for a tour where I could hear a 5 year old clearly and carefully explain the differences between the art of Van Gogh, Piet Mondrian and Jackson Pollock.  Looking at art is more than 2 way experience but sometimes guides get so much more than they expect.

When I am not at the AGO you may find me creating my own art, gardening or having a great time with my grandchildren.

 

Watch for further profiles of our award winners!