This month Joyce Lagunoff offers her thoughts on what it means to be a part of the AGO’s group of dedicated volunteers. Originally posted March 2, 2012. 

When I retired in 2008, I was looking forward to spending my first six months putting my feet up and collecting my thoughts. That plan was very short lived. I received a phone call from Gwen Yacht, my work colleague from the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care. She told me she was volunteering at the AGO in the Grange, and talked me into coming in for a tour of the Grange. She was very convincing!

At that time Iris Hausller’s installation They called her Amber was at the Grange. After my tour and meeting with Iris and Grange curator Jenny Reiger. I was hooked. I loved this house.
Most visitors have little knowledge about the Grange and its relationship to the AGO. Today the Grange is the oldest remaining brick house in Toronto; in 1970 the Grange received the Provincial and Federal designation as an historic site. Previously a private home, the Grange was bequeathed in 1909 to the Art Museum of Toronto, creating a physical home for its collection and beginning the AGO as we know it today. Once this background information is provided to the visitors, you can see their eyes light up.

There is something magical and wonderful that happens when you interact with some fascinating, interesting and special individuals from Toronro, across Canada and from around the world. The interaction with the visitors is an ongoing learning experience. Providing an enriched experience is always a great reward for volunteering.