We asked this year’s award winners a bit about themselves. This week: Gallery Guide Felicia Cohen. (Find the full list of winners here.)
How did you get started at the AGO?
I started volunteering at the AGO in time for transformation, when I started as an Information Guide, and a year later I trained as a Gallery Guide.
How long have you been here? What roles have you played here?
I have volunteered continuously since Transformation, so this Autumn that will make it 9 years.
What is your background? What are your outside interests/other volunteer gigs?
My background is Photography; I studied at Ryerson and worked in the Industry for 30 years (or so!). I am now working summers as a Tour Guide in Toronto, Niagara and Canada. I also volunteer at TIFF (year round), Hot Docs, The Artist Project, SNAP (ACT Toronto), and Jane’s Walks.
What has been your favourite/ most memorable show?
At the AGO, I love giving tours and having conversations with visitors about art, and Toronto. My most memorable shows were Ai Wei Wei and Small Wonders, for the interesting conversations they sparked.
What is your favourite / most surprising / most satisfying memory/moment at the gallery?
Most surprising moment was when a visitor told the group she had witnessed the very story I was telling about an artist…