Volunteer Spotlight: Paula Sanders

During First Fridays at the Harrison Center, volunteers fill much-needed positions that help our organization and artists thrive. We are grateful for those who donate their spare time to bettering the Indianapolis arts community. This month, we are spotlighting the altruistic efforts of one of our newest volunteers, Paula Sanders. 

Paula volunteers as a gallery attendant in Speck Gallery

At the first, First Friday of the New Year on January 7th, I had the opportunity to briefly meet Paula as she arrived for her volunteer assignments. She is a passionate supporter of the arts and an all-around lovely person – which is evident in her story of discovering the Harrison Center:  

Paula just recently relocated to Indiana from the South. Prior to her move, she had plans to travel throughout the United States on assignment from her former employer. During these travels, she hoped to visit museums and galleries like she had never experienced in her hometown. Indianapolis was the first stop on this itinerary. Upon arriving in the city, she scheduled a visit to Newfields and found herself inspired by The Lume. Following this interaction, Paula researched Indianapolis’ creative communities and artists. Enter: the Harrison Center. 

Paula was interested in supporting arts organizations like the Harrison Center while she was still on assignment in Indianapolis. She adds, “Reading about the programs and history of the galleries and other creative spaces helped me to decide that this was a place rich with artistic vision and creativity.” Unfortunately, her travel itinerary was abruptly interrupted when she became dangerously stricken with COVID-19. Paula had considered a more permanent move to Indianapolis prior to becoming ill, and this decision was soon expedited out of necessity by her condition. 

Despite undertaking the sudden move for health reasons, Paula is happy with her decision to stay in the Circle City. She has since recovered and is now able to volunteer when she has the time. During her inaugural First Friday shift, Paula worked as a City Gallery greeter, providing masks and building maps to those in attendance. In the latter half of the night, she worked in Speck as a gallery attendant for Bill Rasdell’s show Holding It Down: Sisters in the African Diaspora. Of her time that night, Paula states, “My experience as a volunteer was very exciting! I had the opportunity to meet some wonderful artists and patrons of the Harrison Center. It was a pleasure to help keep the event organized and guests informed about exhibits and other activities. I was very intrigued by the artists and their work. I’m looking forward to my next First Friday event.”

We are grateful for Paula and all of the other Harrison Center volunteers who choose to spend the first Friday evening of the month with us. Volunteers greatly support the work that the Harrison Center does. Likewise, volunteering presents those interested with an opportunity to gain greater insight into happenings at the Harrison Center, including exhibitions and our public-response geared initiatives. 

Please follow this link if you would like to be added to our volunteer list for notification about future opportunities. Positions are assigned by need and include gallery attendants, wine and beer sales (Indiana Servers License required), and greeters. We hope to see you soon!