For the year 2016 I decided I wanted to volunteer more in the community. I think artists, small business owners, anyone really could benefit from volunteering. I mostly wanted to change as a person. Be happier. It’s hard to bitch and complain about anything when you realize how fortunate you are. A lot of artists complain about the money they make or don’t make. But they’re not on the streets! They (mostly) aren’t starving! If an artist is literally starving they can go get a job. Evolve or die. Change. No excuses. Since I have been volunteering my attitude changed and guess what, I have more paid work. I am happier. Don’t complain as much. Works out.
I started out volunteering for Nomad Bus. If anyone is interested in this please offer your time. It’s a great one. You would be making art with kids. They have opportunities at events. I did some photography for them as well.
I donated photo prints to the Equality Florida Gala Art Auction and Pet Pals Gala Auction. It didn’t cost me much at all. We all have a lot of art sitting around. Small prints are easy to give. I also donated prints to Spring Cleaning Fundraiser.
Recently I volunteered for the Great American Teach In. An art teacher at Bay Point wanted an artist. Someone went googling around to find one and there I was. It was fun. My powerpoint was titled ‘Careers In The Arts’. First it was about what some careers in the arts are using real examples that would appeal to them like game artist, fashion designer, makeup, sculptor, photographer. Then I gave real examples of 5 of my friends who are professional photographers, what genre they work in, and what their life is like. Then I talk about me including the pros and cons of being self-employed. Then I let a few students take pictures.
This Saturday I am doing Help Portrait. This is another good one specifically for photographers. Pat and Chuck Vosburgh set up at a church on the first Saturday of December every year to give free portraits to people who cannot afford them. Some have NEVER had a portrait taken before.
I did quite a bit this year. I think I will continue to donate and volunteer – of my choice. And I like doing different things. Not always doing the same volunteer opportunity. Spread the LOVE.