Helping to Make Things Happen

Our Volunteers are what make the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center run smoothly.  Whether out front at the welcome desk, creating interesting window displays, installing an exhibit or planning and running special events, the Center could not function without volunteers.  As ambassadors for the area they bring a wide range of skills and knowledge about our community to make visitors feel welcome. We are indeed fortunate to have this large, generous group of men and women from all parts of the Highlands. Volunteers choose how much and when they can work. It is a great group, and many have made new friends through their work for the Center- hope you get to meet them soon!

There are some basic categories of volunteer life.  These include Cashiers, Docents, and Special projects.  Cashiers welcome guests and encourage them to sign the guest book.  They offer bits of information about the current exhibit, ring up and maintain sales records and answer the phone.  Docents help in the Center Shop by answering questions and sharing information about exhibits and artists whose work is found at the Center.

Special Project volunteers serve at events such as the Art of Chocolate Festival and off-site selling exhibitions or help serve at receptions held in the Gallery.  Volunteers are needed and enjoy helping to install and take down changing exhibits.  Some volunteers help by setting up displays on the shelves and walls for visitors to enjoy.  Still others like to work behind the scenes keeping equipment and the building in working order.

We have many volunteers who work tirelessly all year round.  Some are longtime residents while others are newcomers to the Highlands- a great way to get acquainted!  Many have learned new skills or shared what they know with us, helping us to find better ways to do things. They must enjoy it because while there is plenty of work to be done, there is usually a fair amount of laughter coming from those who make it happen.