How to volunteer through your love of art

Image source: Pixabay.com  

One can make meaningful contribution and help cultivate a sense of community through one’s love of art.  It could be through painting, music, film, and theater, and it’s likely to be time and energy well-spent helping others and giving them a piece of one’s self.  Here are some ways to put on one’s artist cap as a volunteer.

Image source: Pixabay.com  

Classroom art

This can be done in so many ways and for so many beneficiaries, from public school children to less-privileged kids in the local communities.  Educate at-risk youth through hands-on artistic expression, by helping out at a summer or after-school program.  Volunteer for school programs, special projects, and summer programs, or work with globally positioned artisanal groups that promote cultural craft traditions.

Museum time

Did you know that many American museums don’t receive federal funding?  Spend time volunteering at one by being a front-desk information hub for visitors or working behind the scenes, such as helping mount exhibitions or even gardening or assisting at the museum’s landscaping.

Art as healing

Get involved in organizations that help heal homeless, abused children through artistic expression.  These groups often mount social events for volunteers as well, allowing them to share ideas about volunteering, mentoring, and making a difference.  Art can lead to life-changing personal growth and learning for these people in need.

Multimedia arts

Teach less-fortunate children, prisoners, victims of domestic abuse, and even the elderly about film and photography, painting, drawing, and even hobbies like calligraphy as a form of therapy and as a mode of self-expression. This is a great fit if one is particularly techie and enjoys using new gadgets and technologies.

Larry Polhill is a volunteer pretty much his whole life, and in his hometown he frequently joins community programs for the homeless. He’s a music lover with a knack for volunteer work. Learn more on this page.