by Lauren Instenes, AmeriCorps VISTA, Volunteer Program Coordinator
For International Volunteer Appreciation Day this year, P.S. ARTS would like to highlight Frank Wutts who started volunteering with us during the 2015/16 school year. He started by coming to our Family Art Nights in the Lawndale area, and this year he also started serving in a visual arts classroom at Mark Twain Elementary.
“I have been very fortunate to have Frank as a volunteer in my art classes and I cannot praise him enough!”
“He is everything that you would want in a volunteer. Frank is dependable and punctual, and he arrives ready to do whatever it takes to be as helpful as possible. He washes brushes (without a sink in my classroom this makes him particularly valuable!), helps set up and pass out supplies at that crucial moment when there is little time between classes, and assists with keeping students on track with gentle reminders during art-making activities. Very quickly, Frank knew what to do without me having to tell him (he knew just when to pass out paper or glue sticks or guide students to the painting table) which is a tremendous plus. He even donated wood scraps for one of our art projects. Students quickly began to appreciate Frank’s presence and expressed missing him one day when he couldn’t be in class. Frank’s creativity and science mindedness, along with his commitment and genuine altruistic spirit, combine to make him a most awesome volunteer!”
-Wanda Boudreaux, Teaching Artist
We had a chance to talk with Frank about why he loves volunteering with P.S. ARTS:
What motivates you to volunteer for P.S. ARTS?
I was motivated to get involved with P.S. ARTS because I saw students’ work hanging on the walls of another school that I was doing a reading program at and was very impressed with the quality and expressiveness of the work. I could tell that they have a well thought out curriculum and hired well-qualified teachers. I don’t remember having any arts education when I was in school and feel kind of jealous. We just had coloring books and the like but we never learned the elements of art or different styles of art. I love that the kids can produce successful pieces and have fun and freedom when doing so.
Can you share a memorable moment you had while volunteering with P.S. ARTS?
I always enjoy it when I see a student’s light come on and say, “I get it” after I’ve explained something or shown them something.
Thank you Frank for your dedication and commitment to arts education and P.S. ARTS! If you are looking for ways to volunteer with us, visit psarts.org/volunteer for more info. Happy International Volunteer Day!
