The Importance of Volunteering

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Haley McAndrews. I am a mixed media artist, self-published author and illustrator, and have been writing a small art blog for the past three years. I’m also a working mom with four kids between the ages of 4 and 18, and a full-time job. My newest hat is that of Newsletter Editor on the Iowa Artists Board.

Let’s be honest with each other here. When people think about Iowa, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t a vibrant arts scene… It’s miles and miles of corn fields. But when you push aside those tall, leafy stalks and start looking into local galleries, arts events, and arts organizations… There are SO MANY active artists in Iowa!

I began volunteering with arts organizations as a 20-something year old because I wanted to be a part of something great! I wanted to meet more local artists, get my toe into gallery doors, and help flesh out my artist CV. As it turns out, I love being involved in things. Too many things, if you ask my husband.

Many of our vital arts organizations have limited funding and rely on volunteers to donate their time and efforts to keep things running smoothly. Let’s take a look at IA Artists as an example.

We have 12 regions that cover the entire state. Yes, some regions are smaller than others, with fewer members, but not all of us are made for the big city life. Each region needs a chairperson to help organize events like our Regional shows. For the regional shows we need a judge, date, location, and to keep track of entries (oh, and whether or not the artists entering have paid their membership dues for the year.) Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining! Yes, there is a lot to do behind the scenes. I love getting a peek behind the curtain, putting in the necessary work, and feeling the pride when it all comes together in the end.   

Besides the obvious benefits of being a part of the IA Artists group, like the regional shows, workshops, etc. There are many personal benefits to volunteering. Remember that pride I was just talking about? Taking ownership and working to benefit others is its own kind of high.  Knowing that you are invaluable, making a real difference. It is also a nice addition to an artist resume.

Learning about the business side of art, the other side of the creativity coin, is both fascinating and essential. What better way to learn about it than to serve as part of a board? You discuss memberships, the treasurer’s reports, organize workshops and exhibitions, and learn from more experienced board members.  

When talking about art as a business, we of course also have to talk about the dreaded… networking. Ugh. Who wants to have to network with other artists and galleries? It’s just so much… work! If you’re a hobbyist artist, you can probably get away with avoiding networking. But if art is a business for you, even just as a side-hustle, networking is a necessary evil. You’ve got to get your name out there! Trust me, the benefits to networking far outweigh the effort.

One of the easiest ways to introduce yourself and your artwork to a gallery is by being a part of a group show. First, you don’t need a whole portfolio to show, just one or two pieces to submit. At the reception, you can introduce yourself to the gallery director, give them a business card or take theirs. Having your own art on the wall (or on a pedestal) can be a great conversation opener.

When you are part of an arts organization, you also get to meet new friends and peers. I LOVE meeting other artists! Even if you get a group of local artists who all work in the same media, they have their own individual styles and processes. The artwork that they create will be vastly different. In fact, that’s my favorite thing about art! It’s all so different. We are connected through our creativity, but we are still individuals.

I’ve gotten to know many artists living in Iowa throughout the years, and I love being able to send opportunities their way! For example, I met a young artist who is also in the medical field. I came across an exhibition at a hospital that was focused on the topic of cancer. Art created about cancer, or by cancer survivors, or loved ones of cancer victims. I knew she had at least one piece that fit that description, so I sent her a link to the exhibition application. And yes, her art was accepted! But that’s how the art community should be, helping and congratulating each other on wins. We don’t need to compete with each other, because helping you out doesn’t hurt me.

Another benefit often looked over, but that I’d like to mention anyway, is that volunteering gives you a valid reason to get out of the house and spend time with other adults, and you get a break from your spouse/children/needy pets. I mean, the last IA Artists Board meeting was over Zoom, but I was at least able to lock myself in my bedroom away from my kiddos with zero mom-guilt afterwards.

Have I inspired you yet? There are plenty of ways for you to help support the Iowa Artists group, from serving on the Board (we currently have two Member-At-Large positions open) to simply talking to other artists about joining the group.  We each have our individual strengths that we can contribute. Reach out to any Board member and let them know how you’d like to help. Our volunteers really are the backbone of this great organization. Let’s keep Iowa Artists strong for years to come by lending a hand!