You might remember the volunteer call out we released back in March. For the Spring block of workshops, we have been joined by 11 dedicated, passionate and creative people… Meet our 2024 volunteers!
Our volunteers support the studio sessions by getting to know our artists, supporting them to explore materials, techniques and ideas. They also assist our specialist workshop facilitators with setting up, locating materials and skill sharing. It’s a lot of hard work and we really appreciate it!
Read on to meet our 2024 volunteers and see what they think of their time volunteering with us:
Create Volunteers
The Create programme engages children and young people with disabilities in a wide range of activities including visual arts, film and new media.
The volunteers for this block of Create are Keir Jarvie, Nicola Lynch and Bradley Hudson.
Keir Jarvie: I am overjoyed to be volunteering with Project Ability. They have helped me develop my Arts and Crafts skill set at a very young age and it means a lot to me to give something back to this wonderful organisation to help and assist autistic people.
Nicola Lynch: During my first volunteer workshop with Create, I was amazed by the incredible energy and talent of the artists! Seeing how art enriches their lives is remarkable and so inspiring. It’s been a pleasure meeting each artist, gaining insight into their approach and process, and sharing skills. I have learned a lot from them. I recently discovered Project Ability on Instagram and went along to see the latest exhibition. The passion and expressive nature of each artwork left me eager to learn more about their work and get involved, and I’m so glad I did! The studios have such a positive and inspiring atmosphere, which is down to the amazing artists and tutors.
Bradley Hudson: I enjoy volunteering at project ability because I get to inspire creativity and help people grow through the power of art.
ReConnect Volunteer
ReConnect is an open studio for people with lived experience of mental ill health.
The volunteer for this block of ReConnect is Adam Gandy.
Adam Gandy: I am delighted to be involved with Project Ability and the ReConnect program. I have been a fan of the program for years, and when the most recent Volunteer call went out and I had the time, I leapt at the chance. I have a strong belief in the transcendent quality of art making and sharing skills and support, making Project Ability an ideal place for me to volunteer my time and skills.
Aspire Volunteers
Aspire is our visual arts workshop programme for adults with learning disabilities.
The volunteers that have joined Aspire to support our artists are Danielle Cassells, Laura Lovin, Gemma Kerr, Joseph Dunn, Jessica Laithwaite, Laura Wade and Elyssia Ward.
Danielle Cassells: As a trained printed textile designer whose career landed in the corporate world, I was always keen to position myself back in a creative environment where I can help and nurture others. Project Ability along with the workshop artists has brought back the spark. I love how we’re all developing as a team and very thankful I get to experience it.
Laura Lovin: Volunteering with Project Ability has changed Mondays into days that I am looking forward to. The Monday Aspire artists step into the 103 Tron studios with inspiring intent. Their energy is contagious. Witnessing the artists’ creative presence has been an important lesson for myself. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversations and discovered that old Hollywood, fashion and accessories, music, football, and birds are sources of inspiration that we share. Due to May’s bank holidays, it’s only been two Mondays that we have been working together and I am looking forward to returning next week for more art-making and conversations.
Gemma Kerr: I have followed Project Ability for a while on social media and saw their call out for volunteers and thought it would be a perfect time to take part. I look forward to every Tuesday being able to work with such talented artists and to take part in Glasgow’s creative community is such a privilege. The environment is so encouraging which allows everyone to explore their creative practice in depth and produce amazing work in a wide variety of materials and techniques. You find yourself learning a lot of new techniques too and getting a lot of inspiration from the artists you work with.
Joseph Dunn: Volunteering with Project Ability has been a fantastic experience so far, working with talented individuals and getting to see their styles of work and their artwork journey. Proud to be part of the volunteering experience here.
Jessica Laithwaite: I started working as a volunteer at Project Ability through my university, GSA. I was paired with an artist, Judith, and we began making experimental art together. I found the experience so exciting and it was really great to see how these artists work. Since then I have continued to volunteer in different classes with Project Ability and have loved it. I’ve met so many amazing people and seen so much incredible artwork!
Laura Wade: I’ve been following the work of Project Ability for some time and I have always been really impressed and awed by the work that they do. Volunteering here has proved to be immensely fun and so inspiring thus far. I’m a true advocate for creating art to be beneficial for wellbeing and a fantastic way to express yourself. I really have enjoyed witnessing great art being made and personalities shining through the work and feeling like I can help facilitate and encourage this practice is extremely rewarding. The range of the work and skills being nurtured is really brilliant and is making me consider trying new things in my own work.
Elyssia Ward: I have absolutely loved my time so far at Project Ability. It has been so inspiring to meet all the artists and get to know their different personalities and ways of working. The studio environment is so supportive and really encourages individual expression and creativity, it’s amazing to see everyone’s projects develop. The group I am working with are all so welcoming and friendly, it’s a complete joy to spend time with them each week!
Hot to volunteer at Project Ability
We are not currently seeking volunteers but we will again later on in the year. To stay informed, please follow us on social media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
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