Meet The Volunteers

Meet the volunteers!

For our autumn 2024 and winter 2025 blocks, we have been joined by a great cohort of volunteers that have been brightening up our workshops and supporting the artists in the studios!

Read on to find out more about what each volunteer has enjoyed about their time at Project Ability.

Roslyn Redpath, Aspire, Monday morning

Over the last term I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the artists, both in relation to the art they produce but also as people. I have learned a great deal from their individual creative approaches as well as from Sharon who has such skill in supporting each person to express themselves in their own ways and allow them to celebrate their many skills. I am really looking forward to the next block. 

Rozenn Ansquer, Aspire, Monday afternoon

The moment I stepped into the Project Ability studio it felt magical. Every Monday afternoon I feel lucky to volunteer with the Aspire workshop. This experience has been incredibly rich and insightful, allowing me to engage and grow with wonderful, inspiring creative people. I have been taken on creative journey’s helping bring to life big and small painting and drawing projects to hats and table cloth accessories. The environment is joyful and open, encouraging experimentation and playful creation. I am very proud to be a volunteer with Project Ability and I am always excited for a Monday afternoon, to see what creative project will come next and generally to chat with lovely, kind people. 

Dorottya Szanka, Aspire, Tuesday morning

Working with the Aspire group on Tuesdays has truly been the highlight of my week. At Project Ability, volunteers play an integral role in the workshops, collaborating closely with participant artists. I’ve had the privilege of working with Frank and Neil, focusing on their unique interests and processes. Together, we’ve explored a variety of themes and techniques, fostering both experimentation and friendship. Our group leader, Alison, has been a constant source of guidance and support, always available when I needed guidance. This experience has brought me immense joy and gratitude, and I’m excited about all the creative opportunities that await in the next term.

Joseph Dunn, Aspire, Wednesday morning

I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering amongst the Aspire programme for a good while now, I always look forward to each week as I continue to feel inspired by the participants and the tutor and it makes my experience richer.

Emma Thomson, Aspire, Thursday morning

My experience in the Projectability Aspire Studio has been wonderful! I have gained so much from working alongside the artists here, and I would highly recommend this experience to other artists. To come from a period of quiet solitary practice into the welcoming, interactive energy of the studio has been a very positive experience for me. I also felt very supported and welcomed by the tutor and have watched and learned from his experience. I have been able to use previous skills in offering practical artistic support and have come away with a wonderful sense of the community here. I am filled with inspiration from the amazing artists I have met and the art they have been making. I am very grateful to everyone in Projectability for this opportunity.

Heather Finlay, Aspire, Friday afternoon

Working alongside the group has been incredibly rewarding, as it has allowed me to develop new skills while working with and learning from such an aspiring group of artist. I’ve truly enjoyed meeting and chatting with such wonderful people throughout this experience, and the supportive environment has been both inspiring and motivating. A particular highlight for me has been the chance to share creative ideas and grow as part of a team. I would absolutely recommend this experience to others, as it offers a unique blend of learning, connection, and artistic growth.

Emma Booth, Create, Saturday morning

Having the opportunity to volunteer in the Create class has been a wonderful experience that I am super thankful for. I wanted to volunteer to be able to give something back and to also fill up my own art cup and this experience has done just that! Having that dedicated time each week to be fully immersed in such an open and creative environment has really helped me to feel like part of a community where we can all learn and be inspired by each other.

The focus on the importance of play and celebrating each artist and their practice is inspiring and I really look forward to each session to see what exciting things happen. I have loved spending time and learning from both the artists and tutors as it has helped to expand my own creative thinking. I can’t recommend this opportunity enough. Art is so important and being part of a team that encourages creativity, growth and individuality just leaves me with such a warmth that lights me up and gives me a sense of fulfilment and accomplishment.

Melissa Pearson, Create, Saturday afternoon

I wholeheartedly recommend volunteering with Project Ability, it’s been an incredible experience that has not only helped me become more flexible in my own art practice but also allowed me to connect with inspiring young people. Forming one-on-one connections with the artists is truly special, as it offers a rare opportunity to see their personalities come to life through their work. I truly enjoy getting to know the artists and their unique styles, and gaining insight into their creative approaches. As an artist, it’s incredibly inspiring to observe their processes and pick up a few techniques along the way. One of the most remarkable aspects is watching them explore multiple mediums, sometimes within a single session, and seeing how they become immersed in subjects that interest them. Project Ability is what art is all about! 

Gaile Addison, Create, Saturday afternoon

I’ve really enjoyed my experience with the Art Matters group. I naturally gravitated to participants; Coltrane and Jo for most of the sessions so far and we’ve had a really fun time together. The art projects have been varied and collaborative and the conversations lively. I’ve also had a wonderful welcome from the other participants who enjoy engaging in conversations about art and their inspirations. As previously mentioned in my interview, I was introduced to Project Ability 10 years ago before moving to Glasgow from Munich and have wanted to volunteer ever since. It’s only taken 10 years but I have finally made it and couldn’t have found a more welcoming and creative environment. It’s been a pleasure to get to know the young talented artists.  

Myfanwy Rees, ReConnect, Friday

I heard about project ability a year ago, and have been aspiring to volunteer there ever since. Now that I have, I am so very pleased I did. It exceeded my expectations with how calming and meaningful the atmosphere is there. As soon as you enter the building you are surrounded by creativity, from the array of prints downstairs, to the project ability exhibition room until finally the workroom itself which is a proper art studio with printing equipment, ceramic studio and of course the artists themselves. I found a connection with each member.  It has been truly heartwarming, inspiring and an eye opener into how art workshops and having the space to explore passions can really give people a sense of calm and worth from their day when they otherwise may struggle to find it in themselves or their day usually. I will be sad to leave! I came along unsure as to whether or not I’d be able to make a connection with anyone at all but I did as there is someone there for everyone. I especially bonded with a man called Brian, genuinely cherished chatting with him every Friday and Celine who runs the sessions was very easy to be around, funny, dependable as well as made sure to help you feel reassured and looked after. You can be as forthcoming as you feel each week, some days I felt like being very involved, other days I took a bit of a back seat and helped with practical things such as coating canvases. I was never made to feel I was doing something wrong. If I could do multiple more blocks of volunteering there, then I would! 

Holly Allan, Aspire, Wednesday afternoon

After graduating from art school I felt a bit stuck creatively. I applied to Project Ability as I’ve always loved the vibrancy and energy of their exhibitions and it felt like the kind of creative and dynamic environment that I needed. My time here has been incredible and I can truly say I’ve learned something everyday. I’ve spent my time talking and learning from all the artists in class, but got to be particularly close with Andrew, an amazing painter with a passion for musicals, and Christopher, an incredible illustrator who creates the most detailed and intricate worlds. Both artists have taught me the power of work made when you are unanchored by self doubt and led by passion, creativity and above all excitement.

Nicola Prosser, Create, Saturday

I have adored my time working with the Create programme at Project Ability. After first volunteering in 2014, it has been a joy and privilege to return, supporting new artists and reconnecting with a few familiar faces. The studio is just as I remember it—fun, energetic, welcoming, and inspiring. The diverse range of media available creates endless opportunities for exploration, and it’s always exciting to see the passion and creativity that both the artists and tutors bring to life. I’ve loved learning about each artist’s unique approach, sharing skills, and spending time in such an expressive and positive environment—it’s truly the highlight of my Saturdays.

Karly Healy, ReConnect, Wednesday 

I wanted to volunteer with project ability to give back some of what they had offered me when I was a beginner artist there. It was my time working within the studios that gave me the inspiration and confidence to apply to art school. I was nervous about returning as a volunteer but everyone has been lovely and Celine has been so supportive. What was most surprising is that some of the artists I knew from before were still attending, which was lovely to see and reminisce about. The Wednesday ReConnect artists are all very established and competent artists so I find myself assisting around the studio the best I can, to ensure they can access the materials they need, when and where they need them. I am primarily a painter and I have been stretching and priming canvases and sharing colour mixing tips as well as helping some of the newer artists to  develop their own unique painting techniques and styles. The best bit is just wandering around chatting with fellow artists about their work. I am probably learning far more from them than they ever could from me.  It has been a real pleasure and privilege to volunteer with project ability.


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

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