Volunteer Spotlight is a series where we shine a light on one of our awesome volunteers each month. Each spotlight will highlight the personalities of our volunteers and share more about their connections to the Frye.
This month, we are spotlighting another talented and sharp Events & Programs Volunteer, Angela Schmidt. We interviewed Angela to learn more about her and her time at the Frye.
Hi Angela! How long have you been at the Frye and what made you want to volunteer?
I've been volunteering at the Frye for about a year now. Last summer I had been living in Seattle for about a year and half and was feeling a need to build my community outside of friends and ballet. I used to live in New York and volunteered for Storefront for Art and Architecture and was really missing that sense of involvement within the art and design sector.
The Frye was the first organization that really intrigued me to reengage in a volunteer capacity due to the Olson Kundig domed rotunda, the range of artists on display, the approachable staff, the courtyard (oh hello brutalist moss semi-sphere!) and the impeccably curated gift shop. A space that added such beauty and positive energy to Seattle was something I definitely wanted to contribute to.
What pieces, artists, programs, or exhibitions do you remember most fondly from your experiences at the Frye?
I geeked out on the Donald Byrd: The America That Is To Be exhibition. As a dancer, and someone that used to take [dance] at Spectrum (single tear emoji), I loved that the Frye was showcasing the breadth of a renowned contemporary choreographer AND including live performances. So special!
Who are your favorite artists and why?
Ouf, tough question. Well, surrounding me at home right now are Hamish Parrish, John Baldessari, and Robert Longo prints.
Hamish because as a fellow flâneur I love the simplicity of capturing the experience of his adventures, John for his good-humored irreverence—love a cheeky chap—and Robert for his strong sense of emotion behind movement.
Besides volunteering at the Frye, what do you like to do?
I enjoy ballet, playing piano, riding my bike, reading, and living to serve my pestilent cat, Demon.
How have you been spending your time in the wake of COVID-19?
I've really tried to reframe this unfortunate time as a growth opportunity, focusing on habits and behavior patterns that aren't really serving my sense of identity. Everyday isn't a success but I've taken up a journaling practice, ending nights on my acupressure mat, and more vegan cooking! I also repainted my bathroom floor and redid my kitchen cabinets!
What is something others may be surprised to know about you?
I lived in Berlin, Germany before relocating to Seattle (Mein Deutsch ist Scheiße) and I used to work as an architect.
What are some of your favorite things to do in Seattle?
Grazing the bulk bins at Central Co-Op, busting a non-ballet move at Motown Monday's at Bar Sue, working from the 10th floor of the Seattle Public Library when I need to seriously focus, and exploring all the parks Seattle has to offer.
Anatol San Jose Steck
Development Coordinator