Volunteer Spotlight is a series where we shine a light on one of our awesome volunteers each month. Spotlights highlight the personalities of our volunteers and share more about their connections to the Frye.
This month, we are spotlighting Kinsey Gross, one of our talented Events & Programs volunteers. We interviewed Kinsey to learn more about her and her time at the Frye.
Hi Kinsey! Can you share how long you have been at the Frye and why you decided to volunteer?
I've been at the Frye for almost two years— I started just before the pandemic (I can't believe that's almost two years ago!). I wanted to volunteer at the Frye because I had just moved back to Seattle and was looking to get more involved in the northwest arts community. I love that the Frye is open to all and always has thoughtful and interesting exhibits, and I was excited to jump in and get involved. It has definitely been a strange couple of years, but volunteering has made me feel connected and engaged despite everything going on in the world.
What does your volunteer work at the Frye consist of?
I'm an Events & Programs volunteer, so I'm usually helping to facilitate an event at the Frye, like Community Day or new exhibit openings.
What pieces, artists, programs, or exhibitions do you remember most fondly from your experiences at the Frye?
I loved Community Day in February 2020, which was my first big event volunteering with the Frye. I worked with several other volunteers to run some art-making tables for kids, and it was a blast. I couldn't believe how many people came to Community Day— we had a steady stream of parents and children come through the craft tables for hours, literally hundreds of kids acting silly and making art with us. I remember leaving the event thoroughly exhausted but with the biggest smile on my face.
What is something others may be surprised to know about you?
Most people are surprised to hear that I fly fish, since traditionally there haven't been that many women in the sport— though that's starting to change, which is great! My dad grew up fly fishing with his family and started teaching my sister and me when we were really young. I have been fishing since I was about five or six years old, and I got my first rod for my eighth birthday. I love to fish and once spent two months living out of a Subaru, fishing around the country!
Who are your favorite artists and why?
Recently I have been more familiar with digital artists/illustrators (some of my favorites are Malika Favre, Christoph Niemann, Sebastian Curi, Abbey Lossing, Shyama Golden, Petra Erikkson, Mary Lou Faure and many others). Outside of the digital world, I love the Impressionists (who doesn't?). I also love Roy Lichtenstein – his work is so big, bright, and expressive.
Besides volunteering at the Frye, what do you like to do?
I'm an illustrator & designer – so creating art (in any form) is my favorite thing to do! I'm also a hobby person in general: I love to play pickleball, ski, fish, backpack, hike, run, read, and cook.
How have you been spending your time in the wake of COVID-19?
I think, like many others, the pandemic has made me extra outdoorsy. Getting outside and moving has been my favorite way to spend time with friends and family, and has forced me to get out of the house. This year I've gotten really into pickleball and skate skiing since both are social and have a relatively low barrier to entry. Cooking has been another great hobby during the pandemic, and I'm very excited to be able to cook for friends in my home again this year (thank you, vaccines!) .
What are some of your favorite things to do in Seattle?
I love walking through Seattle – it's small enough that you can easily pass through several neighborhoods in a single afternoon. Exploring a new-to-me section of the city is my favorite kind of afternoon, especially if there's a cafe, bookstore, art/craft supply store, boutique, or antique shop in the mix. Seattle also has a great restaurant scene, and trying a new spot is another favorite pastime for me— my latest pick is Homer on Beacon Hill.
Anatol San Jose Steck
Development Coordinator