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 Amy Candiotti, one of our long-time Events & Programs volunteers. We interviewed Amy to learn more about her and her time at the Frye.
Hi Amy! Can you share how long you have been at the Frye and why you decided to volunteer?
I’ve been volunteering at the Frye since 2013, so that’s eight years. I have always liked visiting the Frye and because it’s a free museum and in my neighborhood, I wanted to help support it.
What does your volunteer work at the Frye consist of?
I volunteer for events and programs – usually ticketing for the Art History Lecture Series, but also other events like Community Day.
What pieces, artists, programs, or exhibitions do you remember most fondly from your experiences at the Frye?
I love Rebecca Albiani’s art history lectures – they are so varied in topic and she’s very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
What is something others may be surprised to know about you?
I am co-owner of a bookstore, Pistil Books, that started out as a retail store and has been online for the past twenty years.
Who are your favorite artists and why?
One of my favorite artists here in Seattle is Tim Fowler who is a sculptor, print maker, and painter. You can walk by his house at 26th and Howell and see his amazing Gaudi-esque fence, years in the making, and other tile, metal, and wood sculptures in his yard. His work is colorful and playful and so cool to see in the middle of a residential street.
Besides volunteering at the Frye, what do you like to do?
I like reading, vegetarian cooking, walking, yoga, and I do mail art.
How have you been spending your time in the wake of COVID-19?
I am fortunate in that I worked from home before the pandemic, so I continue to do that. I've also spent a lot of time outdoors going for walks. And we got a new kitten last year who kept things lively and now is a beautiful cat.
What are some of your favorite things to do in Seattle?
I love to do urban hikes and appreciate the greenery, parks, water, mountains and views of the city. Visiting coffee shops and bakeries is also a favorite Seattle activity.
Is there an urban hike or two in Seattle that you would recommend?
A favorite urban hike is to walk northeast from Capitol Hill through Madison Valley via a series of parks, including Homer Harris Park (which has some cool public art), past artist Tim Fowler's house and yard art at 26th and Howell, then down through the Madison Valley Stormwater Project, which is a big green swale with a water feature and often lots of birds, then past an old farm at 31st and Thomas—where two ponies live in-city—then across Madison and through the Arboretum, Foster Island, Marsh Island, and coming out at Montlake near Husky Stadium where you can take the light rail back to Capitol Hill if you like. Or if you're feeling very energetic you can walk back up the hill via Interlaken Park.
Anatol San Jose Steck
Development Coordinator