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 one of our wonderful volunteers, Gabi Bacon. We interviewed Gabi to hear more about her background and time volunteering at the Frye.
Hi Gabi! How long have you been at the Frye and what made you want to volunteer?
I have been a volunteer at the Frye since 2018. After graduating college in 2016 I wanted to give back to my community and volunteer at an organization that gives to Seattle. I am an extremely creative person and have been my entire life, the museum ended up being the perfect place for me! The Frye is such a welcoming and safe environment, I am happy to be part of such a great organization.
What does your volunteer work consist of?
I have volunteered for Events & Programs and the Development department. Recently, I volunteered to write postcards to Frye members. This was a great opportunity for volunteers to write notes of appreciation to supporters of the Frye. Even though we cannot be all together in person during the pandemic, this was a wonderful way to feel involved with the Frye!
What pieces, artists, programs, or exhibitions do you remember most fondly from your experiences at the Frye?
The Group Therapy exhibit was so interactive and eye-opening. It was great to see artists portray work on their take of psychotherapy and mental health. The Frye brought in a lot of amazing guests for this exhibition which were great to meet as well.
Who are your favorite artists and why?
I truly enjoy seeing and experiencing all different types of art. It's wonderful to see what artists can create with, especially in today's modern world.
One artist I can connect with is Claude Monet. Seeing his Waterlilies exhibit at Musée de L'Orangerie in Paris was one of the most amazing exhibits I've ever seen in my life. Something I will never forget. To create such beautiful art, is truly spectacular!
Besides volunteering at the Frye, what do you like to do?
I am a full time Interior Designer, my mind is in constant creative motion! I love to ski, hike, craft and travel when it's safe to. I studied design and architecture abroad in Florence in 2015. Traveling is a big passion of mine. I also have two cats that keep me busy!
What are your cats’ names and how have they been keeping you busy lately? Also, if you could travel anywhere right now where would you go?
My cats' names are Rainey and Ollie. They are both white and grey with spots. They are both under a year and half each and are very playful; being home more often with them has been really nice.
If I could travel anywhere right now it would be to France to visit my family. I have not seen them in a long time, it would be nice to catch up with them and visit!
What is something others may be surprised to know about you?
I am half French and speak French fluently. Some of my immediate family lives in a small town in North Eastern France.
How have you been spending your time in the wake of COVID-19?
I have been fortunate enough to be able to work safely from home. I cook lots of new meals at home and go outside for walks as much as possible. Every week I also purchase a meal from a local restaurant in Seattle.
These have been trying times for everyone. But out of the bad, I've been able to in turn focus on my health and be a source of support for my close friends and family as much as possible.
What are some of your favorite things to do in Seattle?
I love to try new restaurants and coffee shops around Seattle, especially the French ones. I live close to a lot of great coffee shops in Seattle. We have some of the best restaurants in Seattle. There's always a new one to try!
Anatol San Jose Steck
Development Coordinator