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.
Elizabeth Ohlson
This month, we are spotlighting a long-time Gallery Guide, Elizabeth Ohlson. We interviewed Elizabeth to learn more about her and her time at the Frye.
Hi Liz! How long have you been at the Frye and what made you want to volunteer?
I have volunteered as a Gallery Guide for the last seven years. I applied because I wanted a connection with art as well as the opportunity to teach and learn. Being a Frye Gallery Guide has provided that opportunity for me.
What does your volunteer work as a Frye Gallery Guide consist of?
As a Gallery Guide, I have learned about exhibits and led tours of current exhibits. I try to help museum visitors become engaged with the work by exploring various dimensions of the art: color, shape, figures that the artist is portraying, etc.
What pieces, artists, programs, or exhibitions do you remember most fondly from your experiences at the Frye?
Tschabalala Self’s exhibition of primarily women, using fabric and paint in collage was compelling to me. Her portrayals of Black women show compelling character. And her work is so colorful. It was wonderful to have a preview of the work of an artist whose work is now in high demand.
Who are your favorite artists and why?
My favorite local and alive artists are Terry Turrell, a self-taught artist who exhibits in Seattle and nationally, and Scott Jensen, a Bellingham resident. Jensen's carved works are after the style of Northwest natives, such as the Haida, and are meticulously crafted and styled.
Besides volunteering at the Frye, what do you like to do?
I play Scandinavian fiddle tunes with a fiddle group in Seattle. I also spend time participating in Wider Horizons, a virtual village in Central Seattle for senior citizens. I’m on the board and I assist other members who are not able to get out of their homes. I spend time with my school age grandchildren and I enjoy dithering around in my garden!
How have you been spending your time in the wake of COVID-19?
I’ve been walking, swimming and doing yoga as well as playing my fiddle. I’ve also been assisting people who are high risk for COVID-19 and can't grocery shop or otherwise leave their homes. Additionally, I’ve participated in the Gallery Guides' biweekly analysis of a piece of art from an upcoming Frye exhibit.
What is something others may be surprised to know about you?
I plan to swim regularly in an outdoor pool this fall through November.
What are some of your favorite things to do in Seattle?
In non-COVID-19 times, I enjoy attending musical events of a variety of genres including classical, opera, choral presentations, as well as Scandinavian and other folk music. I also attend plays in Seattle as well as visit museums and attend gallery openings.
Anatol San Jose Steck
Development Coordinator