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 Janet, one of our dedicated Creative Aging volunteers. We interviewed Janet to learn more about her and her time at the Frye.
Hi Janet, can you tell us what program you volunteer for?
Creative Aging Bridges program — I support artists living with dementia as they create beautiful artwork.
How long have you been at the Frye and what made you want to volunteer?
I have been with the Frye for several years now and was drawn to volunteering with the Creative Aging program because my mother, a life-long professional artist, developed memory impairment as she aged and making art together was a very meaningful way for me to help her feel grounded within her identity and at peace. I wanted to use my experience to help others in the same way.
What pieces, artists, programs or exhibitions do you remember most fondly from your experiences at the Frye?
My favorite program at the Frye is the here:now program where I am a teaching artist. I also really love and have benefited from the Creative Aging annual conferences. They are so inspiring and educational! I look forward to them every year.
Who are your favorite artists and why?
Oh my gosh. So many. William Turner for his energetic painterly technique, Käthe Kollwitz for her expressive figurative work, and the genre of Ukiyo-e for the harmonious compositions.
Besides volunteering at the Frye, what do you like to do?
I am a working artist, and I play fiddle in an all-women string band. I am also an avid long distance trail runner and love skate skiing and being on bicycles as well.
How have you been spending your time in the wake of COVID-19?
I have been in my studio full time since COVID-19 came to Seattle. It has been wonderful to be supported by a community of collectors as I turn to social media to sell my work.
What is something others may be surprised to know about you?
I once sang the alphabet backwards very quickly and perfectly to avoid a traffic ticket.
What are some of your favorite things to do in Seattle?
Oh Seattle, I love to pick your blackberries! I also love to have long happy hours with friends outside on warm summer evenings and I so appreciate being able to run in local parks like Discovery and Carkeek and then jump into the Salish Sea!
If you would like to follow Janet’s work you can do so by visiting her website janetfagan.com, or follow her on Instagram @janet_fagan_artist
Anatol San Jose Steck
Development Coordinator