GALLERY 53 VOLUNTEERS
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THANK YOU to our AMAZING Volunteers!
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK: APRIL 17 – 23, 2022
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK: APRIL 17 – 23, 2022
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Gallery 53 is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization! And we have never valued our volunteers as much as we have over the past year. When confronted with the most challenging situation we’ve ever faced, our crew responded with creativity, determination and sheer hard work. National Volunteer Week is a terrific opportunity to pause and recognize the awesome volunteers listed below ! Please join us in thanking them for their contributions!
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INDIVIDUALS
Bruce Burchsted
Raise the Roof Capital Campaign Committee
Bruce is the owner of Prentis Printing, a thriving Downtown Meriden business that offers high quality printing services. He’s a valued member of the Raise the Roof Capital Committee, where the team relies on Bruce’s previous experience with historic and commercial building renovations, specifically in Downtown Meriden. Before you get the impression that Bruce is strictly business, you should know that he’s an accomplished musician (member of Meriden’s Humble Bees), poet/songwriter, and photographer (he won first place in Gallery 53’s 2020 Annual Fall Show for his photo, “Mattabesett Blue”).
Bruce is the owner of Prentis Printing, a thriving Downtown Meriden business that offers high quality printing services. He’s a valued member of the Raise the Roof Capital Committee, where the team relies on Bruce’s previous experience with historic and commercial building renovations, specifically in Downtown Meriden. Before you get the impression that Bruce is strictly business, you should know that he’s an accomplished musician (member of Meriden’s Humble Bees), poet/songwriter, and photographer (he won first place in Gallery 53’s 2020 Annual Fall Show for his photo, “Mattabesett Blue”).
Denise Carr
Corresponding Secretary, Board of Directors, Press Relations, G53 Gift Shop Volunteer, Pottery Studio Manager
Since retiring from a 35+ year career teaching English at Maloney High School, Denise has been volunteering at Gallery 53. Besides handling press relations, Denise is corresponding secretary for the board, two positions that make excellent use of her English/Writing background! She also staffs our gift shop where she was invaluable during this year’s busy holiday season. Denise is an avid potter and has been instrumental in re-activating our pottery studio!
Since retiring from a 35+ year career teaching English at Maloney High School, Denise has been volunteering at Gallery 53. Besides handling press relations, Denise is corresponding secretary for the board, two positions that make excellent use of her English/Writing background! She also staffs our gift shop where she was invaluable during this year’s busy holiday season. Denise is an avid potter and has been instrumental in re-activating our pottery studio!
Betty Cooley
G53 Gift Shop Volunteer
Betty is a recent addition to our G53 Family, and we are thrilled to have her onboard! She volunteers in the G53 gifts Shop, setting up displays and assisting customers.
Betty is a recent addition to our G53 Family, and we are thrilled to have her onboard! She volunteers in the G53 gifts Shop, setting up displays and assisting customers.
DAVE COOLEY
Chairman, Raise the Roof Capital Committee
We are so fortunate to have Dave Cooley working with us this year! Dave is the past Director of the Making Meriden Business Center at Meriden Economic Development Corporation. As Chairman of G53’s Raise the Roof Capital Committee his expertise and contacts are proving invaluable as we embark on this major project. Thanks to Dave’s abilities, this complex, multi-faceted project - vital to our continued survival and success - is moving in a positive direction!
We are so fortunate to have Dave Cooley working with us this year! Dave is the past Director of the Making Meriden Business Center at Meriden Economic Development Corporation. As Chairman of G53’s Raise the Roof Capital Committee his expertise and contacts are proving invaluable as we embark on this major project. Thanks to Dave’s abilities, this complex, multi-faceted project - vital to our continued survival and success - is moving in a positive direction!
ROSE DEVLIN
Webmaster, Social Media Coordinator, Raise the Roof Capital Committee, Member, Board of Directors
Rose Devlin is an active artist-member, student, and volunteer at Gallery 53. She maintains the gallery website and social media accounts, as well as contributing graphic design and copywriting for a variety of projects. During the 2020 pandemic shutdown, Rose set up the G53 Online Store. Most recently, she has been working on the Raise the Roof Capital Campaign.
Rose Devlin is an active artist-member, student, and volunteer at Gallery 53. She maintains the gallery website and social media accounts, as well as contributing graphic design and copywriting for a variety of projects. During the 2020 pandemic shutdown, Rose set up the G53 Online Store. Most recently, she has been working on the Raise the Roof Capital Campaign.
KAREN ERASMUS
Sponsorship Coordinator
Karen joined the G53 staff as Sponsorship Coordinator in 2020. In a very short time, she has systematized our renewal process, significantly increasing retention. Karen prefers to keep a low profile, but nevertheless she has a major impact on our organization!
Karen joined the G53 staff as Sponsorship Coordinator in 2020. In a very short time, she has systematized our renewal process, significantly increasing retention. Karen prefers to keep a low profile, but nevertheless she has a major impact on our organization!
Brenda fazzino
Grant Writing Chairperson, Raise the Roof Capital Committee, Member, Board of Directors
Grant writing skills are essential to every nonprofit. We are fortunate to have Brenda Fazzino as G53’s Grant Writing Committee Chair. Although she’s a quiet person who stays in the background, her contribution to Gallery 53 is huge! She was also instrumental in implementing our point of sale retail barcode system. Between grant awards and the retail store, Brenda’s efforts have helped bring much needed revenue to Gallery 53, so thank you Brenda! PLUS, she donates amazing baked goods for our fundraisers!
Grant writing skills are essential to every nonprofit. We are fortunate to have Brenda Fazzino as G53’s Grant Writing Committee Chair. Although she’s a quiet person who stays in the background, her contribution to Gallery 53 is huge! She was also instrumental in implementing our point of sale retail barcode system. Between grant awards and the retail store, Brenda’s efforts have helped bring much needed revenue to Gallery 53, so thank you Brenda! PLUS, she donates amazing baked goods for our fundraisers!
Claire Anne Forcier
G53 Gift Shop – Face Mask Fabricator
When times are tough, it seems that somehow, the right people step forward and make all the difference! This has been the case with Claire Anne Forcier, who volunteered to make COVID-19 Face Masks for Gallery 53 in April 2020! Even though we were shut down due to the pandemic, when we launched an online store with curbside pickup, Claire’s face masks were our best-selling item! She single-handedly brought hundreds of people into our shop!
When times are tough, it seems that somehow, the right people step forward and make all the difference! This has been the case with Claire Anne Forcier, who volunteered to make COVID-19 Face Masks for Gallery 53 in April 2020! Even though we were shut down due to the pandemic, when we launched an online store with curbside pickup, Claire’s face masks were our best-selling item! She single-handedly brought hundreds of people into our shop!
Janet Gawlak
Secretary, Board of Directors and G53 Gift Shop Manager
Janet Gawlak has been an integral part of Gallery 53 for many years. Her depth of knowledge is an essential factor in our success! Whether it’s organizing/staging an art exhibit, managing and cataloging the permanent collection, or preparing for our profitable annual holiday artisan fair, Janet is the one person who knows every aspect of these activities. Besides working closely with Sandy Goodyear in managing the gift shop, Janet initiated our extremely successful Bread & Broth To Go fundraiser in Fall 2020. She knows the history of the gallery, the artists, the members, like no one else. Basically, she’s the heart and soul of our organization!
Janet Gawlak has been an integral part of Gallery 53 for many years. Her depth of knowledge is an essential factor in our success! Whether it’s organizing/staging an art exhibit, managing and cataloging the permanent collection, or preparing for our profitable annual holiday artisan fair, Janet is the one person who knows every aspect of these activities. Besides working closely with Sandy Goodyear in managing the gift shop, Janet initiated our extremely successful Bread & Broth To Go fundraiser in Fall 2020. She knows the history of the gallery, the artists, the members, like no one else. Basically, she’s the heart and soul of our organization!
Sandy Goodyear
Executive Director, Treasurer, Board of Directors, Raise the Roof Committee
After volunteering as gift shop manager and volunteer coordinator for 5 years, Sandy became the gallery’s Director when Rita Sarris retired at the end of 2019. Sandy assumed this position at the start of what has been the most challenging year this organization ever faced! Fortunately, Sandy has the organizational and people skills, combined with an in-depth knowledge of how our organization operates, to steer us successfully through this very rocky year! She also has an exceptional aesthetic sense, evident in the overall look and feel of the G53 Gift Shop! Although the Director is a paid part-time position, the time, energy and talent that Sandy donates are practically unlimited and go far beyond her paid hours.
After volunteering as gift shop manager and volunteer coordinator for 5 years, Sandy became the gallery’s Director when Rita Sarris retired at the end of 2019. Sandy assumed this position at the start of what has been the most challenging year this organization ever faced! Fortunately, Sandy has the organizational and people skills, combined with an in-depth knowledge of how our organization operates, to steer us successfully through this very rocky year! She also has an exceptional aesthetic sense, evident in the overall look and feel of the G53 Gift Shop! Although the Director is a paid part-time position, the time, energy and talent that Sandy donates are practically unlimited and go far beyond her paid hours.
Maureen Harry
G53 Gift Shop Volunteer, Member, Board of Directors
Maureen is an artist-member, student, volunteer, and board member. Although she’s only been volunteering at G53 a short time, her genuine warmth and friendliness makes it feel as though she’s always been part of our team! Maureen regularly staffs our Gift Shop and is part of our expert exhibit hanging team.
Maureen is an artist-member, student, volunteer, and board member. Although she’s only been volunteering at G53 a short time, her genuine warmth and friendliness makes it feel as though she’s always been part of our team! Maureen regularly staffs our Gift Shop and is part of our expert exhibit hanging team.
Charlotte Hinckley
G53 Gift Shop Volunteer, Member, Board of Directors
Whether it’s creating COVID-safe Plexiglas barriers for the Gift Shop, painting the art studio floor, hanging extra-heavy exhibit pieces, or a mechanical problem that no one else could tackle, Charlotte is our go-to person! Her contributions are so many and so varied, we can’t list all of them here, but we can definitely say that we could not operate without her!
Whether it’s creating COVID-safe Plexiglas barriers for the Gift Shop, painting the art studio floor, hanging extra-heavy exhibit pieces, or a mechanical problem that no one else could tackle, Charlotte is our go-to person! Her contributions are so many and so varied, we can’t list all of them here, but we can definitely say that we could not operate without her!
GARY O’NEIL
Bread & Broth Project Director
Artist, Art Teacher, Potter, and Community Activist, Gary O’Neil has initiated several key fundraising activities at Gallery 53, including the standout success “Bread & Broth”! Working with his students to produce handmade pottery soup bowls, and then having students help organize and set up the event, has taught them priceless interpersonal skills! We look forward to collaborating with Gary on many future projects!
Artist, Art Teacher, Potter, and Community Activist, Gary O’Neil has initiated several key fundraising activities at Gallery 53, including the standout success “Bread & Broth”! Working with his students to produce handmade pottery soup bowls, and then having students help organize and set up the event, has taught them priceless interpersonal skills! We look forward to collaborating with Gary on many future projects!
RITA SARRIS
Immediate Past Executive Director
Rita Sarris retired from Gallery 53 at the end of 2019 after serving as Director since 2006. Not only do we owe her a huge debt for her years of careful financial management and skillful juggling of myriad details and “artistic” personalities, we are fortunate she continues to make herself available to us for questions and advice. Her keen business sense and clear-eyed, long-term perspective - not to mention her sense of humor - are invaluable to us!
Rita Sarris retired from Gallery 53 at the end of 2019 after serving as Director since 2006. Not only do we owe her a huge debt for her years of careful financial management and skillful juggling of myriad details and “artistic” personalities, we are fortunate she continues to make herself available to us for questions and advice. Her keen business sense and clear-eyed, long-term perspective - not to mention her sense of humor - are invaluable to us!
DAVE STOCKING
On-Call Handyman
Where would we be without Dave to help us with everything from checking a cranky thermostat to changing tricky fluorescent light fixtures? Dave is so generous with his knowledge, skills, and time! Gallery 53 would be a cold, dark place without his help!
Where would we be without Dave to help us with everything from checking a cranky thermostat to changing tricky fluorescent light fixtures? Dave is so generous with his knowledge, skills, and time! Gallery 53 would be a cold, dark place without his help!
ROSE MARIE STOCKING
Hospitality-Reception Chairperson
G53 Member Artist Rose Marie Stocking chairs our Hospitality-Reception Committee and is the person responsible for coordinating refreshments at out exhibit openings and other events. We look forward to having more of her delicious and beautifully arranged spreads at our events once COVID-related concerns recedes from our lives!
G53 Member Artist Rose Marie Stocking chairs our Hospitality-Reception Committee and is the person responsible for coordinating refreshments at out exhibit openings and other events. We look forward to having more of her delicious and beautifully arranged spreads at our events once COVID-related concerns recedes from our lives!
CHRIS WEBSTER
President, Board of Directors, Raise the Roof Capital Committee, Teaching Artist
Chris Webster is truly the face of Gallery 53! Since retiring from Meriden Public Schools as an Art Teacher in 2011 and becoming President of Galley 53, she has re-energized this organization with her passion, personality and talent! In the gallery, Chris contributes to almost every aspect of our operations, from fundraising, to teaching, to building renovation and beyond! Outside of the gallery, Chris is on the board of numerous organizations, collaborates with multiple community groups, creates public art projects, and never stops spreading the word about Gallery 53! From teaching classes, organizing a fundraising auction, or writing thank-you notes, to setting long-term goals and initiating “big picture” projects, Chris is always working to advance Gallery 53. We are surviving and thriving in large part due to her endless energy and deep connections in the community.
Chris Webster is truly the face of Gallery 53! Since retiring from Meriden Public Schools as an Art Teacher in 2011 and becoming President of Galley 53, she has re-energized this organization with her passion, personality and talent! In the gallery, Chris contributes to almost every aspect of our operations, from fundraising, to teaching, to building renovation and beyond! Outside of the gallery, Chris is on the board of numerous organizations, collaborates with multiple community groups, creates public art projects, and never stops spreading the word about Gallery 53! From teaching classes, organizing a fundraising auction, or writing thank-you notes, to setting long-term goals and initiating “big picture” projects, Chris is always working to advance Gallery 53. We are surviving and thriving in large part due to her endless energy and deep connections in the community.
MICHELLE ZVONKOVIC
G53 Gift Shop Volunteer, Member, Board of Directors
Michelle brings such positive energy to her volunteer work at Gallery 53! She made a huge contribution to Gallery 53 in 2021 by organizing the Bread & Broth fundraiser. Besides her help setting up gift shop displays and assisting customers, we appreciate her office and organizational skills!
Michelle brings such positive energy to her volunteer work at Gallery 53! She made a huge contribution to Gallery 53 in 2021 by organizing the Bread & Broth fundraiser. Besides her help setting up gift shop displays and assisting customers, we appreciate her office and organizational skills!
COMMITTEES
MOSAIC MURAL ARTISTS
Cathy Gannon |
Donna Girard |
Theresa DiNicola |
Kathy Gorman |
Diane Szymaszek |
Denise Breedlove |
Debi Powers |
Sue Martell |
Lori Signor |
Cheryl Belair |
"POOL PALS" VOLUNTEERS
Carol Dobbs |
Fran McBride |
Lorraine Frie |
Pat Rivera |
Pat Marcincyzk |
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EVENT VOLUNTEERS
Diana Alicea |
Kathleen Gould-Mitchell |
Doe Bartlett |
Linda Latini |
Linda Cioffi |
Laura LeClair |
Mia Cogliano |
Nick Macri |
Margot Conroy |
Jane O'Brian |
Savannah Cyr |
Debi Powers |
Cathy Gannon |
Paula Snedeker |
Linda Garcia |
Willy Stahura |
Donna Girard |
Diane Szymaszek |
Carol Hawes |
Jane White |
Edi Marcantonio |
Ellen Zimitravich |
FACE MASK & SCARF FABRICATORS
Teresa Combe Fanska |
Chris Gagne |
Margot Conroy |
Sandy Goodyear |
Claire Anne Forcier |
Laura LeClair |
Interested in volunteering at Gallery 53? Click here to read more about volunteer opportunities and submit our Volunteer interest form!
