April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we’re here to let you in on a little secret about the Walton Arts Center – the volunteers are show stoppers!
Our volunteers provide support to virtually every aspect of our operations with thousands of hours of service each year. Even during the height of the pandemic and our limited Intermission Season, we had a team of dedicated volunteers that provided over 2,800 hours of service!
As our community continues to grow, our volunteers continue to represent a diverse cross-section of the Northwest Arkansas community and speak more than 11 different languages including French, Korean, Vietnamese and Spanish. Though they hail from a variety of backgrounds, they all share a love for the arts and their community.
Our volunteers make a difference not only to the success of our organization and visiting artists, but to our community. Volunteers help create unique experiences for the first-time visitor or the patron that has been with us for our 30-year history (some of our volunteers have been here that long too).
From all the staff at Walton Arts Center, THANK YOU to our outstanding team of volunteers.
With April being Volunteer Appreciation Month, we’d like to take a moment to highlight just a few of our amazing volunteers.
Joyce Richards
When did you start volunteering at Walton Arts Center?
I began volunteering in 2017.
What drew you to start volunteering at Walton Arts Center?
I had attended events and performances at Walton Arts Center for many years and wanted to give back for all the enjoyment I had received over the years.
Why do you like volunteering at Walton Arts Center?
I like being in the building with all the people who work, perform, attend and volunteer there. It’s a good feeling every time I walk in the door.
What is one special memory from your time volunteering at Walton Arts Center?
I love watching a student group who has never been in the building look around and be amazed at being there.
Why do you think others should volunteer at Walton Arts Center?
It’s a way to give back for everything Walton Arts Center gives to the community and you meet lots of great people.
If you could see any show on Broadway, past or present, what would it be?
Sweeney Todd
What are your hobbies outside of Walton Arts Center?
Outside of WAC I love reading, walking and volunteering at other organizations in Fayetteville.
What are 3 things someone would be surprised to know about you?
I like edgy and dark movies and TV shows. I worked on a Wyoming dude ranch for two summers while in college. I drove a car in a presidential motorcade.
Barry and Colleen Brown
When did you start volunteering at Walton Arts Center?
We started in 2017.
What drew you to start volunteering at Walton Arts Center?
It was recommended by fellow volunteers Jeremy Hess and Peggy Treiber.
Why do you like volunteering at Walton Arts Center?
You get to meet interesting people with diverse backgrounds and unique life stories.
What is one special memory from your time volunteering at Walton Arts Center?
We loved meeting several of our former colleagues from the U of A who we hadn't seen in many years. We also love the yearly volunteer parties.
Why do you think others should volunteer at Walton Arts Center?
You should volunteer to meet other likeminded people who are interested in promoting the arts and to see the shows!
If you could see any show on Broadway, past or present, what would it be?
Anything (and everything) Rodgers and Hammerstein - my favorite is South Pacific (favorite song is “Some Enchanted Evening”).
What are your hobbies outside of Walton Arts Center?
We love to travel, cycle, play golf, read and write novels and Colleen loves gardening.
What are 3 things someone would be surprised to know about you?
I was an assistant concert master (violin). I gave it up when I broke a string! I completed medical school at Michigan State University, but decided to forego MD degree and finish my Ph.D. to pursue research. Colleen is a wonderful cook (over 500 recipes rated 9 or 10 and only one rated a 1 that even the dog wouldn't eat).
Shannon Dillard Mitchell
When did you start volunteering at Walton Arts Center?
I started around 2013 or 2014.
What drew you to start volunteering at Walton Arts Center?
I enjoy live music and theater and appreciated the quality of the performances at Walton Arts Center.
Why do you like volunteering at Walton Arts Center?
The volunteers at the WAC are really wonderful people and I enjoy connecting with the arts community in NWA.
What is one special memory from your time volunteering at Walton Arts Center?
One of my first volunteer opportunities was for a Roots Festival performance – hearing Jerry Douglas play the dobro live was mesmerizing!
Why do you think others should volunteer at Walton Arts Center?
We are a fun crew!
If you could see any show on Broadway, past or present, what would it be?
To Kill a Mockingbird with Jeff Daniels – but I am thrilled that the play is coming to the WAC in 2023!
What are your hobbies outside of Walton Arts Center?
I love hiking and travel – usually to visit museums or something art-related – and I am learning how to fly-fish.
What are 3 things someone would be surprised to know about you?
I am an accredited art appraiser (since 2008!). I walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain… (but not all 500 miles!). And, I performed in community theater musicals (as a dancer!) when I lived in Santa Fe.
Marc Villalva
When did you start volunteering at Walton Arts Center?
This is my first season. I started in October 2021 with Come From Away.
What drew you to start volunteering at Walton Arts Center?
I saw a social media ad about it, the same day I volunteered for our company’s COVID clinic. It was a sign.
Why do you like volunteering at Walton Arts Center?
The staff and other volunteers are really friendly.
What is one special memory from your time volunteering at Walton Arts Center?
Just tonight, after scanning someone’s ticket, she asked if I’ll be performing and told me I look like one of the cast. It must have been the face mask I was wearing!
Why do you think others should volunteer at Walton Arts Center?
You can't go wrong volunteering for the performing arts!
If you could see any show on Broadway, past or present, what would it be?
The original casts of Wicked or Hamilton.
What are your hobbies outside of Walton Arts Center?
I got my first houseplant when we started working from home because of the pandemic, now I have a jungle.
What are 3 things someone would be surprised to know about you?
Lots of people assume I am Latino, but I was born and raised in the Philippines. Northwest Arkansas is the first US region I stayed in, and it’s totally different than how the US is portrayed in the movies. There are a lot of cows here. Also, I’m very shy in person.