Hi, I’m Grace Rhoden, I came to apply as volunteer at Arlington Museum of Art in Spring, 2012 at the age of 80. I had just retired from Tarrant County as Administrative Assistant to County Judge Tom Vandergriff and then to County Judge Glen Whitley. Judge Vandergriff was intent on working in and for the community helping people. I think I inherited that drive . When I came to AMA those 12 years ago, I was able to feel I was contributing to the community in my way. I was able to work with really great fellow volunteers as well as meet and visit with the hundreds of people visiting the museum as they came to see our variety of exhibits.
There were wonderful memories along the way, including the opportunity of interacting and talking with people of all ages as they came through our doors. There were many wonderful artists, therefore it would be hard to choose a favorite .Beginning as far back as Rembrandt, through all the fun of the variety of exhibits and receptions, it would be hard to pick one favorite. However, probably the most remembered was when the collection of over 30 costumes came from a variety of movies with such a wide variety of types so beautifully and carefully sewn to perfection.
I love being with people and learning from them and as volunteers we were able to share the story of all the exhibits. I like to think in some way I was able to help bring arts to our community. I think I would say to someone wanting to be involved in art “jump in and explore” and I helped them become aware of the magic of art in many forms,
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Grace volunteered at the Arlington Museum of Art until 2024, making her have one of the longest volunteer tenures of our organization at 12 years. Our volunteers are AMAzing, and really make our organization thrive. We are so appreciative to Grace for the time she so generously gave and continues to give the AMA. We will sure miss her gorgeous smiling face at our front desk, but we wish her nothing but the best in her future.
Grace, thank you for being a part of the AMA. We miss you already!
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