Volunteer and Membership Event

 

Jessica Moffitt, RMG Communications Intern, spent her winter semester at Durham College working alongside Sam Mogelonsky, Manager of Marketing and Communications. Over the duration of her placement, Jessica learned about social media management, writing and marketing, but really found her niche in event management. Assisting our Manager of Community and Volunteer Development, Carla Sinclair, Jessica helped plan and orchestrate The RMG’s annual volunteer appreciation event. On April 17, the RMG celebrated our volunteers and members and Jess was there helping out and capturing the event during her Volunteer Week Instagram takeover.

elsy and member

Volunteers. They are the backbone of almost any non-profit organization and add so much heart and soul wherever they donate their time and talents. The volunteers at the RMG are a prime example of the dedication it takes to make an organization and community thrive, which is why we take the time every year to thank them with the RMG Volunteer Appreciation Lunch and Membership event.

volunteer

This year’s event featured a delicious spread of spring themed salads and sandwiches from Pilar’s catering in Oshawa, along with thank you gifts from the RMG and an recognition scroll from Oshawa’s MP Colin Carrie. Volunteers of all ages and interests mingled as they enjoyed their lunch at Arthur’s on the 4th which was gleaming with the warm spring sunshine.

guitarist

After lunch and speeches from Carla Sinclair, Manager of Community and Volunteer Development and Donna Raetsen-Kemp, CEO, guests headed down to the Isabel McLaughlin Gallery for the Membership Event featuring a presentation from Charlotte Hale, Toronto gallery owner and fine art photography collector. Introduced by Oshawa Mayor John Henry, Hale guided the audience through the art of purchasing and collecting fine art photography from a beginner’s perspective. The talk concluded with a spread of desserts, coffee, tea and a live acoustic guitar performance by Elijah Mabana.

presentation

The RMG is humbled by the energy and commitment our volunteers extend to the gallery each and everyday. We look forward to celebrating their involvement in the cultural community for years to come.

lobby with people

Get to Know Us – Membership Co-ordinator, Elsy Gould

At the RMG, we often get asked about what we do each day, how we got into the crazy museum world and also what skills would be needed to do our jobs. With graduation looming for many college and university students, we will be profiling members of our team to shed some light on what it is we do behind the scenes!

Today we sat down with Membership Co-ordinator Elsy Gould to learn more about her daily routine and how she came to the gallery.

selfie

Selfie with Elsy Gould and Norah O’Donnell

The RMG: What’s a typical day like for you?

Elsy Gould: Every day at the RMG is different! I am always in communication with our members to let them know what is happening as well as welcoming new members to the Gallery. I also help at the Information desk, so I am meeting new faces as they come in to check out new exhibitions. I enjoy listening to the Membership feedback.

My days can include:

  • Updating Gallery Members’ accounts – send renewal notices, process memberships, prepare tax receipts
  • Planning our annual Membership appreciation event.
  • Updating our members with a monthly news letter
  • Assisting our CEO as required and helping to plan meetings
  • Coordinating between Board of Trustees and the RMG and sssembling reports for the bi-monthly Board of Trustee meetings
  • Preparing the weekly banking forms and assisting with finances
  • Assisting at the Information desk and answering visitor questions

RMG: How did you get into this field?

EG: My interest in the arts and office administration experience lead me to the RMG. A number of years ago, an opportunity presented itself and I have enjoyed being at the Gallery ever since.

 

curling team

RMG Curling Team- Olinda, Elsy, Jason, Sam

RMG: What skills or training do you need for your job?

EG: Recently, I was trained on our new membership management software; it was both interesting and engaging! I think a good sense of humour and customer service is key for this role.

RMG: What’s your favourite part of your job?

EG: I enjoy chatting and mingling with our members, new and old, while listing to the music at RMG Fridays!

RMG Staff Jennifer, Elsy, Cheryl-Ann and Norah

RMG Staff Jennifer, Elsy, Cheryl-Ann and Norah

RMG: What are 5 things you couldn’t live without in your job?

EG: My computer, my day planner, members, volunteers and my RMG colleagues.

RMG: What do you get up to outside of the RMG?

EG: I enjoy biking, cross-country skiing, movies and going through my collection of cookbooks and trying new recipes. I also love yoga so you’ll find me at the yoga studio!

rmg exposed

RMG exposed 2015 planning team- Megan, Elsy, Norah, Sam and Jason

Membership Appreciation Party

Sunday May 29th, we hosted a party to thank our members for their loyalty. Curator Linda Jansma introduced our newly renovated Isabel McLaughlin gallery space with a discussion about Hardwired for Narrative. Hardwired is a new installation of works from our Permanent Collection. Check out some pics from the day in the slideshow below and read more about the exhibiton by clicking here.