Nov 27, 2020 Volunteer Spotlight Get to know a little more about this month’s Volunteer Spotlight: Kimber Smith! Tell us a little about yourself. My husband and I relocated here in 2019. He works at Mercy, and I am looking for my next adventure. I am a former high/junior high school art teacher and have worked as a wellness/Essentrics coach. Hobbies/Activities/Interests? I enjoy my flower gardens, hiking, kayaking, Essentrics, cooking, sketching, and reading. Favorite books? Movies? TV shows? Books: The Giver by Lois Lowry, People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks Movies: Life of Pi, Life is Beautiful, The Help TV: Gilmore Girls, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Favorite places in Northwest Arkansas? My home on Lake Loch Lomond in Bella Vista brings me such peace, inspiration, and connection to nature that, honestly, it’s my favorite place. Favorite artwork(s) or space(s) at the museum? Like my hobbies, it depends on the season and my mood. The museum’s architecture The Bachman-Wilson House Supine Woman by Wayne Thiebaud (because what human has never felt like her?) Currently: Motive of Space and Form—A New Jersey Village (Montville) by Oscar Bluemner (pictured above) In what ways have you been involved as a volunteer with the museum thus far? Because I started in February (great timing), I haven’t done a lot. I am trained for the Library and Avant Gardening. Recently, I have enjoyed participating in the Volunteer book club and the art/garden Zooms that have been offered. What prompted you to become a volunteer? I was looking for a way to meet kindred spirits, work in a space that inspires me, and wanting to contribute to this amazing community. What do you enjoy most about your volunteer experience? How genuinely nice, helpful, and down to earth every person who is associated with Crystal Bridges has been. I also like having the inside scoop on what’s going on at CB and the Momentary. The volunteer newsletter is fantastic. What have you learned from—or how have you been personally affected by—your experience with the museum? While my experience has been limited, prior to becoming a volunteer, I remember visiting the museum and being so overwhelmed by the magic of this special place. I knew immediately I wanted to be a part of something so special. Do you have a funny or inspirational story you can briefly tell about your volunteer experience? Please share with us! We always bring our guests to Crystal Bridges. One friend emailed me after her visit that she was in someone’s home and recognized cantilevers because of her visit, and a consequent discussion about the Bachman-Wilson House. It reminded me how much I love teaching and helping people appreciate art. Do you have any advice for individuals considering volunteering with Crystal Bridges? Just do it. There is something for everyone, and you really set your own schedule as to how much or how little you want to be involved.
