(Doylestown, PA) The Michener Art Museum’s Volunteer Council honored six outstanding volunteers at the twentieth annual Ann Silverman Volunteer Recognition Award Ceremony on Tuesday, April 8, 2014. The event celebrates the dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers who continually support the Michener Art Museum’s mission of educating the region to develop a lifelong involvement in the arts. Collectively, Michener volunteers donated over 15,600 hours in 2013. When translated into financial resources using the national 2013 value of $22.55 per hour, their contribution amounts to $351,780.00 in 2013.
Chosen from a pool of dozens of nominees, the 2013 Ann Silverman award recipients are: Bernadette Andrews, Sue Collins and Charlie Woodward, co-recipients for Volunteers of the Year; Alice Lawler and Blanche Speiser, co-recipients for Docent of the Year; and Lauren Fleming for Junior Volunteer of the Year. Presenting the awards, Jeffra Silverman Nandan, daughter of the late Ann Silverman, spoke about her mother’s passion for volunteering throughout her life and paid special tribute to each recipient. Fifty additional volunteers were also recognized for their hourly contribution; among them Leslie Skilton, a Michener volunteer since 1988 and past member of the Michener Art Museum Board of Trustees, for contributing over 4,500 cumulative volunteer hours.
Herman Silverman, chairman emeritus and one of the Museum’s founders, regaled the volunteers with stories of the founding of the James A. Michener Art Museum and his friendship with James Michener. The Museum depends on a strong volunteer partnership and volunteer support is utilized in all its areas including the administrative offices, the galleries, the museum shop, the front desk, the education and programs departments and the children’s on-site and off-site art workshops. Additionally, knowledgeable docent volunteers interpret exhibitions to visitors.
For additional information about this event, or to learn more about becoming a volunteer, please visit our website, MichenerArtMuseum.org