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Arts center creates new ‘special operations’ team

Volunteers play a vital role at the Arts Center of the Ozarks in Springdale, says Erin West, director of events and operations.

"As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, we rely heavily on volunteers to help us with events, programming, clerical work and creating the entertainment we bring to the Northwest Arkansas community."

This fall, the arts center is creating a Special Events Team for volunteers who love the planning and logistics of putting on events and fundraisers, West explains.

"From decorating to food preparation to planning and fundraising to just throwing a party, there is something for anyone to do," she promises.

Although it's not until Feb. 28, perhaps the biggest event for which West is soliciting volunteers is a brand new fundraiser for the arts center.

"After 48 years, the ACO's major fundraising event of the year is changing into something fun and new," she says. "We need great party planners and those with great ideas and connections to bring this new event to life." West invites interested people to "be a part of the founding team for this event."

Among the other upcoming events for which West invites volunteers are:

American Girl Fashion Show

Model Auditions

When: Aug. 21

Time: 1-3 p.m. Volunteers are needed from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

How Many: 15-20 people

What: Volunteers are needed to take measurements and pictures and to transition the girls from taking measurements to the audition.

American Girl Fashion Show Weekend

When: Oct. 4-5

Time: 12:30 p.m. & 4 p.m. shows on both days. Volunteers are needed from noon to 3 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. both days.

How Many: 30-40 people

What: "This weekend celebrates being a girl with a 75-minute fashion show depicting historical fashions of the American Girl characters and how those fashions have developed into today's styles, followed by a 30-minute snack party," West says. "Volunteers are needed for the overall planning team for this event, working with models backstage, ushering, preparing and setting up the snack party, welcoming guests and handing out goody bags and door prize tickets."

5x5 Auction and Jazz Soiree

When: Nov. 6

Time: 5:55-7:55 p.m. Volunteers are needed for event prep during the day and night of assistance from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

How many: 10-15 people

What: The 5x5 Exhibition displays an average of 350 5-inch by 5-inch pieces of art created by artists from Northwest Arkansas and all over the world. Art on display the month of October will be available for purchase via silent auction at this fundraiser. "Great jazz, incredible hors d'ouevres and wine tasting from Arkansas wineries add to the fun, making this the quickest, most fun fundraising event around," West says. Volunteers are needed for day-of-event preparations and decorating, auction setup and food prep. Night-of-event tasks include artist check-in, handing out programs, taking tickets, kitchen assistance and auction close-out.

Breakfast With Santa

When: Dec. 6

Time: 8 to 11 a.m.

How many: 15-20 people

What: Kick off the Christmas season with a family fun event including a breakfast for all, Christmas crafts, cookie decorating and a personal visit with Santa. Volunteers are needed to serve breakfast, assist with craft making and cookie decorating and be Santa's personal photographer.

Artist Reception Team

When: Once a month from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday or an occasional Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. Volunteers are needed during the afternoon prior to and the evening of the event.

What: Each month a reception is planned for the opening of our newest art exhibitions. Volunteers are needed to help prepare snacks and food, tend to the bar and overall reception setup & decoration.

To volunteer, contact West at 751-5441 or [email protected].

NAN Life on 08/13/2014

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