My awesome friend in the performing arts department, Meredith, sent me the following blog about volunteering at MASS MoCA!

A while back we were excited to unveil our new usher gear to our fabulous volunteer ushers. Here are some of the lovely ladies modeling away.

One of the best parts of my awesome job is working with volunteers. Not only is the work that volunteers do vital to the survival of MASS MoCA, but it is a way for us to connect to our fantastic community that we are lucky enough to find ourselves in. We certainly would not be the same with out North Adams and are grateful to be connected with such fantastic men and women, many of whom have revealed anecdotes about the buildings we occupy (some even worked here when it was Sprague electric). Whether students or seniors volunteers help in every way throughout the museum. Most of the public will recognize them from working events as ushers, but volunteers have tended to galleries, performed with artists, helped with installations, and even helped us keep everything running administratively. Our volunteers define who we are and keep us moving. Thank you volunteers for your continual support and inspiration!

For more information on volunteering please inquire with Meredith at volunteermassmoca@gmail.com

Just as we were deeply inspired by the life of, we are saddened by the passing of one of our most devoted ushers and fans, Evelyn Gallese. Evelyn passed away last week at age 92.

If you came to events at MASS MoCA you certainly recognize Evelyn. Frequently the usher at the door, she welcomed thousands to MASS MoCA. Her specialty was dance parties, where, after the greeting was done, you were sure to find her busting a move on the dance floor.

She took to the stage in June 2002 as one of the “Sprague ladies” in Martha Bower’s Dream Life of Bricks .  The photo above from that performance captures their show-stopping kick line. No surprise, its easy to pick out Evelyn, she’s the second from the right, kicking the highest.

Here are some remembrances from MASS MoCA staffers:

Of course we’ll miss Evelyn’s graceful and always cheery presence as a volunteer usher.  But what I’ll miss is her dancing.  Evelyn was a superb dancer, energetic, stylish, and such a fun partner.  We’ve hosted something like 40 big dance parties over the years, Read the rest of this entry »