I was recently asked, “Tell me about you. How did you come to volunteer at the Village Gallery of Arts?” For some reason, the question took me by surprise, but my answer made me smile.

I was a music major in college. Early in my career, I taught grade school and middle school music and performed at local venues. Those years taught me that the arts create powerful experiences. Experiences like the autistic student who, despite not liking to be touched, allowed me to take his hand to strum my guitar. Or the joy on a middle school student’s face the first time they heard a melody they had written.

Then, as life often does, my path took a turn. My husband started a biopharma company, and I soon realized that if I didn’t step in and help, he might not ever have the chance to see his children grow up. Over the next 20 years, I learned the “ins and outs” of business administration, finance, human resources, and even a little science along the way.

I promised myself that one day I would return to my passion for the arts and put volunteering for a non-profit arts organization on my bucket list. That day came three years ago when I retired, and my husband and I moved to Oregon to be closer to our grandchildren. One day, while exploring our new neighborhood, we happened upon the Village Gallery of Arts. A warm, friendly person named Sally greeted us, and the rest, as they say, is history.

I wasn’t seeking a leadership role—I just wanted to volunteer six hours a month as a Gallery Assistant and share my love for the arts with the community. Yet, here I am—and I’m so happy to be here.

I want to thank the Village Gallery of Arts for this incredible opportunity to share my passion and be part of a community dedicated to creating joy.

Jean Yarger, VGA 2025 President