Have you ever wondered what the world would be like without art? 

Imagine a world without paintings on the walls, photographs that capture a moment in time, sculptures that make us stop and look, or a child’s drawing proudly displayed on the refrigerator. 

The world would still function. But something essential would be missing. 

This is why the work we do at VGA matters—and why the people who make that work possible matter so much. 

VGA exists because people choose to show up. They give their time, creativity, skills, ideas, and energy. Every exhibition that goes up, every class that welcomes a student, every visitor who feels at home in our gallery, and every connection we make in the community is made possible because someone stepped forward to help. 

Sometimes we think of volunteering as simply giving our time. But volunteering gives something back, too. It creates meaningful connections. It allows us to share what we know, learn from one another, discover talents we didn’t know we had, and become part of something larger than ourselves. 

VGA has been here for more than six decades because generations of members have been willing to contribute. Some have given years of service. Others have helped with one event, one project, one Gallery Assistant shift, or one idea that made a difference. 

Every contribution becomes part of the VGA story. 

Help Shape VGA’s Next Chapter 

Our Nominating Committee is beginning its search for members who may be interested in serving on the VGA Board. 

Board service is a different kind of volunteer opportunity. It gives you the chance to help make decisions, bring your ideas and experience to the table, and help shape the future of an organization that is important to all of us. 

You may be thinking, “I’m not sure I have what it takes to be on the Board.” 

I encourage you not to count yourself out. 

We don’t need everyone to have the same skills or experience. We need people who care about VGA, who are willing to listen and work with others, who will take responsibility, and who want to help build a strong and sustainable future. 

I invite you to ask yourself: What can I contribute? Then contact Annette Wilkie, the Chair of the Nominating Committee at [email protected]. 

Perhaps Board service isn’t right for you—but you know someone who would be a wonderful addition to the Board. If so, I encourage you to share their name with the Nominating Committee as well. 

VGA is stronger because you are part of it. And our future will be stronger because people like you are willing to step forward. 

Please consider volunteering with VGA. Your time matters. Your participation matters. And what we create together matters. Together, we can make sure our community continues to have a place to connect, learn, be inspired, and create.  

Because a world without art would be a world with less color, less imagination, less connection—and, I believe, less humanity. 

Jean Yarger 

President, Village Gallery of Arts