A Newbie’s First Community Day

By Sandy Carter

Community Day, on September 20, certainly lived up to its name in all kinds of delightful ways. The Reynolda community, together with a variety of civic organizations, showed up in force, encouraging joyful participation in opportunities to create, to learn something new about our city and its history, and to share personal experiences and stories related to the museum’s current Camel City exhibit. We were even treated to the irresistible, traditional, get-your-toes-tapping music of the Carolinas! Many thanks to organizations such as MUSE, Lam Museum of Anthropology, Delta Arts Center, Aperture Cinema, and the band Carolina Music Ways for really bringing the community spirit to Reynolda House that Saturday.

  A new docent with less than a year under my belt, I signed up to spend my first Community Day volunteering in RJ’s study. While there were many repeat visitors, the overwhelming majority of folks I was lucky to encounter were first-timers taking advantage of the free admission day to explore the beautiful house and gardens. How gratifying to share my enthusiasm with so many curious and thoughtful people! In fact, I got lost in conversation and, in true rookie fashion, was unaware of some of our visitors’ proximity to the art. I shamefully make this confession so I can give a grateful shout-out to the alert and gracious security guards with whom we are blessed to share the space! A particularly memorable conversation with a visitor ended with the gentleman excitedly announcing, “I want to do what you do!” I encouraged him to go to the volunteer sign-up on the website and get started! Who knew the special day might serve as a recruitment tool?

  I was fortunate to enjoy the celebration as both a member of the greater Winston-Salem community and of the Reynolda House and Gardens volunteer community. Spending time with my granddaughters as they painted camels and engaged with wonderful volunteers sharing knowledge and joy, listening to that happy music while soaking up the sunshine, and watching their excited little faces as they told me about their favorite pictures in the house, reminded me yet again of what a treasure we have in this beautiful museum in Winston-Salem. Sitting in the break room sharing lunch (many thanks to Emily et al.!), experiences, and receiving encouragement with other volunteers, both veteran and new, elicited gratitude once again for the privilege of being a member of the volunteer community at Reynolda House Museum of American Art and Reynolda Gardens. I can’t wait for next year!