My Background

"I studied Fine and Applied Art at the University of Ulster, specializing in photo intaglio printmaking which I graduated from in 2008. I then went on to complete my Masters in Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies, graduating in Dec 2010.

I have exhibited my work in many group exhibitions, of which have included exhibitions in the BPW Gallery, Larne Museum and Arts Centre, and the RUA (2008).

I have been volunteering with Craft NI since March 2011. I wanted to volunteer within the arts and crafts sector, as being an artist and craft maker myself, I really appreciate the work organizations do which relate to this and assist craft makers and artists. I want to gain a better understanding of the craft world and the resources available - so volunteering with Craft NI is the perfect opportunity for me to experience this.

So far I have only been available to volunteer once with Craft NI through the 'From Experience' symposium in March, although I am hoping to volunteer my time more with upcoming events, particularly August Craft Month.

I found volunteering at the From Experience symposium to be very interesting and enjoyable. My duties for the day included; assisting with the registration of delegates as they arrived, handing out lunch vouchers and information leaflets, taking money, and supervision of lunch ensuring everyone got their share!

The symposium was the perfect start to my volunteering experience with Craft NI as I gained a lot of information about the organization through the handouts available. But I also got an overall 'experience' from the event as the topics of discussion raised by the distinguished guest speakers (among them artists, critics, and curators) were very inspiring and motivating to myself, and I'm sure to everyone else attending.

The symposium highlighted relevant issues facing craft makers, artists and designers today; so this was a great opportunity for me to be involved with and I am grateful to have been given this unique volunteering experience with Craft NI.

My advice to anyone wishing to volunteer - in any area or discipline - would be to determine firstly what knowledge or experience you wish to gain from it. Then you can start to research the various organizations which offer this. It helps to be a friendly and open individual who loves to be hands on as you never know what you will be involved with - which is half the fun of volunteering!"