Staff Spotlight: Julia Ottenberg

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on our newest team member - Julia Ottenberg! As our new Volunteer Coordinator, Julia will run our Core Volunteer, Community Volunteer, and Group Volunteer programs. We are so excited to have her experience, creative thinking, and can-do attitude on the team! Outside of work, she is an avid multi-media artist, loving chihuahua mom, and water lover. Read on to learn more about Julia!

How did you find Austin Creative Reuse?

I’ve been a shopper for several years and I’ve always appreciated ACR as a resource!

What’s your favorite part about working at ACR?

So far, I’ve appreciated getting to work with so many different, interesting, passionate people. I also really enjoy the treasure hunt of sorting materials and never knowing what you’ll find!

How’d you end up as a Volunteer Coordinator at ACR?

I spent the last six years in operations and eventually leading national marketing for a popular immersive art experience with locations around the country. Working fully remotely the last few years, I was excited about returning to working hands-on with materials and supporting an active volunteer community.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve found donated to ACR?

I’m sure I’ll find more and more interesting things as time goes on! So far a lot of strange uncategorizable materials and textures I’ve never seen before.

Are you an artist, crafter, or maker? What mediums do you work with? What kinds of arts and crafts do you like to do?

I’m a multimedia artist! I paint, draw, do some printmaking, repurpose secondhand leather, and am currently learning silversmithing. I’ve run a small pop-up business for the last several years hand-painting vintage leather jackets.

What do you do when you’re not working at ACR/what other hobbies do you have?

I like all water activities: swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, and scuba diving whenever I get the chance! I also do some aerial arts like lyra. Mostly I love to either be outdoors with friends or inside working on a creative project.

Do you have any children or pets?

I have a very sweet, calm, and cuddly 8lb chihuahua named Mango! He is a friend to absolutely everyone except bicycles that pass him on the street. 

Are you from Austin? If so, tell us about your experience here! If not, where are you from and what brought you here?

I’m originally from Massachusetts and I’ve lived in Austin the last six years. The year-round sunshine and unique creative community are what brought me here and what’s kept me here since, although I do always miss the ocean. I love it here!