Volunteer Spotlight: Jennifer Ramos
What motivates you to volunteer?
I’m motived more and more by the good people I meet at the center, whether it’s staff, long-time core volunteers, or new volunteers excited to dig in to everything (literally)!
Why ACR?
Honestly, I’m not gonna lie, it was the amazing “summer of service” campaign last year. I love ACR already for its mission, but that was the hook.
How long have you volunteered with ACR?
Just a year in June.
Are you more into the arts aspect of ACR or the conservation aspect?
I served as a program director/coordinator for an artist mentor program for about 7 years. The program paired 5th graders in title one schools with local, working artists (many of whom I had the pleasure of recruiting) to create art for a spring art show and auction. In the same vein, I feel strongly about ACR’s mission of equity, serving everyone when it comes to art opportunities, as well as working with artists in the community, and reaching teachers in area schools, through conservation of donated materials. So, in short, both: art and conservation go hand in hand when it comes to reaching more people, and I’m so happy to be a part of that!
What do you enjoy the most out of volunteering at ACR?
Making friends and touching fabric, as well as leading our Funky Fabric Friday volunteer sessions. I also enjoy the enthusiasm of other volunteers, and hearing people quietly sing along when ABBA is playing in volunteerland.
Do you volunteer elsewhere?
Not lately! I typically help with park clean-ups and It’s My Park Day (for Austin Parks Foundation). I’ve been a roller derby photographer for years, but that’s tapered off, too.
What do you do for work?
I’m a freelance photographer specializing in event, outdoor, and stock photography. My goal is to get paid to go camping and hiking, so I take my camera with me on all my adventures.
I also make and sell patchwork bags and home goods, available online and at the upcoming, ACR Spring market!
Tell us about your most recent creative project!
I bought a baggie of vintage patchwork at ACR that was labeled “finish the quilt.” It was a mix of materials, and I don’t quilt, so I’m working to use it all up, mostly by making amazing totes and messenger bags!
What other hobbies or interests do you like to spend time on?
I love hiking and camping. If I only have a small amount of time, it’s fun to walk around Ladybird Lake and make up names for every dog I see. It’s harder than it sounds.
Are you from Austin? If not, where are you from?
I’m from the Dallas area, but I moved here when I was 20. I had one semester left of college in Denton, but when a roommate opportunity opened up, I jumped on it, opting to finish my degree at UT.
Do you have any pets?
Yes! My dog, Luna, is such a sweetheart.
Do you like to do creative projects with your kids or grandkids?
I think exposing my kids to art and artists did help shape my kids’ values. They’re officially adults, out of the house now, but each of them do craft nights or get together with friends to work on their personal craft projects. I call that parenting success.
What creative projects are you more proud of?
My first “gallery” show for my photography was at Starbucks on Brodie. I integrated a sewn piece into that to tie all the photos together into one story. It wasn’t anything groundbreaking, but was healing for me, personally. Friends, both local and from my hometown, came to the opening, and having their support made me really proud.
