Volunteer Spotlight: Maxine Chrane
ACR would seriously not be possible without our amazing team of Core Volunteers! They bring their dedication and expertise to our organization every day and help make ACR the fun and welcoming place it is.
We’re putting a spotlight on one of those amazing core volunteers - Maxine Chrane. Happily retired and a longtime ACR fan, Maxine volunteers as a paint brush, stained glass, and ‘whatever needs doing’ specialist! A former graphic artist and lifelong thrifter, she loves the mix of art and conservation, seeing potential in objects others might discard. From ice-dyeing clothing to hand-building pottery and fused glass night-light covers, she embraces every creative adventure. Her joy comes from the act of creating itself, “making something that didn’t exist before is truly magical, like alchemy.” Sharing ideas, connecting with fellow creatives, and giving back to the community keeps her inspired every week.
Read on to learn more about her and why she loves to volunteer at ACR, and check out the video we posted to our social media accounts recently where she shared more of her perspectives around volunteering with ACR.
What motivates you to volunteer?
I’m happily retired, so I get to spend my time doing things that I enjoy.
Why ACR?
Volunteering my time at ACR makes me happy and inspires my creative spirit as well as a sense of connection. I’ve been an ACR fan since its former location. The moment I walk through the front door and am greeted with a rainbow of colors, my brain starts spinning with ideas of artistic possibilities.
How long have you volunteered with ACR?
About nine months.
Are you more into the arts aspect of ACR or the conservation aspect?
Both. I’ve been a thrift store enthusiast since college, so recycling and reuse are part of my being. Whenever I’m ready to let go of something, it’s donated back to a cause I believe in. Before ACR, I threw away items that didn’t feel worthy or were broken. Now I donate these things to ACR to be transformed into ART!
What do you enjoy the most about volunteering at ACR?
Being around other creatives and sharing a commitment to the cause. ACR has a vibe that’s upbeat, welcoming, and genuinely friendly. Folks are happy to be here, which I find motivating.
Do you volunteer elsewhere?
I've been the TA for various classes for Lifetime Learning Institute for many years. Also, I volunteer at one-off events for various organizations.
What do you do for work?
I was a graphic artist for 25 years, but as computers took over, I became a dinosaur in my career. Before retiring, I was the receptionist at Acupuncture Together Community Clinic for ten years. While there, I taught myself CorelDRAW to produce their advertising needs. I still do a bit of freelance work when available. Oh, and I currently do pet sitting which I truly love and enjoy!
Tell us about your most recent creative project.
I made some fused glass pieces as Christmas presents...small night-light covers that come alive when the electric eye clicks on in the dark.
What other hobbies or interests do you enjoy?
Ice-dyeing thrifted cotton or rayon clothing, hand-building pottery, traveling, being outdoors, and enjoying live music and concerts.
Are you from Austin? If not, where are you from?
I’ve lived in Austin since the 1970s, with a few years spent in San Francisco and Santa Fe. My roots are deep here and am proudly part of the old Armadillo-era hippie culture!
Do you have any pets?
I’m recently dog-less but share my home with my 14 y/o cat, Menabe. I’m currently looking for a small female dog (or two), if anyone has any leads.
What creative projects are you most proud of?
My joy comes from the act of creating itself, not necessarily the finished piece. It feels like the creativity isn’t coming from me—it’s flowing through me. Making something that didn’t exist before is truly magical, like alchemy.