Volunteer Spotlight: Merilee Phillips
Meet Merilee, one of our fabulous Core Volunteers! Merilee volunteers in the specialty areas of ACR, Batreuse’s Emporium and our eBay store, helping to research and price some of the more fragile and unique items that are donated to us. Her background in estate sales makes her a perfect fit for this role, and we’re so grateful for her expertise! Outside of work and volunteering with ACR, she enjoys spending time in nature as well as painting, drawing, and costuming. Read on to learn more about Merilee and why she enjoys volunteering with us!
What motivates you to volunteer?
My skills and interests are pretty niche so when I saw a volunteer opening post on Instagram that described me perfectly, I figured it was meant to be.
Why ACR?
I love that ACR promotes creativity, inspiration, sustainability, and community. The world needs more art and everyone needs more cathartic self expression!
How long have you volunteered with ACR?
A little less than a year.
What do you enjoy the most out of volunteering at ACR?
The people at ACR are all so friendly, interesting, compassionate, and creative. And I love seeing what’s new on the floor and in the Emporium. I get a lot of inspiration from being in such a welcoming, creative environment.
What do you do for work?
I work for an estate sale company doing setup and pricing, (I specialize in pricing artwork), and working at the sales. It’s always different and so interesting and I love finding new homes for things.
Tell us about your most recent creative project!
I made theater curtains for my TV. It really elevates my TV watching experience and I can close them when I don’t want the big black box staring at me. The fabric is thrifted and the trim came from ACR.
What other hobbies or interests do you like to spend time on?
I love painting and drawing and costuming and I spend as much time as possible in nature.
Are you from Austin? If not, where are you from?
I am from the Austin area and I grew up in the hill country.
Do you have any pets?
I have three cats: Orko, Mini, and Imposter, (long story).