Volunteers and Committees are the backbone of an organization. Volunteers need not come with any special skill, just a love for the arts and an interest in your community. With the exception of the Chair of the Committee, it is not necessary for a Committee Member to be an Arts Council Board Membe.

Orange County Arts Council Arts Ambassadors
Arts Ambassadors are community-based volunteers who appreciate the arts and value the role the arts play in enriching lives, developing education, and cultivating vibrant communities. The role of the Arts Ambassadors is similar to that of a docent: they visit programs funded and/or associated with the Arts Council, including galleries, schools, concerts, and performances. It is an exciting program that will transform the Arts Council by using the passion and enthusiasm of volunteers.
A concise training takes place before the Arts Ambassadors begin their tenure in the community. This preparation fosters a familiarity with the Arts Council's mission and purpose, an overview of the art venues in Orange County, and a synopsis of the local art community. The training, which may take place over the course of two afternoon/evening sessions (or even a weekend if schedules permit), will be given by a member of the Arts Council. Upon completion, the volunteer will receive a dossier on the Arts Council and a pin designating him as an official Ambassador.
Orange County residents who have a genuine interest in the Arts and a desire to volunteer make ideal Ambassadors. This could translate into artists themselves, students (including young people as Junior Ambassadors), retirees, and professionals. The goal is to obtain diversity among the volunteers, so that each event has a representative who feels authentically connected to it and will channel that energy to the audience.

If you are interested in becoming an Arts Ambassador, contact the Arts Council at 845-469-9168 or e-mail


Committee List
Facilities/Presentation Venues
Identify traditional and alternative venues and encourage their use for arts presentations.

Advocacy & Government Affairs
Promote arts awareness and monitor funding and policy issues, and furnish arts information to all levels of government.
Gary Shuster, Chair
Garin Baker
Michelle Figliomeni
Nancy Proyect

Annual Arts Awards
Set guidelines, coordinates, and promotes the Arts Council's Annual Awards.
Dorothy Szefc, Chair
Garin Baker
Angie Kays-Burden

Public Education & Lifelong Learning
Identify and encourage arts and technical training opportunities for youth, emerging artists, arts professionals, and the general public.
Dawn Ansbro, Chair
Clayton Buchanan
John Cimino
Heather Illingworth
Nancy Proyect
Mary Catherine Roth
Sherry Saturno

Grants & Development
Oversee the Council's fund-raising and grant-making activities. Identify and pursue funding sources for the Arts Council and the arts in Orange County.
Committee Members Welcome!

Marketing
Establish a brand identity for the arts in Orange County and develop a campaign to encourage audience participation and arts tourism.
Andy Komonchak, Chair
Robert Breur
Dan Mack
Jonathan Talbot

Membership
Recruit new and maintain continuing members in the Arts Council through an annual membership event and drive in September and develop a benefit package for the various levels of membership.
Nancy Proyect, Chair
Michelle Figliomeni
Frank Fornario