The museum’s invaluable volunteer group Honolulu Museum of Art Friends holds four events a year. Last Thursday they organized “An Evening with Jim and Cherye Pierce.” It was an opportunity for dedicated volunteers to learn first-hand about the amazing photographs in the exhibition Decisive Moments from the people who collected them. (Pictured above are Myra Kong, Cindy Waddington, and Anne Tam.)
Volunteers mingled over pūpū and wine, then went on a tour led by the Pierces. “It was wonderful,” says Friends President Ranelle Ho. “I was so thrilled the Pierces shared the stories behind their collection. That was priceless.”
The event attracted 93 Friends, Docents, and their invited guests.
The museum wouldn’t be what it is without its Friends, who help on the frontline in places like the shop and the front desk, and behind the scenes doing everything from helping with membership mailings to assisting curators.
When asked why she volunteers, Ho said, “Because throughout my career people have helped me and it’s my way to give back to the community. I have young children who have been to the museum for various reasons, such as field trips, and it’s important to have that ability to reach as many people as possible—and as young as possible—so they grow up to be good stewards for our community in the future.”
Ho, who has a fulltime managerial job in the construction industry, adds, “It’s important to carve out time to give back.”
Are you interested in volunteering? You’ll find all the information you need to get started here.
Friends President Ranelle Ho, Cherye Pierce, Chief Advancement Officer Hathaway Jakobsen, Jim Pierce and Director of Volunteer and Visitor Services Vicki Reisner
Friends President Elect Teri Ogawa-Shiroma, Vicki Reisdner, Ranelle Ho, and Friends Membership Officer Annie Landrum.
Docent Debbie Gray, right, and her guest.
Docent Lida Chase chats with collector and museum trustee Jim Pierce.
Front Desk volunteer Samantha Greene and guests.
Docent Martin McMorrow (he spins a great yarn!) with his wife Sharon and Janice Choate-Zavakos.
The Friends leadership team: Janice Choate-Zavakos (Volunteerism), Sandra Pfund (Education), Leonard Chow (Communications), Ranelle Ho (President), Teri Ogawa-Shiroma (President Elect)