Congratulations to Graciela Cardenas who has been honored as the 2010 Margaret A. Beresford Spirit of Volunteerism Award, also known as the Volunteer of the Year. Joining Free Arts in 2008, Graciela is a highly dedicated volunteer with a passion to give back to her community.

A freelance photographer, Graciela personally knows the feeling of empowerment through the arts and the freedom of expression that it provides. So when she saw a Free Arts poster at a local Paradise Bakery & Café, Graciela was inspired to volunteer for Free Arts. “Once I found out that Free Arts capitalized on that notion, I decided to be part of this amazing organization. That decision was paired with my strong personal calling to help others, to be a productive member of my community, and for the personal satisfaction I could get from the different and wonderful experiences that I was going to be exposed to. With Free Arts, I knew that my work as a volunteer would make a difference.”

Graciela has consistently joined us at Free Arts Days throughout the year, volunteered in various Professional Artist Series workshops and has brought the joy and diversity of the arts to our children at Multicultural Arts Camp. In each of her volunteer experiences, she consistently sees the healing power of the arts, “I witness the transformation that develops when the children participate in any of the programs. Sometimes they arrived scared, ashamed or fearful, but at the end of the day, they are laughing or wanting to continue doing more of the activities. They are smiling and feeling free.”

“I love variety, I love art, and I love to give. I can put all of them together every time Free Arts gives me the opportunity to participate in one of their programs. The children and I can connect to create meaningful artistic projects, smile together, and feel free to express ourselves in a caring, positive, and safe environment.”

Graciela’s passion for our programs has also motivated her to become a Free Arts Ambassador, promoting and connecting Free Arts to her community. “Graciela is an amazing advocate for Free Arts of Arizona,” noted Free Arts Program Director Teniqua Broughton. “She is always sharing her volunteer experiences with others, hoping they will also get involved. We are so fortunate to have her represent us in our community.”

Thank you, Graciela, for your energy, heartfelt dedication and everlasting passion for bringing hope and healing to Arizona’s children! On behalf of the Free Arts of Arizona Board of Directors, Staff, Donors, Volunteers and thousands of children who have experienced the healing power of the arts, we honor and celebrate YOU!
 

Photo: Graciela enjoys our recent Free Arts Day, Javelinas: Knowing Our Neighbors.