Category: Volunteers

Volunteer Spotlight: Joel Avila

Weeds don’t stand a chance when Joel is on garden volunteer duty! He’s also a proven pumpkin checker! He carves out time in his busy work/husband/dad life to enjoy our beautiful gardens and finds a real sense of accomplishment after completing his tasks with our horticulture team. It is a great way to learn about our plant collection and what it takes to maintain our display gardens. One of the benefits of our volunteer program is that everyone can select assignments based on their interests and what works with their schedule. Thank you Joel for supporting Cheekwood!

Tell us a little about yourself.

I moved to the Nashville area in 2018 after growing up outside Memphis and then living on Chicago’s South and West Sides for 15 years. My family and I now live in Franklin and we love all the wonderful year-round hiking, biking, and various other outdoors activities that one can enjoy in Middle Tennessee. I’ve been in healthcare consulting for most of my career, and I’ve recently taken a Healthcare Manager position in the consulting division of PwC.

What are your favorite hobbies, activities, or interests?

I love hanging out with my kids outside. Usually this means working in the garden or yard or walking through the trails of Percy Warner Park. I also love sports and music of all sorts, and I love reading old classics, fiction and nonfiction.

What is your favorite garden or area at Cheekwood and why?

I love the Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden. And I’m not just saying that because my kids love it. I love it all on my own! I’m so glad my kids and the kids of Cheekwood Members and guests more broadly have a place where they can explore some of the wonder and beauty of nature.

What is your favorite garden or area at Cheekwood and why?

I love the Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden. And I’m not just saying that because my kids love it. I love it all on my own! I’m so glad my kids and the kids of Cheekwood Members and guests more broadly have a place where they can explore some of the wonder and beauty of nature.

What is your favorite room or area in the Historic Mansion & Museum, Frist Learning Center, or Botanic Hall and why?

It’s probably the observation room in the art gallery on the third floor of the Historic Mansion & Museum. From there you can see downtown and the surrounding countryside. I consider it to be architectural art of the highest caliber.

Do you have a favorite art piece at Cheekwood or, if not, a favorite exhibition that Cheekwood has hosted? Is there a reason you like it?

Chihuly at Cheekwood was a pretty spectacular exhibition. I also really like the outdoor sculptures on The Carell Trail, especially James Turrell’s Blue Pesher. I don’t know much at all about modern sculpture, but I am pretty amazed at the ways in which Chihuly and Turrell use color, shape, and space so dramatically.

In what ways have you been involved as a volunteer with Cheekwood so far?

So far I’ve volunteered only in the gardens. I’ve done most of my work in the Bradford Robertson Color Garden, which is fun because there’s always something new to do.

Why did you become a volunteer?

I love getting to participate in cultivating and preserving Cheekwood’s natural beauty. I spend a lot of time in my home garden, but my space is pretty small. I’m also a fervent believer in Cheekwood’s mission, vision, and values, so the opportunity to become part of its mission is pretty rewarding.

What have you enjoyed the most about your volunteer experience? 

I just love the work. It’s dirty, sweaty, and energy-intensive. But the payoff is an even greater experience of the health and beauty of the trees, shrubs, flowers, and lawns.

Is there a funny or inspirational story you can briefly tell about your volunteer experience?

At my most recent volunteer experience I checked pumpkins in the pumpkin patches and removed any rotten ones. It was quite stinky!

Do you have any advice for individuals considering volunteering with Cheekwood?

Just do it! You won’t regret it!

Are you interested in volunteering at Cheekwood? We need volunteers for our El Día de los Muertos celebration on October 30 & 31. Click here to learn more!

Volunteer Spotlight: Arkendra Johnson

Arkendra Johnson joined Cheekwood as a volunteer in 2018, and she has consistently served every year since. She pursued a range of opportunities here at Cheekwood helping with our Tot’s art activities, painting the Swan Ball dance floor, gardening, serving as a gallery service volunteer and guide during Chihuly at Cheekwood in 2020 and participating in our inaugural African American Cultural Family Celebration. Engaging, welcoming, and friendly, Arkendra always volunteers with an infectious smile! She is drawn to art and history, is eager to learn, and is currently attending docent training.

Tell us a little about yourself.

This is home!! I was born and raised in Franklin, TN graduated from Page High School and Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Criminal Justice and a double minor in Political Science and Psychology. I’ve had the pleasure to work in some form of customer service for over 25 years. I love working with people and getting to know them (family too)! Currently I am the Principal Broker of Luxury Homes of Tennessee in Downtown Franklin and live in College Grove.

What are your favorite hobbies, activities, or interests?

I love to volunteer, read, and travel with my family. Also, I like trying new restaurants/foods.

What is your favorite garden or area at Cheekwood and why?

Very hard question because I love every part of Cheekwood. I guess it would be the Burr Terrace Garden and the Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden. The gardens are very inviting and an exceptional display for children and adults to enjoy.

What is your favorite room or area in the Historic Mansion & Museum, Frist Learning Center, or Botanic Hall? Why?

Featured Art Galleries. There’s a unique story with each artist and art piece.

Do you have a favorite art piece at Cheekwood, or, if not, a favorite exhibition that Cheekwood has hosted? Is there a reason you like it?

Chihuly! I volunteered not knowing a lot about it, but after a tour and reading about the artist I really enjoyed seeing all the rich color of glass art displayed. Definitely eye opening to see art shared in so many different forms and colors.

In what ways have you been involved as a volunteer with Cheekwood so far?

I’ve helped with kid’s activities, reading to the kids, Chihuly at Cheekwood, greeter in Historic Mansion & Museum, and helped prepare for the Swan Ball.

Why did you become a volunteer?

I have always volunteered in some way locally in my community, and decided to add to the list of organizations I volunteer for. Cheekwood piqued my interest with the different displays of gardens and art. This was all new to me, but I enjoy exploring new things and it’s been amazing!!

What have you enjoyed the most about your volunteer experience?

I work in a fast paced environment. When I volunteer at Cheekwood and arrive on the campus, everything slows down for me and I get to experience nature and new things. Also, I love meeting/talking to volunteers and guests. It’s great to see families spend time together and have fun at Cheekwood.

Is there a funny or inspirational story you can briefly tell about your volunteer experience?

I volunteered for the garden area. I had some idea of my volunteer assignment, but it was my first time working in the gardens. I didn’t realize how much manual hard work goes into gardening. I pulled weeds for about an hour and a half. I loved being in the gardens, but my knees and arms were sore when I left! My goodness I told myself several times “Do not quit!” I did not quit and completed my job. I want to thank all gardeners everywhere for all your hard work. Cheekwood is so beautiful.

Do you have any advice for individuals considering volunteering with Cheekwood?

Definitely come to Cheekwood to volunteer. It’s a great way to give back to nature/art and it responds back to you. Such an exciting opportunity to learn and enjoy all Cheekwood offers.

Are you interested in volunteering at Cheekwood? We need volunteers for our inaugural African American Cultural Family Celebration. Click here to learn more!

Volunteer Spotlight: Dobrila and Mirko Pintar

Dobrila and Mirko Pintar joined Cheekwood as volunteers in early 2020. They jumped right in, and started volunteering for a range of assignments right away, and continued on during our year of COVID challenges. Dobrila’s engaging energy when she greets guests is infectious….she really takes an interest in them, and you can see they appreciate her welcoming smile! Mirko’s ongoing interest and enthusiasm for learning more about our history, the gardens and Cheekwood provides for an enhanced experience as he shares with visitors. They both perform a vital role working with our registrar and historic curator team to help maintain our exhibits and historic artifacts in the Historic Mansion & Museum as Collections Tech volunteers. And Mirko attended our TRAINS! Exhibit training so he’s now certified to serve there. Dobrila also creates art and jewelry using glass as a medium. The Pintars are always flexible and willing to pivot if needed, fun to be with and are devoted to service. We are grateful they volunteer with us!

Tell us a little about yourself.

(Mirko) In October 2019 I retired from active flying as an airline pilot. My first flight as a student happened in March 1972. I was lucky to do something I love to do for 47 years and to call it my career. First 19 years I was based in Europe and besides having opportunity to visit almost all countries in Europe, I spent time in the Middle East and East Africa. The rest I flew mostly in the US and for the last 23 years I flew for Southwest Airlines. I enjoyed the creativity of flying. Every flight is different because the weather conditions are unique at the time you fly. That ultimately gives you an opportunity for creativity. Of course, there are FAA regulations, airplane limitations and company procedures that every pilot has to follow, but there is still that window that as a pilot gives you a challenge to show your skills.

(Dobrila) We moved from Chicago two years ago. Chicago was my home for 17 years where I worked, retired and had done a lot of volunteering work. I also had a studio where I was melting glass and teaching other students how to do that. I fell in love with Nashville and I was looking how to integrate with the community and how I can become more helpful with my volunteering skills. I was lucky enough when I got the opportunity to work at Cheekwood as a volunteer along with my husband.

What are your favorite hobbies, activities, or interests?

(Dobrila) I have quite a few hobbies and interests – golf, gardening and volunteering at Cheekwood.

(Mirko) I have many different activities mostly outdoor sports. I am a life-long tennis player and fan. For many years we traveled around the world to watch tennis tournaments. That love fit very well with our love to travel and learn to understand different cultures all over the world. Tennis runs in our blood and what more to say that Dobrila and I met on the tennis court 41 years ago, raised two children, both tennis players, one successful Division 1 player. Lately, we discovered a game of golf that we play frequently together. Again, this mutual love for golf gives us a chance to travel around the U.S. and discover the beauty of our country. No, we don’t share all activities. My interest in World History, especially European history is an interest that I’m passionate about.

What is your favorite garden or area at Cheekwood and Why?

(Dobrila) I love every single garden at Cheekwood, it is so difficult to exclude one from the other because they are so well taken care of and absolutely beautiful.

(Mirko) It has to be the Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden. It was my first assignment as a Cheekwood Volunteer and it was, I believe, the first event after the garden opening to the public. The garden is so well designed to utilize the natural slope of the land using serpentine walkways. It is so relaxing either to sit and enjoy the beauty of turtle pond or simply to walk around.

What is your favorite room or area in the Historic Mansion & Museum, Frist Learning Center, or Botanic Hall? Why?

(Dobrila) My favorite room in the Historic Mansion & Museum  is the Drawing Room. Every time when I volunteer in that room I try to imagine how they use to spend their time and entertain friends. Also I love the entrance door and windows in that room, and the magnificent view to the gardens. I also admire the art left on the walls from the family. The Mansion had quite a few beautiful exhibits and one of my favorites is Chihuly at Cheekwood, Orchids in the Mansion, and In a New Light: American Impressionism 1870-1940. These three are my favorite because I blow glass, I garden, orchids are my favorite flowers, and I also paint so  I can relate to all those fields.

(Mirko) The answer to this question will most likely surprise you. It’s the Frist Learning Center. Although, I never had a chance to take a workshop, I’m a lifetime learner and education is top priority in my life. Having a learning environment at Cheekwood is a good tool to promote the estate and gardens and recruit new volunteers.

Do you have a favorite art piece at Cheekwood, or, if not, a favorite exhibition that Cheekwood has hosted? Is there a reason you like it?

(Mirko) I like the concept of Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail. The fact that I enjoy walking and observing surroundings to create my personal visual art dialogue which one is constantly changing through seasonal nature changing. Also, I believe that this trail gives the best opportunity for additional sculptural art work.

Why did you become a volunteer?

(Dobrila) I became a volunteer at Cheekwood because I volunteered in Chicago in several places such as Slovenian Catholic center, Lillstreet Art center, Bridgeport Art Center, etc.

(Mirko) I had a lot of lows in my life when good people helped me or helped my family. Yes, I was the one who initiated and put a hard work, but I will never forget the support I received. Now is time to give back, help and support others and makes our society a better place. I volunteered a lot in the past and will continue to do so.

Is there a funny or inspirational story you can briefly tell about your volunteer experience?

(Mirko)I think it is funny what happened to me on my first shift as a volunteer at TRAINS! After a training session I stayed as a greeter. Not long after one car derailed. I stepped over the fence, put a car back on rail and somebody offered a hand to help me step back. Turns out that gentleman was Jim Crossman who made the TRAINS exhibit and new depot features possible in honor of his grandchildren.

Do you have any advice for individuals considering volunteering with Cheekwood?

(Mirko) It is a great place to meet, socialize, extend your knowledge to others and more important to learn from others. You will be surprised how many visitors know about the history of the Cheek family, art, specific exhibits, plants, and flowers.

Are you interested in volunteering at Cheekwood? Click here to learn more!

Docent Spotlight: Barbara Martin

Published:  June 7, 2021

The docent program at Cheekwood offers behind-the-scenes information and training on Cheekwood’s 55 acres of gardens, historical mansion, and art exhibitions. We offer the opportunity for our volunteers to train as a Garden Docent, House and History Docent, and Exhibition Docent. As important members of our team, docents act as volunteer teachers and tour guides while sharing their passion for Cheekwood’s permanent and temporary exhibitions, gardens, and historical residence with visitors of all ages.

We (virtually) sat down with one of our docents, Barbara Martin, to ask her some questions about her experience as a docent, and what she loves most.

Barbara has been an active Cheekwood volunteer for 5 years, educating groups as a docent on guided tours and assisting in numerous volunteer roles that serve our youth and family programs. Barbara works with visitors of all ages, from our youngest tots to adult tour groups, though her most beloved experiences at Cheekwood have been with our school-aged visitors. While in the gardens, Barbara can be found leading group tours, admiring new plantings, or interacting with walk-up visitors, always with a smile on her face!

Read on to learn more about Barbara’s experience as a Cheekwood Docent.

What made you decide you wanted to volunteer?

The reason I wanted to volunteer at Cheekwood was that I had recently retired, and had always loved Cheekwood, so I got on the website to look for opportunities. I am a Master Gardener,  so volunteering at Cheekwood looked like a great fit. Introducing  people of all ages to the gardens, seemed a perfect fit.

How did you hear about Cheekwood’s Docent program?

I actually found out about the docent program, while on the Cheekwood website.

What experience, background, circumstance, etc. led you to become a Cheekwood docent?

My experience of working in my own gardens, gardens in my neighborhood and being a lover of all plants and animals, led me in the direction of sharing my knowledge as a Cheekwood docent.

What sort of training is required to become a Cheekwood Docent?

The 6-week training prepared me well for being a docent. But it’s the additional opportunities that really expand your knowledge. We are encouraged to attend other trainings with garden and mansion staff to further educate us. We can even attend docent trainings again, especially if they are on gardens we would like to brush up on.

When did you begin volunteering at Cheekwood?

I started volunteering at Cheekwood in September of 2016.

Describe a typical tour:

There is no such thing as a typical tour. Our tours are rarely the same, we have different age groups and different levels of knowledge. We frequently tour multiple different gardens, and sometimes you might have 2 people or 12 people! You might also have a group of kindergarteners or a slower moving elderly group! It is challenging and fun to make every tour unique and engage your audience.

What is the funniest thing a visitor (young or grown!) has said to you on a tour?

One of my funnier moments while touring a group of 6th graders was….we had a science curriculum one fall with Davidson County schools. We had groups of 6th and 1st graders all fall. The 6th graders were studying the Emerald Ash Borer insect. On every tour I carried with me a colorful brochure of the insect an enlarged picture of it was on the front ( the picture showed an 8” insect). While I was sharing the picture, a student spoke up and said “ is he really that big?” Everyone got a good laugh and we continued on.

What are you most excited for at Cheekwood in the coming year?

I am always excited for Cheekwood Harvest in the fall , and the careful, slow reopening of some of our monthly events. Cheekwood is always evolving, and new art and new garden displays are always something to look forward to. The Nature POP! exhibition looks adorable and love the American Impressionists in the Mansion.  The new Wellness 360 is great new program to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit!

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Are you an avid gardener, an admirer of the arts, or intrigued by Nashville’s rich history? Do you enjoy sharing your interests and knowledge with your community? If so, you may be interested in Cheekwood’s Docent Program! Join us for our Summer docent training beginning the week of June 14th. Click here to learn more!