A Tribute to an Extraordinary Arts Volunteer

by Sally Wismer

The Guelph arts community was shocked and saddened beyond belief upon learning of the October 23 death of longtime arts volunteer Richard Vollans.  Having just celebrated his 40th birthday, Richard apparently suffered complications from acute undiagnosed diabetes.  His energy, his enthusiasm, his perennial cheerfulness plus his quick mind, his unbelievable memory, his creativity will all be sorely missed by his family, friends and colleagues. 

Richard has always been heavily involved in the arts in Guelph, especially in theatrical endeavours, ranging from Curtain Call offerings during his years at the University of Guelph to Guelph Little Theatre, Theatre Guelph and several youth projects. But he has also played a key role in Guelph Arts Council ever since he joined the Board of Directors early in 2002.  I worked closely with Richard during the past ten years, and feel that have a good understanding of his involvements and contributions to Guelph Arts Council. I couldn't begin to enumerate all of these but I would like to mention a few key ones.

Very shortly after Richard joined the Guelph Arts Council Board, he became actively involved in the development of guelpharts/wellingtonarts which Guelph Arts Council has managed since the website was officially launched early in 2004. His expertise and skills in this area, including the many workshops he led for members, really went a long way to ensuring the early success of this website.

In the same vein, Richard also offered his technological savvy for anything to do with office equipment, whether it was purchasing new computers, solving various technological problems, understanding software or hardware issues - he always had an answer.

Similarly, Richard brought his marketing, design and public relations skills to Guelph Arts Council.  He designed several brochures, flyers, posters, and, being a master wordsmith, he drafted or perused countless letters and reports over the years.  He also  emceed the thrice-yearly Schmoozefests for many years, always making these gatherings fun and light-hearted.  He chaired several public meetings and made presentations to City Councils, giving Guelph Arts Council a very good public face.

Fundraising was also one of Richard's areas of expertise, and he played an important role in expanding Guelph Arts Council's success and outreach in this area, including training sessions for Board members, approaches to potential donors and active participation in the Council's annual Fete Romantique fundraiser.

And last, but not least, Richard was always a great "go to" person for virtually any Guelph Arts Council project or involvement.  He seemed to know something about almost everything, and if there was something he didn't know, he knew how to find out.

He really was quite an extraordinary individual.

I know that Guelph Arts Council members join me with their thoughts for Richard's two young daughters Alexandra and Elizabeth, his wife Wendy, his parents and other family members and friends.  We are all the richer for having known and worked with Richard Vollans.  It's hard to imagine the world without him. 

Sally Wismer retired as Guelph Arts Council Executive Director June 30, 2010.   At that time, Richard Vollans worked to set up the Guelph Arts Council Legacy Fund which the Vollans family has generously designated as one of the ways that individuals can pay tribute to Richard's enormous contribution to Guelph Arts Council and the arts in Guelph.