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Best Volunteer Opportunities For Art Lovers In Los Angeles

OC Museum Of Art header
(credit: Orange County Museum Of Art)

Art is valuable for personal growth, and as a way to instill new perspective in difficult situations. These five best art volunteer opportunities support the arts and help those in the community.

LA Central Library
(Photo credit: Charley Gallay/Getty Images Entertainment)

Art & Architecture of Los Angeles Public Library Docents
630 West 5th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 228-7055
www.lapl.org

The Los Angeles Central Library is steeped in history, and few know that it also serves as a repository of art. The building's architecture and gardens are art in and of themselves. Volunteer docents conduct regular scheduled art tours for the public, students and library patrons. After a simple application process and complete training, volunteers are prepared to explain and share the Library's unique art. The time you give is up to you. As an art lover, you may concentrate on the art tours and become a vital participant in the Library's essential mission.

Related: Coolest Volunteer Opportunities In LA

Free Arts for Abused Children
(credit: Free Arts for Abused Children)

Free Arts for Abused Children
Edmund D. Edelman Children's Court
5301 Beethoven St., Suite #102
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 313-4278
www.freearts.org

Art often has the power to heal those with an injured psyche. Edelman Children's Court helps the most unfortunate families throughout LA, and the greatest victims of all are the children who have been removed from their home, whose parents are under court order or who have suffered abuse. Volunteering for Free Arts for Abused Children helps children who have experienced troubled lives and those who have experienced poverty, homelessness, neglect or outright abuse. Their need to rebuild trust with responsible adults starts with art which is one of many paths that can help. The program is all about offering a creative outlet for the tens of thousands of children receiving Child Welfare services in the Southland.

Angels Gate Cultural Center
(credit: Angels Gate Cultural Center)

Angels Gate Cultural Center
3601 S. Gaffey St.
San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 519-0936
www.angelsgateart.org

Angels Gate Cultural Center provides the Southland's communities with "creative discovery, exploration and enlightenment" through the arts. High on a bluff with a view of the coast, the Center has ongoing year-round classes and exhibition where professional artists work in studios creating everything from jewelry to photography to painting, and more. Volunteers often support events, fundraising and hospitality which creates a unique opportunity to help out. These activities like database management and office work, or even landscaping and mailings, can be rewarding and serve essential aspects of the Center's mission to serve the public.

Visual Arts Class inner city
(credit: Inner City)

Inner-City Arts
720 Kohler St.
Los Angeles, CA 90021
(213) 627-9621
www.inner-cityarts.org

Inner-City Arts is an "oasis of learning, achievement and creativity" in the deep of the inner city - Skid Row. Far from a comfortable life, inner-city youth face challenges daily, and art helps them rise to the circumstances to persevere. Inner-City Arts works with local schools in creating a "bridge" to academic and personal success and provides a respite and sense of tranquility for the young. For volunteers, the rewards are immeasurable as the organization sees children move from at-risk to achievement. The staff and volunteers who work with the children include professional artists as well as volunteers ranging from doctors to chefs. Kindergarten through 12th grade students receive hands-on learning in a broad range of subjects. It's all about fueling the "dreams of children." Without volunteers, Inner-City Arts says "we could not successfully accomplish our mission." In addition to providing opportunities for volunteers in art, the organization offers administration and support staff positions for events.

Related: Outdoor Volunteer Opportunities For LA Families

The Art of Elysium
(credit: The Art of Elysium)

The Art of Elysium
3278 Wilshire Blvd., Penthouse
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 389-3201
www.theartofelysium.org

Children and their families struggling with illness face emotional challenges that are very difficult to cope with. The Art of Elysium programs use art to help, and it works. In outpatient and inpatient medical settings, artist volunteers help provide a path to coping through art. With performing and fine art activities, artists give of their time to promote socialization and personal development within the children. A one-time artist orientation teaches the skills needed to work with children in the medical environment. It is not an easy task, but the rewards and memories will last a lifetime for the artist and the families served.

Robert Cuthbert is a freelance writer covering all things Los Angeles. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
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