May Volunteer of the Month: Veronica Polniak

Say hello to Veronica Polniak in our Volunteer of the Month Spotlight

At Cultivate, we believe in celebrating the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, energy, and passion to enriching our community and advancing our mission. Volunteers are the backbone of our organization, bringing our programs to life and creating a vibrant, nurturing environment for all who walk through our doors. To honor their invaluable contributions, we are thrilled to share our "Volunteer of the Month" blog series.

Each month, we will spotlight one outstanding volunteer, sharing their stories, achievements, and the impact they've made on Cultivate and the broader Grand Rapids community. Through these stories, we hope to shine a light on the diverse talents and compassionate spirits that make Cultivate a place where art and community flourish together.

It's our pleasure to spotlight Veronica Polniak (She/Her), the volunteer facilitator of our monthly collage club, welcoming guests with a kind heart to express themselves through creativity. We are grateful for Veronica’s gift of her time, creativity, and kindness to help create a better community through art.

Please read their interview below -

Cultivate: What’s one of your favorite memories from volunteering with Cultivate?

Veronica: I'm not sure I have a favorite memory from volunteering, but I've certainly enjoyed getting to learn more about the people who participate in Collage Club. I find our conversations very intriguing and I'm always leaving Collage Club feeling renewed and refreshed from a night of good conversation and making in community.

Cultivate: How do you practice or participate in art?

Veronica: I try to make art every day. Whether it is little doodles in my daughter's lunch box, sketching in nature, quilting, or experimenting with mixed media - I love making new things. I've always had a desire to keep my hands and mind busy and a creative practice energizes me but also allows me to steady myself and find peace. I like to say art is my therapy. I make what feels good. It's just for me.

Cultivate: Are there any artists that have been inspiring you lately?

Veronica: I'm obsessed with Sandi Hester and her YouTube channel (Bits of an Artist's Life) She is such a lovely, kind, thinker and tinker! I love that she shares freely about her process, materials, and enthusiasm for art. I could watch her videos for hours - and I always feel inspired to create when I'm done!

Please see and support Veronica’s art practice and work on instagram - @little.wildwhim