May 2025

Beth has been a dedicated volunteer with Life On Art since 2022. She has contributed to a wide range of projects, from Dia De Los Muertos events at the Museum of Sonoma County, to Veteran Art Day, to Heart Stories. Beth always shows up with quiet, open-hearted dedication and a willingness to jump into anything. She is a core figure here at Life On Art, and has helped make our programming possible. We also want to give a warm shout-out to Beth’s charming canine companion, Benji, who patiently waits while Beth is busy creating.

April 2025

Laurie has been an artist from an early age, exploring a wide range of mediums before ultimately choosing acrylic as her preferred medium. At Life On Art Laurie has expertly added heart-making paper mache to her repertoire of artistic mediums, and with dedication and a great sense of humor (did you know Laurie also writes romantic-comedy fiction?!) She has helped bring Life On Art programs to life since 2024. 

We are lucky to be a part of Laurie's artistic journey, which has taken her through various forms of expression, each one enriching her creative approach and fueling her passion for the arts. But mostly, Life On Art is grateful that Laurie has contributed even more than her remarkable creativity. Her volunteerism is laced with gentleness, care, and a commitment to community building.

“Stumbling upon Life on Art gave me the opportunity to combine my love of creating and service to others in a loving supportive environment. Heart making feels like coming home and wrapping myself in a warm blanket”  – Laurie

March 2025

Ashley brings her expertise, zest for life, and an infectious positive attitude to her volunteer work at Life On Art. Ashley is deeply committed to helping others as an RTT® Practitioner and NLP-IFS-Somatics Counselor, and this dedication shines through to her volunteer work with Life On art, and her passion for the Petaluma Community. Recently, Ashley led and organized the volunteer committee for the “Groove Is In The Heart” event, ensuring its success and creating a memorable experience for all involved. We are so grateful to her unwavering dedication to Life On Art and her local community. Thank you, Ashley!

February 2025

Susan has been a vibrant force at Life On Art since 2023, sharing her time, expertise, and radiant energy. As a performing artist, she deeply understands the healing power of art and is passionate about fostering collective artistic experiences that uplift individuals and communities. A dedicated advocate for Life On Art, Susan’s impact extends beyond the studio—actively working to raise awareness of the organization’s role in the community. She contributed to the Visions of Hope program and was instrumental in coordinating logistics and community support for the debut of the newly relocated Unbound installation, as well as engaging local businesses in supporting Groove Is In The Heart. Thank you, Susan!

January 2025

Since 2022, Andrea Smith has played a key role in Life On Art’s projects, contributing to Unbound at DSH-Napa and the Inbound Día de los Muertos installation at the Museum of Sonoma County. She has also been deeply involved in paper mâché heart-making for Visions of Hope and is continuing to support Life On Art’s upcoming programs for individuals impacted by incarceration in California.

“It is so rewarding to create hearts that are going out in the world to different communities, and to work on them with a team of other heart makers ~ spreading love in this crazy world” Andrea shared. The love she sends is meaningful; Life On Art is grateful for Andrea’s heart and generosity! Our community of incredible volunteers, like Andrea, makes our work possible.

December 2024

“Spending time with Hen House and our Plus One Rooster (a regular volunteer group) is something I look forward to every Wednesday,” says December’s Volunteer of  the Month, Karen Andersen. “While creating the beautiful winged hearts, we share our stories, our triumphs, our sorrows, our joy, and our hopes of healing. We are all in this together and I am ever so grateful for Life On Art and all the beautiful people I have met along the way.”

Karen has volunteered at Life On Art since 2021. Her work producing beautiful paper mache hearts has been included in Unbound and Visions Of Hope.

Karen brings optimism and care to the Life On Art studio. She is deeply connected to the LOA mission to unite the community and heal through art. Her tender-heart positively impacts the Life On Art staff and volunteers every time she volunteers, advocates, or supports us. Thank you, Karen!

November 2024

Chantal Dangler began volunteering at Life On Art when we opened our first downtown Petaluma studio in 2021. In the last three years, she has been a vital contributor to Unbound and Visions Of Hope, as well as participating in many aspects of our artmaking supporting Veterans. Chantal is a talented painter, whose work is featured in many of our installations. Her remarkable empathy and compassion is a tremendous asset to the work we do with our community. Whether it’s giving a listening ear or offering a hand, she is an instrumental part of Life On Art’s success. Thank you Chantal!

October 2024

Ben Kaplan has shown immense commitment to Life On Art and our mission to bring the community together in creating art that heals others. He is a weekly volunteer that fills the room with stories, jazz, and a caring heart. Ben tirelessly worked with the volunteer team that created many of the heart sculptures gifted to incarcerated individuals at the California State Prison. He has also graciously supported Life On Art as an event volunteer at our Life On Art booth at the Mill Valley Art Festival. Thank you, Ben!

September 2024

Caroline Pope is an amazing volunteer who has a beautiful heart and has shown her dedication to Life On Art through helping at events such as the Mobile Home Resident’s Heart Painting workshop, Pride Parade, and her assistance at the Soledad State Prison Workshops. We honor Caroline and her wonderful talents such as sewing and collage that reflects her wonderful personality which shines every moment. Thank you Caroline!