~*~Artopia~*~

Artopia was one of the possible volunteer opportunities available through The Center. Artopia is an annual event that the Westword puts on. It is located at 5 different venues around 10th and Broadway. It is an event displaying lots of different art, music, fashion, food and vendors.  I signed up to do several different shifts at this event. The main part of my volunteering involved helping with set up for the event. I was able to work with a classmate, Tonia, during this time. We spent hours preparing the different venues by putting posters up and helping several different vendors unpack and spreading merchandise and advertising throughout the five venues. This was very fun, to be able to help out with the event. Later in the evening, I came back and helped out more while the event was going on. I helped regulate VIP guests in the VIP areas, and also helped educate guests on what was going on where. This was fun because I got to interact with a lot of different people in the community and help them the best I could. Also, I helped hold down The Centers table booth area. This involved talking with people about The Center and the different groups and events they put on. This also involved getting people signed up to learn more about The Center and handing out brochures and free pins. 

I thought that this event was really fun and cool to partake in. I really loved being able to help set up and then also being able to help direct people, and work at the booth. It was awesome being able to provide information to some of the guests that didn't know anything about The Center or anything the organization does. I think that I helped expand some of the minds of the guests that I got to talk to and educate about The Center. I also got to work with Juli German, the Center's volunteer coordinator. She is awesome and made volunteering enjoyable and a good learning experience. I enjoyed it! ♡