The Kent Island Federation of Arts Docents honored long time member and former Docent Coordinator Mickey Steele as their ‘Queen for the Day’ on Thursday February 23 at the KIFA Gallery. Over 30 docents, both past and present, attended the formal Tea Party. When asked how long Mickey has been an active KIFA member she recalled a delightful story of volunteering at KIFA as early as 1984. She said “Remember, I was running a restaurant, a marina, and raising my family during the early years of KIFA. It wasn’t until I could actually give time that I was recruited to sit as a docent in the gallery”. During the subsequent 29 years Mickey has tirelessly volunteered many hours to KIFA, keeping the Docent organization lively and flourishing. Docent donations purchased a portrait of Mickey which was presented to her by local portrait artist and KIFA member Judy Specht. Mickey was also recognized with a KIFA Lifetime Membership, to which she proclaimed, “this would have been a better deal when I was younger!” That’s why we all love Mickey, she says it just right all the time.

The Kent Island Federation of Arts, founded in 1964, will celebrate its Golden Anniversary in 2013.

Photos submitted by KIFA, Ellen Sullivan, Photographer