“Volunteers: The Glue that Holds Us Together” – Meet Nancy O’Brien
By Avra Sullivan

“Volunteers: The Glue that Holds Us Together,” a great and accurate definition of a volunteer was given by Nancy O’Brien, co-president and volunteer with the Kent Island Federation of Arts (KIFA). Having been with KIFA for the last 13 years, she is currently serving her second term as co-president and speaks about the importance of their volunteer workers. “We at KIFA could not exist without our dedicated volunteers. We are forever grateful for what they do.” As a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Nancy has “always been involved in some kind of art activity.” She came across KIFA while searching for a watercolor class back in 1999 after retiring to Grasonville and has been with the organization ever since. Nancy says over the last few years, the Kent Island Federation of Arts has grown and interest in it has expanded. “We are becoming more of a partner with the community,” she says.

An exciting year ahead, 2013 will mark KIFA’s 50th year anniversary. There are many special events that are in the works for their golden year and more information on shows, classes and events can be found at their website at www.kifa.us or by calling 410-643-7424.

A Grasonville resident, Nancy and her husband enjoy spending time with their family, which includes three children and six grandchildren.

KIFA is a non-profit (501c3) all volunteer organization, offering ongoing art classes in various media, including painting, children’s art classes, wood carving, photography, precious metal clay, and more. We also have specialized workshops for children and young adults. They are located at 405 Main Street in Stevensville, Maryland.