> > Dear Wayne and Mary: > > I just had lunch with a volunteer from the Art Institute in Chicago. She told me that each year the Women's Board of the 'tute takes all the volunteers on a field trip--usually to an artsy place--food included. One year it was a private home, another time they were guests at three or four artists' studios in a Chicago neighborhood, one year they went to some board member's farm. This year they are touring two art-significant homes in Lake Forest and that will be followed by a picnic. I think ideas like these, on whatever scale is appropriate, are nice because they tie in with what the volunteer does, i.e., talk about art, but gives the volunteer a chance to be the audience for a change. And a special meal really makes them feel appreciated. In general, I would suggest a program having to do with whatever is your museum's focus at a place far removed from the museum. Cheers! Cynthia Ogorek Matteson Historical Museum Matteson, IL