Volunteers of Lotus: 2013 Edition

We can’t close out a year without saluting our volunteers. Their creativity, generosity, ingenuity, and (sometimes) stamina are essential to the success of every Lotus program. Lotus volunteers know how to solve problems, have fun, and be ambassadors for Bloomington and Lotus to the thousands of people who attend our events.

In 2013, we had more than 600 shifts to fill. Our stalwart Lotus volunteers . . .

• Helped design and create a 770-square-foot stage backdrop.

• Designed (and staffed) the Lotus Blossom Bazaar, introducing more than 1,500 kids to cultures and arts from around the world.

• Staffed concert venues and helped visiting artists feel at home in Bloomington.

• Helped make Edible Lotus a beautiful fundraiser.

• Celebrated at our annual Volunteer Recognition Party.

• Designed the Festival’s indigo exhibit “World Blues,” curating and donating their own artifacts to the show.

• Managed volunteer recruitment and training for the 20th annual Lotus World Music and Arts Festival.

• Designed Festival venues, house-managed, troubleshot.

• Created the Festival’s Arts Village, a venue loaded with free stuff to do and to see.

• Did just about everything you can think of at the Festival — managed stages, emceed, checked wristbands, set up venues in the beginning, tore down venues at the end, drove shuttles, transported musical instruments, served food, staffed the store (and lots, lots, lots more).

• Spread good Lotus vibes, making visiting artists and attendees to all of our Lotus events feel welcome.

Thanks for a fantastic year, Lotus volunteers — see you in 2014!

For more information about volunteering opportunities, contact Volunteer Coordinator Tamara Loewenthal [tamara {at} lotusfest {dot} org], or call 812-336-6599. Or subscribe to our volunteer email list via the form on this page.

Photo credits, from top:
Festival signage volunteer; photo by Merrill Hatlen
Choosing fabrics for “World Blues Exhibit,” staff photo
10-year volunteers at the volunteer party; photo by Kevin Atkins
Instruments of the World with Adam Riviere, Lotus Blossoms Bazaar; staff photo
A few of our volunteers gather for a group photo at the volunteer party; photo by Kevin Atkins

For more images of Lotus volunteers, visit our Facebook gallery.