Sidney Museum and Arts Association Blog

Originally from Chicago, longtime Sidney volunteer, Maxine Spillinger has been with the Sidney Museum and Arts Association since 1976.  "I enjoy meeting the people, having the opportunity to be a part of an art community," she said when asked what keeps bringing her back to volunteer.  Maxine also volunteers with the Friends of the Library, a particular passion of hers.  She is often instrumental in bringing library activities to the Log Cabin Museum and the Sidney Art Gallery Museum, most recently a picture taking scavenger hunt during the August 2 Port Orchard Art Walk.  Maxine is a Sidney volunteer both for the Art Gallery and the Log Cabin Museum. She has great stories to tell and on a sunny day you will often see her sitting out in front of the Log Cabin Museum waving to people as they go by.  Maxine served on the Sidney Museum and Arts Association board for a number a years and also served as the publicity chair, ensuring pictures and information about the activities made it to the papers.

Maxine fondly remembers the parties held by the Sidney Museum and Arts Association.  "Back in the day," she said, "we used to have our parties upstairs where the museum is.  It would be cocktail attire; men in suits, candles everywhere!  Absolutely georgous and always packed."  Parties are now held in the Gallery to fit more guests. 

Her hobbies include reading and a love of traveling with her husband, Gordon.  One of her favorite activities are the artists receptions. Maxine feels that these bring a lot of people together, and often bring new people who have livedtheir whole lives in Port Orchard and have never come into the Gallery or Museum.  "And they love it!" she said. 

Any last words? Come on down! We'd love to see you and share our love for the arts!