Become a volunteer
Join us and make new connections through the art of Tom Lea!
It’s a great way to make friends, gain valuable work experience, and be part of something special in your community.
Volunteers gain valuable experience, which they can add to their resumes. Many of our partners include institutions such as the El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Museum of History, The War Eagles Museum at Santa Teresa, Emergence Health Network, UTEP, and more.
All volunteers receive a certified diploma for volunteering that they can use in their resume or use for personal accolades.
Come be part of the team and help bring history and art to life!
Sat, Jan 24UTEP Centennial MuseumDid you know the creator of "That Two-Thousand Yard Stare was born in El Paso? Don't miss this exclusive exhibit featuring stories of WWII.
Sat, Feb 21El Paso Museum of ArtJoin Dr. Eric Kappus, the discoverer of El Paso’s dinosaur tracks, for an exploration of our region’s landscapes through Tom Lea's art!
Thu, Feb 26Aloft El Paso DowntownJoin us on this FREE walking tour in Downtown El Paso and learn how architects made it possible to travel the world without leaving!
Multiple DatesThu, Feb 26El PasoJoin us for an upcoming celebration at the historic Plaza Hotel, where we will unveil Tom Lea’s WW Mills: 40 Years in El Paso illustrations!
Fri, Mar 13R.E. THOMASON FEDERAL BUILDINGAre you seeking a local adventure? This tour takes you through the heart of downtown El Paso, unveiling stories behind artistic treasures!
Thu, Mar 19Tom Mays ParkJoin us for a hands-on painting camp at the Franklin Mountains, designed for military families, that combines art, history, and nature.
Volunteer Testimony
Gregg Mele moved to El Paso from Austin in 2021 after two and a half decades of teaching. He heard about the Tom Lea Institute from the Ciudad Juarez tour. "The tour impressed me because it focused on the deep community connections between El Paso and Juarez." Led by Adair Margo. "Her passion for Tom Lea and his remarkable life and work proved to be an excellent way for me to access the complex history of the people of this region." Mele wanted to experience more of what TLI had to offer, so he joined tours and read the curricula and outreach programs. Finally, this led him to a volunteer opportunity with TLI and the Boys and Girls Clubs of El Paso.
Lydia Almeida was born and raised in El Paso (Ysleta) Texas. She is a school administrator and has always been interested in local history. “Tom Lea’s artwork depicts the history and surrounding landscape of El Paso. He was a talented artist that loved the people of this region. His legacy continues to this day. I first heard of the Tom Lea Institute when I decided to take the “Mexican Revolution,” tour with Bernie Sargent. I was fascinated with the history of how much Pancho Villa’s planning, organizing and involvement took place here in the city of El Paso. Since that day I have actively participated in many of the tours and events that the Tom Lea Institute sponsors.”
Most recently, Almeida was asked to play the role of a “Soldadera/Adelita” in La Revolución Mexicana tour. “These women were strong, courageous and were instrumental to the “Mexican Revolution.” I am so glad to be involved with the Tom Lea Institute.”
Brian Holt is a future art educator who was introduced to the Tom Lea Institute and its involvement with the Boys and Girls Club of El Paso through fellow printmaker Susan Gonzalez.
“I thought it was great to see the kids gaining a historical background of Tom Lea’s print making application and the hands on experience of making prints with all of the volunteers. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the smiles on their faces after pulling a print.”
Paula Denton helps with the Tom Lea Digital Library and organizes our digital files. Paula is an excellent asset to the Tom Lea Institute. Paula also contributes much of her time assisting the institute with significant events. She helped with I Love El Paso with Crystal Long and the Paint & Ink event with Sam Donaldson. She is willing to do whatever is needed! Paula’s assistance is greatly appreciated and much needed at the institute.
Brandon Raab has been a volunteer since 2019 and has assisted with our Tom Lea archives, Tom Lea Month, and our I Love EP events. Brandon is a native El Pasoan and profoundly relates to Tom Lea and his regional art. Since he was a child, Brandon was introduced to Tom Lea by his family members, who are also very fond of him. We are fortunate to have a volunteer who relates to and loves Tom Lea as much as we do.
Jody Schwartz is an excellent asset to the Tom Lea Institute. Jody shares her camera and photography skills on Tom Lea trips; this includes Casas Grande and Mata Ortiz! Jody had the privilege of knowing Tom and Sarah Lea, and her parents were good friends with them. Jody’s passion and dedication to being an outstanding volunteer for the Tom Lea Institute are contagious. We appreciate Jody so generously donating her time and talents to the Institute.