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!
Fri, Oct 09111 Anthony StReady for A Magical Evening? Join us for a unique binational experience as we cross into vibrant Ciudad Juárez!
Thu, Oct 15Consulado General de MexicoMusic and knowledge await! Join Jose Mario Sanchez Soledad as he sings songs to accompany his presentation about El Paso and Juarez!
Tue, Oct 20Scurry County MuseumFrom the creator of that Two-Thousand-Yard Stare! Step into history at the Scurry County Museum in Snyder, TX, with this traveling exhibit!
Thu, Nov 05Art Masters of El PasoLooking for art? Join us as you explore Tom Lea's works, new limited-edition prints, and new pieces by local El Paso artists!
Sat, Nov 07El Paso Museum of ArtJoin Matthew Butler for a discussion on how Tom Lea, unlike any other American, gained acceptance in the world of Mexican bullfighting!
Thu, Nov 12University LibraryA presentation from two bright fellows at UTEP awaits! A delightful evening of amazing research, light bites, and more awaits!
Thu, Dec 10Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan DesertTom Lea vs AI! Discover how Tom Lea's WWII work still holds up in an age when AI has become the latest tool in military recruitment.
Thu, Dec 17Mike Loya Academic Services BuildingExclusive Event! Be one of the very few to explore the Tom Lea Library, a renovated 1,550-square-foot scholarly haven at UTEP!
Thu, Jan 07Ellen Noël Art MuseumVisit the Ellen Noël Art Museum in Odessa, TX, and see Brushstrokes from the Frontlines, a travel exhibit showcasing Tom Lea's WWI work.
Thu, Jan 21Lions PlazitaReady for an unforgettable experience? Join us on this one-of-a-kind tour across our sister city! El Paso del Norte was founded more than 100 years before the United States. Travel with us to its birt
Fri, Jan 29111 W Father Rahm AveExplore the beautiful Segundo barrio with native and talented artist Jesus "Cimi" Alvarado! Don't miss this free tour!
Sat, Feb 20El Paso Veterans One Stop CenterJoin us for a paw-rfect morning of fun as you learn to draw a dog in a workshop led by UTEP Associate Art Professor Tom Birkner!
Thu, Mar 11International Museum of ArtJoin us as she discusses her book, A Mexican Dream and Other Compositions, containing lessons in life, her artwork & more!
Fri, Mar 26Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan DesertExplore one of the most beautiful campus in the Southwest! Join Daniel Carey Whalen and his team from the Centennial Museum on this fun tour.
Fri, Apr 23Aloft by Marriott 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!
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.