I've been volunteering with this nonprofit for more than 8 years. The care given to each event, rental and individual is unusual and inspiring.
I discovered "The Abbey" while on my daily walk one day. I took a flyer, saw that a musician I liked was performing at something called "The Round" that month, attended and was hooked! I said then and will say now that The Abbey is the best place in Seattle for experiencing music. It is a lovingly restored venue with great acoustics and the staff and volunteers make this unique place a wonderfully personal and welcoming place to be. The musical shows are just the beginning, as I discovered. Artwerks supports local musicians, poets, dancers, and painters, both established and emerging; supports other non-profits; provides a place for kids and adults to grow through learning and experiencing the arts. It is a huge asset to the community as a gathering place for people of a wide variety of backgrounds and income levels. After volunteering at just a few events I knew I wanted to join with them in furthering their mission.
I've been volunteering at the Abbey in various capacities for several months now. The staff and volunteers all do a great job making the place warm and welcoming, and the programming is fan-freaking-tastic!
The Fremont Abbey gives so much to the community through arts education and creating wonderful multimedia shows. Artists who show and perform here seem right home, and it is obvious the welcoming atmosphere and amazing staff really contributes to that.
After years of attending Abbey events, I was honored to be asked to join as a member of their board. I have seen them support up and coming artists as well as honoring those who have been inspiring the community for years. The range of activities that they make possible in the space is diverse and forward thinking - from concerts to community fairs, classes that range from vegan cooking to modern dance. They have persevered through financial difficulties and enlisted the community to become active participants in the Abbey's mission of artistic development.
I really like what the Abbey stands for. A place for community to spend time together. And the environment is great for that... the Great Hall for big events that need a lot of floor space, and the lower level for an intimate music event setting, for example. I supported the Abbey when it was being formed and have really liked how it has grown and become an important part of the neighborhood. Thanks to Artwerks for making this possible.
I am both a teacher and volunteer at the Abbey. Coming from each facet, I am regularly impressed with the community that has been/is being built. The classes and concerts are top notch and the faculty and volunteers are clearly passionate about their work. I'm proud to be a part of this team!
I am a neighborhood elementary school music teacher. When our school needed a place to host a benefit, the Fremont Abby not only stepped up to the plate but partnered in hosting a very successful event to help fund such an important progam! They also got to offer many arts programs to our children in the community. The staff couldn't have been more friendly and helpful.
The Abbey is my favorite arts organization in the city. It's a community of people as well as a community space for performance and music. I live on Capitol Hill, and wish that there were one here because it plays such an important role in connecting the Fremont Community. I've volunteered with them on several events, along with attending others simply as a participant. There's a unique and creative atmosphere there that's shaped by the space and the volunteers, but is hard to characterize without experiencing it.
Where other neighborhoods live a pale and drab existence, an enthusiastic group of people have worked very hard to create a shiny beacon of art, inspiration, education, and entertainment in our small and eclectic community. The Fremont Abbey is an asset to the community. I hope it not only continues to thrive and expand but also raises the bar and makes this little niche of Seattle the envy of other neighborhoods. ~Alec, neighbor