Photography by Steve Buchanan
Lisa Krentel developed a passion for the arts at a very young age—an enthusiasm that would carry over into adulthood and ultimately influence her career path. A graduate of Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia with a double major in painting and photography, she held positions as a professional photographer, a teacher, and a graphic artist. Inspired by the creativity of the artistic process, Krentel decided to explore volunteer opportunities that would enable her to continue to pursue her love of the arts. A member of the Dorchester Center for the Arts (DCA), she learned about an opening to hang and light the monthly art exhibits, which piqued her interest. She accepted the position and has been a dedicated volunteer for several years.
“I have a talent for arranging artwork and bringing order to chaos,” Krentel says. “When I start working on a new exhibit, there is a bit of uncertainty. I sort through the artwork and try to think of the best way to display it and make it beautiful. I only have three days each month to hang and light the exhibits, so the work definitely keeps me on my toes. But I don’t find it overwhelming. It’s a meditative process, and I enjoy the solitude of the work and the opportunity to express my creativity.”
A nonprofit organization located on Historic High Street in Cambridge, DCA is “dedicated to enriching Maryland’s Eastern Shore community through high-quality, engaging programming in the visual, literary, and performing arts...[and] is committed to increasing access to the arts for all members of [the] community by supporting extensive outreach and educational opportunities in the arts.” The facility offers gallery exhibitions, art classes, music, and theatre performances.
Krentel’s eye for detail and her creative spirit enable her to hang and light art exhibits that are aesthetically pleasing and immediately capture the interest of visitors.
“When everything comes together, and the exhibit is finished, it’s such a great feeling,” Krentel says. “It’s truly gratifying to see the end result. But the most rewarding part is seeing the reaction of visitors and the different ways in which they react and interpret the exhibit.”
Although Krentel receives and readily welcomes input from DCA staff and other volunteers, she primarily works alone. But she is never lonely. She quickly becomes absorbed in the work and enjoys the entire process. It’s a great opportunity for her to contribute her creative vision to DCA, and she takes pride in her ability to help showcase the work of talented artists.
“Lisa is a dedicated, hard-working volunteer who works quietly behind the scenes,” says Barb Seese, executive director of DCA. “She brings years of experience and boundless enthusiasm to each and every exhibit at DCA—not stopping until the artwork is hung perfectly and the lighting is just right. Her high standards elevate the presentation in every gallery. Plus, she’s warm and funny, and it’s a joy to work with her. We couldn’t do what we do without her!”
Hanging and lighting the art exhibits at DCA is only one way in which Krentel immerses herself in the arts. She is an avid painter and also a member of the Main Street Gallery artist collective in Cambridge. A retiree, she devotes much of her time to painting, which offers her a great deal of joy.
Krentel, who relocated to Cambridge from Sedona, Arizona, in 2007 to be closer to her family, lives with her partner, Paul, who works in publishing. The couple loves the area and its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay. Their passions include camping, biking, and exploring.
“Having an appreciation for the arts is so important,” Krentel says. “Art has a transformative impact on our lives and communicates concepts other than facts, such as emotions, thoughts, and philosophies. It’s an intangible quality that taps into our emotions and touches our souls—offering not only creativity but also humanity.”
For more information about Dorchester Center for the Arts, visit dorchesterarts.org.
Do you have a volunteer to nominate? Send What's Up? an email to editor@whatsupmag.com.
