Take Me To Post Comment Form When Sue Oliver came to Statesboro in 1969, she was unaware of the tremendous impact she would make on the community. Her efforts to help those around her understand and appreciate the value of original art and its influence on daily life are immeasurable. Oliver’s unconditional support, dedication and passion for the visual arts and the Averitt Center have earned her the recognition as the 2008 Volunteer of the Year.

Oliver’s love for the arts and sciences is truly reflected in many aspects of her life. With intentions to be a medical illustrator, the New Jersey native attended Hood College, an “all girls institution, majoring in Pre-Med with a minor in art where she met her husband, Dr. Jim Oliver, a world renowned scientist.

After having her two sons, Jim and Andy, Oliver volunteered for the Boy Scouts, PTA, Symphony Guild and the Hoe & Hope Garden Club. During a trip to Oklahoma and Kansas, Oliver rediscovered her appreciation for her talents and was encouraged by her husband to return to painting.

Ever the artistic one, Oliver continued her scientific drawing career on a part time basis. She also became very well-known for her side projects, such as painting the portraits of every Georgia Southern President and a few college deans.

Since then, Oliver has become involved with the Statesboro Arts Council and a dedicated volunteer at the Averitt Center for the Arts.

In July of 2005, Oliver was elected chair of the Averitt Center Visual Arts Committee where she hosted several monthly meetings at her home, often providing home-cooked meals as an incentive for attendance. Some agree this was one of the main reasons they remained long-term committee members.

“Sue is an amazing artist and wonderful person. I have worked with her for three years on the Visual Arts Committee, which she chaired with the quiet confidence it takes to motivate a volunteer organization, said Frank D’Arcangelo, incoming Visual Arts Committee chair. “She is a gem in the art world and Statesboro community.

In addition to serving as chair of the Visual Arts committee for the past three years, Oliver has also assumed leadership roles in various programming efforts. Oliver was responsible for coordinating the 2005 Folk Art Meets Folklore, 2006 Couple of Complements, 2007 Wildlife Art and Joe Olson’s Invitational in 2008.

“With Sue at the helm of the committee I always knew the show would be installed on time and ready to open no matter how many obstacles came up at the last minute. Sue made being the chair of the Visual Arts Committee look easy, I can only hope to match her grace, dedication and determination in the year to come, D’Arcangelo added.

As well as coordinating many exhibitions throughout the year, Oliver also assisted with the installation of an additional two to three exhibits. Some of that work entailed actually traveling to artists homes to pick up pieces, deliver them to the Averitt Center, and then returning the art work once the exhibit closed.

“She is very enthusiastic about her position as chair of the Visual Arts Committee which probably stems from her passion for her personal artwork. She is kind, caring, and very well organized and willing to do whatever necessary to ensure that things run smoothly, said Dawn Oliver, the honoree’s daughter-in-law.

Oliver’s dedication and commitment to the Averitt Center is evident in her contributions to its growth and success. She helped coordinate the “Featured Artists page on the center’s website, attends almost every exhibit opening in the Main Gallery, has manned the gallery or volunteered to provide facility tours to guests. More recently, Oliver has agreed serve as scheduling chair for the Main Gallery Exhibitions through 2010.

Although it is difficult to determine the number of hours Oliver has devoted to the Averitt Center, it is not difficult to see that her love for the center is deeply rooted in her passion for the visual arts. For her leadership, kindness, support and passion, the Averitt Center proudly recognizes Sue Oliver as the 2008 Volunteer of the Year.