This month, we’re thrilled to shine the Volunteer Spotlight on Jo Ann Grap! Since joining us in 2019, Jo Ann has become an invaluable part of the ArtsQuest community. She’s continued to grow her involvement through the Ambassador Program and even stepped into leadership by shadowing Site Supervisors across multiple Platzes during last year’s Musikfest.
Jo Ann is a warm, reliable presence at our largest events, always ready to jump in and help with a smile. Please join us in celebrating Jo Ann as our February 2026 Spotlighted Volunteer!
How did you start volunteering with us here at ArtsQuest?
With my child-rearing years behind me, I began searching for meaningful ways to spend my time and contribute to the community I’d called home for two decades. My first ArtsQuest shift was SangriaFest in 2019. I was warmly welcomed as a newbie, and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting other volunteers and serving the attendees. What’s not to love about spending a beautiful day with happy people? From that point on, I was hooked and looked forward to volunteering at other events.
What do you like to do for fun outside of volunteering?
I enjoy taking active vacations which have included hiking through U.S. national parks and biking on the islands of Croatia.
As someone who’s recently joined the ambassador program, and shadowed as a Site Supervisor, do you have any advice for newer volunteers looking to get more involved?
The Ambassador program is a gift to volunteers who want to learn and do more for the organization. From Kassie’s presentation of ArtsQuest history, to the staff’s teachings on the complex operations, it delivers well rounded training, and you’ll feel equipped to take on more responsibility.
My shifts shadowing site supervisors have been my favorite. The supervisors are patient, eager to teach and fun to serve with. There is a camaraderie among them that makes you want to be a part of that team. I highly recommend trying this if you want deeper involvement with the organization.
What is a fun or unexpected fact about yourself that other volunteers might be surprised to learn about you?
I hold a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Penn State, a fact that often shocks people, to which I joke ‘Thankfully, I am smarter than I look!”.