Volunteer Spotlight: Lois A. Engel

In this series, Education Department Coordinator Emily Bray profiles volunteers within the museum. The Phillips Collection volunteers are an integral part of the museum and help in many ways: greeting and guiding guests through the museum, helping with Sunday Concerts, assisting patrons in the Library, helping out with Phillips after 5 and special events, and so much more. Our volunteers offer a wealth of expertise and experience to the museum, and we are delighted to highlight several them.

Lois A. Engel, Art Information Volunteer  

 What year did you start volunteering at The Phillips Collection 

2009 

What do you see as the most valuable aspect of your volunteering? 

Providing a gracious welcome to visitors and engaging them in conversations about art in general and their visit to the Phillips in particular. I especially enjoy interacting with our many international visitors. 

What do you do when you are not volunteering at The Phillips Collection?

 I am an independent public policy consultant focusing on workforce development issues. I am also a published freelance writer whose articles have appeared in The Washington Post and online literary journals. 

What is your favorite room or painting here? 

My favorite painting is Chagall’s The Dream because to me it juxtaposes heaven and earth: the lovers in bed, the angel overhead, and the rooster in the barnyard. 

If you had to choose one word to describe Phillips, what would it be? 

Sanctuary 

Share a fun fact about you! 

I’m a devout fan of the now-defunct Sopranos TV series and now enjoy it via multiple DVD sets. 

Is there anything else you would like to share? 

I am grateful to serve as the “face” of the Phillips when I greet our visitors. I brought my now-grown children here as little ones and their interest in art endures in adulthood. I enjoy getting to know the Museum Assistants and learning about their art studies and interests. The Phillips has been a small but special part of my life for over 30 years and volunteering has given me the opportunity to continue that journey.