Volunteers

Our Volunteer Artists

We are grateful to have some of the most talented professionals working in animated films, TV series, video games, illustrated books, comics, and more in our volunteer talent pool. This allows us to offer a wide variety of activities for the children we serve, and allows us to share some great career guidance for our young aspiring artists too.

See our Past Events page to learn more about our volunteers and see their work with the wonderful Ink Well kids!

In Memoriam:

For 15 years, legendary animator, Howard Beckerman, shared his incredible gift with the children we serve. His gentle spirit and humor encouraged even the shyest of kids to pick up a pencil and try their hand at drawing Popeye or Mickey Mouse or an original character all their own. He’d teach action lines and trompe l’oeil and vanishing points and perspective, making complex ideas into simple, achievable fun, and building up the kids’ confidence without any fuss. Howard just knew how to be patient and let the kids come to him in their own time, and isn’t that the secret to any true and trusted connection? We’re so grateful for you, Howard. You’ll always be a part of our circle.

It is with a very heavy heart that we say farewell to our dear friend, Nina Frenkel.  Nina volunteered regularly with us since 2009.  In the summer of 2016, she lost her own hard-fought battle with cancer.  Nina was the epitome of grace and giving.  She focused completely on each child she drew with at our events, comforting and empathizing with them on a very personal level.  We love you and will always miss you, Nina.

Our dear friend and long-time volunteer, Barbara Garrison brought so much charm and chutzpah wherever she went. The Ink Well kids and volunteers alike loved her beautiful bears and pumpkin hat, her sarcastic wit and stories of her native England. Barbara was one of the toughest yet gentlest people we’ve known and we are so grateful for her dedication as she traveled all across the city to bring warmth and support to so many children. 

We were honored to have legendary comic book artist, Stan Goldberg, as an Ink Well member. His brilliant work on Archie, the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man and many other characters will continue to inspire young artists for all time to come.  Thank you, Stan, for sharing your light and laughter and talent with our kids and for being a dear friend to us all.