Volunteer of the Year: David Galli

Updated Jul 20, 2022

Community

As the saying goes, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” We say, “If you want something done with dedication and commitment, ask David Galli, our IPV of the Year.”

In his 15 years as a volunteer at the DIA, Dave has given his time and talent to the museum in countless ways. In 1990, he joined the Volunteer Membership Committee and served for nine years, not only as a member but also as chairman. In 1999, he left the DIA to pursue the demands of a full-time job but returned in 2009 and became a member of Gallery Information. It wasn’t long before he was elected for a two-year position as chairman of this committee as well. In 2011, Dave applied for a place in the IPV training class—and the rest is history.

David GalliDave defines what it means to be a dedicated IPV. He is committed to learning and to sharing his knowledge with others. He trains for virtually every type of tour and special exhibition the DIA offers. This year alone, he has given more than 175 tours, talks and presentations, both inside and outside of the museum.

Dave is comfortable talking with people of all ages from any place. At the annual Honorary Luncheon, it was Dave who was asked to give our retired IPVs a tour of the newly installed AME Gallery. On weekends, you can find Dave focusing his attention on the children he takes on Family Tours. Dave loves to give special tours for New Members, VIPs or first-time visitors, and his knowledge and enthusiasm make him a perfect ambassador for the DIA.

Dave is very active in bringing the DIA to the community, offering to give special exhibition presentations or Behind the Seen talks at libraries and senior centers. Although he has logged in excess of 400 miles of travel, it is impossible for Dave to refuse a request to drive a great distance when people ask for him by name.

In addition to his duties as an IPV, Dave assists with DIA Welcome Seminars and is the current treasurer of the Volunteer Council. If that were not enough, he is one of the photographers of the IPV Committee and has submitted more than 1,000 photos this year alone.

When asked what inspires him, Dave replied, “I love the DIA and its collection. For me, it’s a safe and wondrous place to be, especially when I need to recharge. When giving a tour, I love the looks on people’s faces when they see something they hadn’t seen before and share my enthusiasm for the art. I try to make it come alive for them.”

Congratulations, Dave! We’re very proud that you are a member of our committee, and we are honored to name you our 2015–16 IPV Volunteer of the Year.

As the saying goes, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” We say, “If you want something done with dedication and commitment, ask David Galli, our IPV of the Year.”

In his 15 years as a volunteer at the DIA, Dave has given his time and talent to the museum in countless ways. In 1990, he joined the Volunteer Membership Committee and served for nine years, not only as a member but also as chairman. In 1999, he left the DIA to pursue the demands of a full-time job but returned in 2009 and became a member of Gallery Information. It wasn’t long before he was elected for a two-year position as chairman of this committee as well. In 2011, Dave applied for a place in the IPV training class—and the rest is history.

David GalliDave defines what it means to be a dedicated IPV. He is committed to learning and to sharing his knowledge with others. He trains for virtually every type of tour and special exhibition the DIA offers. This year alone, he has given more than 175 tours, talks and presentations, both inside and outside of the museum.

Dave is comfortable talking with people of all ages from any place. At the annual Honorary Luncheon, it was Dave who was asked to give our retired IPVs a tour of the newly installed AME Gallery. On weekends, you can find Dave focusing his attention on the children he takes on Family Tours. Dave loves to give special tours for New Members, VIPs or first-time visitors, and his knowledge and enthusiasm make him a perfect ambassador for the DIA.

Dave is very active in bringing the DIA to the community, offering to give special exhibition presentations or Behind the Seen talks at libraries and senior centers. Although he has logged in excess of 400 miles of travel, it is impossible for Dave to refuse a request to drive a great distance when people ask for him by name.

In addition to his duties as an IPV, Dave assists with DIA Welcome Seminars and is the current treasurer of the Volunteer Council. If that were not enough, he is one of the photographers of the IPV Committee and has submitted more than 1,000 photos this year alone.

When asked what inspires him, Dave replied, “I love the DIA and its collection. For me, it’s a safe and wondrous place to be, especially when I need to recharge. When giving a tour, I love the looks on people’s faces when they see something they hadn’t seen before and share my enthusiasm for the art. I try to make it come alive for them.”

Congratulations, Dave! We’re very proud that you are a member of our committee, and we are honored to name you our 2015–16 IPV Volunteer of the Year.