Volunteer of the Year: Nena Downing
Updated Jul 20, 2022
Nena Downing began her journey with the Detroit Institute of Arts in March 2015, volunteering in the Museum Shop following her retirement from more than 40 years in the nursing and medical professions. Throughout her life, she has dedicated her time and talents to volunteering in her community, including free health clinics, community health education, church activities and leadership roles in numerous civic organizations.
A resident of Franklin, Michigan, Nena is a devoted wife and mother who loves to cook, read and study nature. She has traveled extensively and is always ready for her next adventure. Nena has always been proud to say she is from Detroit, whether living in the city or the neighboring communities.
Her first memory of visiting the DIA is from a class trip while in elementary school. She still remembers the extraordinary feeling of walking among the great works of art and artifacts. Her personal, lifelong favorite is The Nutgatherers by William Adolphe-Bouguereau.
Today, when she walks the halls, she still feels the echoes of the past, the power of the people who created the art, the history of the building, the people who provide and care for the art, and the majesty that surrounds her. She continues to be filled with a sense of peace and calm with a renewal of spirit.
Nena is proud to be a member of the Museum Shop Volunteer Committee and is in awe of the dedication of her fellow volunteers. She is also honored to serve as vice-chair of the Hospitality DIA Committee and looks forward to the future, working with all of the outstanding volunteers at the DIA. The Museum Shop Volunteer Committee is grateful to Nena for her commitment to the museum and is proud to name her 2015–16 Museum Shop Volunteer of the Year.
Nena Downing began her journey with the Detroit Institute of Arts in March 2015, volunteering in the Museum Shop following her retirement from more than 40 years in the nursing and medical professions. Throughout her life, she has dedicated her time and talents to volunteering in her community, including free health clinics, community health education, church activities and leadership roles in numerous civic organizations.
A resident of Franklin, Michigan, Nena is a devoted wife and mother who loves to cook, read and study nature. She has traveled extensively and is always ready for her next adventure. Nena has always been proud to say she is from Detroit, whether living in the city or the neighboring communities.
Her first memory of visiting the DIA is from a class trip while in elementary school. She still remembers the extraordinary feeling of walking among the great works of art and artifacts. Her personal, lifelong favorite is The Nutgatherers by William Adolphe-Bouguereau.
Today, when she walks the halls, she still feels the echoes of the past, the power of the people who created the art, the history of the building, the people who provide and care for the art, and the majesty that surrounds her. She continues to be filled with a sense of peace and calm with a renewal of spirit.
Nena is proud to be a member of the Museum Shop Volunteer Committee and is in awe of the dedication of her fellow volunteers. She is also honored to serve as vice-chair of the Hospitality DIA Committee and looks forward to the future, working with all of the outstanding volunteers at the DIA. The Museum Shop Volunteer Committee is grateful to Nena for her commitment to the museum and is proud to name her 2015–16 Museum Shop Volunteer of the Year.