Art and community are two things that matter for Renea Dauntes. Through her work as a photo archivist and artist, or her work with organizations like Brown Bag Runs, Dauntes keeps moving forward in the name of making her community a better place to live.
"Engaging in the community is a part of everything I do." Dauntes says, "My art is usually in response to current events. I have a strong conviction to challenge the barriers that keep people in mental cages."
Renea Dauntes works as a photo archivist for Scott Hyde, a local photographer. That role is Dauntes' day job, but she does not view it as work but rather as a journey.
"I am able to get my hands on history through photographs that have not been seen by many people; my curiosity serves me well. Research and story telling became an integral part when I decided to tell Scott Hyde's story to allow him the relevance in art history that he deserves." Dauntes said, "I've been able to help others with their research and exhibition projects as a result of archiving the vast collection."
While Dauntes is not working on archiving bits of history, she has many different roles. Those roles include being a mother, an artist, a seamstress, an educator, a consultant, a curator, and a self-proclaimed wanderer.
Dauntes' connection to her community runs deep through everything she does. Dauntes uses her artistic passion to host an art studio once a week at the Guyon Saunders Resource Center. Dauntes also works for the betterment of her community through an organization called Amarillo Brown Bag Runs. That organization, led by Kip Billups, works to feed those in the area who are homeless. Recently, Dauntes also joined the board of directors for the local chapter of the Habitat for Humanity.
The already busy schedule is not the end for Renea Dauntes. She has even more plans for her community in the future.
"In the future, I'd like to be able to empower community members in a myriad of ways." Dauntes said, "Discussion is in the works for programs that range from cleaning up neighborhoods to raising awareness in political endeavors."
For those who are looking to make their community better, Dauntes suggests volunteering through the opportunities that are already possible.
"Start where your feet land in the morning. From the time you leave your home until the time you return, you're going to have opportunities to make a difference. Pick up that piece of trash you see on the ground even if it isn't yours. Volunteer one hour a month."
And if you need an idea on where to volunteer, you can ask Renea Dauntes to point you on the right path.
"If you want to try volunteering, I'm happy to help figure out where you might like to spend some time."
