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Meet Our Volunteers: Dale Aspinall

At Taliesin Preservation, we are fortunate to have a team of volunteers who dedicate their time and unique talents to our organization. In celebration of the diverse community of talented individuals brought together by this incredible place, we’re sharing their individual stories.

Meet Dale, a volunteer photographer and graphic designer at Taliesin!

Dale, tell us about yourself!

I was born and raised in Lake Geneva, WI in a 3 bedroom ranch home that my dad built. (Not everyone in Lake Geneva lives in a mansion on the lake!) I went to Carthage College in Kenosha, WI, and graduated with a degree in graphic design. I married my high school sweetheart. Jess and have three adult children, Camille, Alyssa, and Zach. I had a 35-year career with two different publishing companies as a magazine art director. An illness cut my career short but have been a freelance photographer, illustrator, and graphic designer ever since. I moved to Plain 10 months ago and enjoy the peaceful lifestyle the driftless area has to offer.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by anything visual. Nature, architecture, car design, graphic design, and photography. 

What is an accomplishment that you are really proud of? 

I’m really proud of my 35-year career as a magazine art director that started when I was 23 years old. I designed and was responsible for many magazines in many different industries.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy photography and hiking, the two go hand in hand. I rarely go on a hike without the camera.

I have another hobby I started 3 years ago that’s a little offbeat. I started collecting miniature cars and trucks, but rather than displaying them on a shelf I build miniature buildings and scenes to put them in. I then photograph the scenes hoping to fool people into thinking they’re seeing the real thing! Crazy, I know!

Dale Aspinall’s ’55 Model Packard. See more of his models here.

Can you tell us about your previous volunteer experience?

I volunteered a lot of my time as a coach when my kids were young. I have also volunteered my graphic design skills for different charities.

How did you hear about volunteering for Taliesin Preservation?

I heard about the volunteer position through Indeed. I had always heard about Taliesin and when I saw the ad I jumped at the chance to be a part of it.

What attracted you to us?

The architecture, natural surroundings, and history of Taliesin.

What was it about the volunteer position that interested you?

I saw it as an opportunity to donate my time and talent, meet new people and get involved in the new community that I moved to.

What was your first impression of Taliesin?

My first impression was how much Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture did blend in with the natural landscape and the gardens.

What projects have you worked on so far?

I have photographed the Highlights Tour, Welsh Hills trail tour, Phoebe Point hike, and a student workday.

What has been your favorite part of being a volunteer?

My favorite part of volunteering has been the people I’ve met, staff and visitors.

What do you find most challenging about volunteering here?

I found that photographing people in a way that they can feel at ease and enjoy the tour is the most challenging.

What have you gained by volunteering?

I have gained an appreciation for the architecture, art, and natural areas of Taliesin. I have also gained a feeling of pride in being able to give back.

What would you say to someone considering volunteering with us?

I would say, do it! Especially if you’re retired. You get more out of it than what you give.

Join Dale and our incredible team of volunteers. Volunteer today!