For 18 years, Joyce Blakey has helped with running the shop, stock-taking, mentoring new volunteers and providing a front-of-house service to visitors.
Now, the 88-year-old is among three nominees for an award at the first Cornwall Celebrates Volunteering ceremony being held in Truro today.
Mrs Blakey said: "I'm very surprised about the nomination. I do love helping out in the gallery, it's like a family.
"My husband and I moved down here when we retired. Unfortunately, he died and I wanted something to do. I used to do all day Thursday and all day Friday, but as you get older you need to slow down."
She added: "When I started I didn't know anything about art, so I've learned a bit over the years!"
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● See next week's Cornishman for all the results from the Cornwall Celebrates Volunteering Awards.