Seattle Opera’s Artists’ Aides play a vital role in company operations. Originally conceived by Glynn Ross as a means of driving artists from the airport to their accommodations, the group was at first part of the Seattle Opera Guild. In 1983, Speight Jenkins made them an adjunct of Seattle Opera directly and asked them to take on additional responsibilities. They now also help visiting artists with transportation to rehearsals, with groceries, errands, doctors’ visits, and sometimes even babysitting. They do everything possible to make the artists’ stay in Seattle comfortable and pleasant—and often forge friendships that endure long after the performances are over.