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Becoming a Museum volunteer can be a rewarding experience, offering personal enrichment, increased knowledge of the arts, and an opportunity to develop new skills and meet new friends with similar interests. At the same time, volunteers strengthen the Museum and play an active role in its success. The benefits of volunteering are many. You will receive discounts in the Museum Store and the Terrace Café, annual recognition events, volunteer travel opportunities, and free parking. All volunteers must be members of the museum and commit to work at least three hours a month. As a volunteer at the Birmingham Museum of Art, you can contribute your time and talents in many different ways. You do not need to have an art background to be involved – we will train you! Persons who are interested in volunteering may find opportunities in one of the areas below. For more information, contact Rhonda Hethcox, Volunteer Coordinator, at (205) 254-2070 or submit a volunteer application. Docents
are the face and the voice of the Museum to thousands of visitors every
year. After a nine-month training
course on the collection, volunteers are ready to give tours.
This placement requires an enthusiasm for the Museum’s collection,
a talent for communication with children and adults, and a two-year
commitment. For more information contact Louise
Brasher at (205) 254-2566, ext. 3968, or submit a docent
application online. A new docent class will begin
in Fall 2004.
Museum
Ambassadors share the Museum’s collections and programs with the community
through presentations to local clubs and organizations.
Ambassadors receive special training by the Museum curators,
and slides and information are provided by the Museum. The
information desk is the gateway to the Museum. Volunteers will greet visitors, answer questions,
give directions, rent audioguides and advise guests about exhibitions
and programs
The
Museum Store carries a wide array
of jewelry, art, books, stationery, and many gift items. Volunteers assist in showing and restocking
merchandise and greeting visitors.
This is an ideal place for volunteers who like working with people
and meeting the general public. Contact Rhonda Hethcox, Volunteer Coordinator, at (205) 254-2070 or volunteer online.
Staff
assistants work with the Museum staff in the administration office,
the Clarence B. Hanson, Jr. Library,
the registrar’s office, the education office, or as curatorial assistants. On-the-job training is provided as needed. Contact Rhonda Hethcox, Volunteer Coordinator, at (205) 254-2070 or volunteer online. Special events volunteers assist the education department and curators with events such as Family Day and Children’s Day. Contact
Rhonda Hethcox,
Volunteer Coordinator, at (205) 254-2070 or volunteer
online. For
major exhibitions, extra volunteers are needed for ticket distribution,
audio cassette rental, store sales and information desk assistance.
This commitment is more flexible because it extends only for
the duration of the exhibition. Contact
Rhonda Hethcox,
Volunteer Coordinator, at (205) 254-2070 or volunteer
online.
The Teen Volunteer program enables students ages 14 through 18 to experience the diverse world of the Birmingham Museum of Art and its programs. During the Fall/Winter, Winter/Spring or Summer terms, Junior Volunteers have the opportunity to volunteer as Hess Gallery Attendants, Family Fun Day Assistants or as Special Events Assistants. Contact
Kristen Greenwood
at (205) 254-2571 or volunteer online. |
