2008 Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in any of the opportunities below, please download this form, fill it out and return it.

 

Discovery Junction
Located on the museum’s canal level, this area includes daily art activities and interactive educational carts that allow visitors to handle and examine objects while interacting with trained volunteers. Are you creative? Work with staff in developing art projects for all ages and assist families in creating take home projects. Greeters are needed to assist visitors as they explore the West through multi-sensory exhibits of the old West and ride from Cheyenne to Deadwood in a full size Concord stagecoach. The Stagecoach experience also includes an interactive kiosk and
cabinet with Western dress for children of all ages to explore. Love to read and tell stories? Trained volunteers can become storytellers for the visitors. Being a storyteller provides an opportunity for volunteers to learn about indigenous peoples and the history and cultures of the West.

Artist in Residence Support
The Artists in Residence (AIR) program brings in both renowned and emerging Native American and Western artists for periods ranging from five days to a month. This support position gives you an opportunity to assist these visiting artists in working with museum visitors during hands-on activities, programs, demonstrations or studio time.

Guides
Guide training is a college level course that prepares volunteers to lead visitors through the galleries and help them understand the art, history and cultures represented in the galleries. Classes begin in October and continue through January with breaks during the holidays. Classes meet one time per week for three hours. This is an ideal position for life long learners.

Hands-on Cart Program
This program is a favorite with volunteers and visitors alike. Volunteers provide an enjoyable and educational experience in a gallery setting through the use of the education collection. Volunteers who have an interest in the art, history and cultures of the American West and the indigenous peoples of North America will find this an unusual and worthwhile experience.

White River Trader
A most unusual gift shop and an opportunity to learn about Western wear, fine jewelry, art, and books that relate to Native American and Western cultures. The White River Trader is a great place to learn more about the retail business.

Greeter
This is for volunteers who enjoy meeting and greeting visitors. Volunteers provide a warm welcome and museum information as visitors enter the museum. This position is critical to the impression that visitors take with them. Training includes regular tours of the museum
and galleries as well as information about the new programs offered. Weekday and weekend shifts are available.

Festivals and Special Events
Two large festivals are held each year. Indian Market is an annual event each June, bringing 150 Native American artists from around the country. The event includes a fine art market, Native American food and entertainment, as is a nationally recognized event that visitors and volunteers enjoy. The market includes free admission to all volunteers. In September, WestFest is the museum’s new Western event which includes music, a chuck wagon, storytellers, ropers, Western food, cowboys and plenty of family activities. Other special events include Winter Market, Las Posadas, Bead Bonanza and a variety of new events.

Membership Sales
Sell the gift of art! We need invigorating, enthusiastic volunteers to join our membership sales team. Recruiting members is not only fun but rewarding as well, and with all exhibits, festivals, and educational programs planned for 2008 the Eiteljorg will practically sell itself.

Clerical Assistant
Clerical volunteers provide a very important function within the museum. They provide support to all staff as we prepare mailings and packets, enter data, and do general clerical tasks. This support position is critical to the basic needs in all areas of the museum. It is a flexible position and changes from week to week. This position is an opportunity to develop office skills in a museum setting.

Internships
Interns are utilized in most departments of the museum. Interns are required to provide a resume and meet with appropriate staff to determine the intern’s needs as well as the museum’s needs. Most internship are individualized to meet the goals of the educational institution and to assist each person in leaving with a firm understanding of the museum’s mission, programs and exhibits and policies. The museum staff is highly recognized and offers insight into the museum world.

There are many other opportunities available. Training is required for all positions, and volunteers receive many benefits including a museum membership after 40 hours service in a given year. Come and join the fun! For more information contact Deborah Kish at (317) 275-1325 or at dkish@eiteljorg.com.