Varley Volunteers
The Varley Art Gallery is a wonderful place to volunteer!
Our volunteers are the life and soul of the Varley Gallery, and there is an opportunity for everyone!
Studio Monitor Volunteer Application Package
Summer Camp 2013 Volunteer Application Package
General interest universal Application
Gallery Attendants
Gallery Attendants supervise the exhibition spaces during operating hours to ensure the safety of the artworks on display. In addition to ensuring security, Gallery Attendants also enhance the public’s experience by welcoming all visitors upon entry to the exhibitions. Attendants also provide basic information about the shows presented at the Varley Art Gallery.
Responsibilities
- Welcome visitors into the gallery.
- Ensure safety measures are followed: not allowing photography, food or drinks into the gallery.
- Monitor the gallery to ensure artworks are not touched and all objects are safe.
- Provide visitors with additional information when needed and answer questions from the public.
- Ensure that all visitors leave at closing time.
Skills
A Gallery Attendant must have an appreciation for art and art history. He/she must work well with the public, feel comfortable while speaking to large groups of all ages and have the ability to communicate clearly. This position requires attention to detail, and the ability to stay alert for long periods of time in a quiet environment. In addition to this, Gallery Attendants may have to stand for long periods of time while in the gallery.
Education
- The position of Gallery Attendant requires at minimum, a high school diploma. Gallery Attendants will receive free skills development and on-the-job training provided with each new exhibition.
- Flexible hours, weekdays, weekends and some evenings from February 3rd – May 5th, 2012.
To become a Gallery Attendant, contact Francesca Dauphinais 905-477-7000 ext. 3264
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Special Event Volunteers
Each year, the Varley-McKay Art Foundation presents major fundraising events, including the Varley Fine Art Auction and Fall Palettes Home and Garden Tour. Volunteers are appreciated to assist with greeting guests, acting as information guides, handing out programs, assisting with set up/clean up, and other various activities.
If you are interested in assisting with one of our events, contact Francesca Dauphinais 905-477-7000 ext. 3264 or complete the General Interest Universal Application.
Studio Monitors
If you have a passion for art and enjoy working with children, then you may wish to volunteer during our Art Classes, Camps, Birthday Parties and Free Art Activity days! As a studio monitor, you will provide support to the art instructor and assist children with their art activities. All volunteer hours are credited! Contact Francesca Dauphinais 905-477-7000 ext.3264 or complete the Studio Monitors Application package. Volunteers interested in helping with Summer Camps should submit their application by April 1, 2013.
Behind the Scenes Volunteers
Do you prefer to assist with mailings, telephoning, researching or organizing? Behind the Scenes volunteers do just that, and more! Different skills are required depending on the task at hand. No specific time commitment is required, so if you would like to help out occasionally and/or have an interest in administration within an art gallery, please contact Francesca Dauphinais 905-477-7000 ext.3264.
Gallery Guides (Docents)
Are you interested in Art and Art History? Do you have experience in Education? Are you considering a career in an artistic field? Become a Varley Gallery Docent! Our Docents conduct interactive, discussion-based tours of the permanent collection and temporary exhibition for a variety of age groups. You are expected to be up to date with new exhibition information. Information will be provided by the Education Coordinator, but docents are expected to contribute information at scheduled training sessions.
Docents are trained volunteers who donate their time and energy educating classes of students, families and adult groups in the art gallery.
While Docents are often self motivated, it is the gallery’s responsibility to adequately prepare them, through ongoing training, to convey the institutes message, to entertain and enlighten.
Who can apply?
Enthusiastic, people – oriented individuals, who have a sincere interest in introducing children and adults to Canadian art and the Varley collection.
What does a docent do?
During the 2012/2013 school year, the Varley educators and docents provided interactive tours and hands – on art programs, for many students and adult visitors.
Do you need any special education or training?
Yes some experience with Art History and/or teaching. Having an interest in art, visual culture and lifelong learning are important. We provide on going training.
What type of training does a docent receive?
Future docents attend docent training which introduces them to the permanent art collection and basic tour techniques. Docents then follow tours with established docents/educators and research the topics covered by the training.
What kind of a commitment will I have to make?
The weekday docent program runs until September until June with the exception of school holidays. In addition to meetings, training session once a month, weekday docents are expected to be available 2 – 4 hrs a week to observe or conduct tours. Docents may choose the day most convenient for them. They are expected to be well prepared and reliable. Since being a docent requires a substantial amount of training and dedication.
What do I get in return for being a docent?
A docents job is a rewarding and challenging volunteer position. It is an excellent way to learn more about art and education, to be in a cultural environment, interact with the public and to be an important part of a like – minded team.
We encourage you to apply!
To become a Docent, contact Francesca Dauphinais 905-477-7000 ext. 3264
