|
 |
 |
|
|
By: Claudia King
Photography: Courtesy of the Nasher Sculpture Center
Date Posted: 1/28/2010
|
|
| | |
|
|
| | |
|  |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Volunteer at: The Nasher Sculpture Center
Parents looking for a volunteer opportunity with an artistic flair will love lending a hand at Dallas’ renowned Nasher Sculpture Center. Kristen Gibbins, associate director of media relations at the Nasher Sculpture Center, says that, while volunteer opportunities are open to adults only, the center’s wide array of kid-friendly programs—including the Target First Saturdays and exhibition opening celebrations—make the Nasher the perfect spot for parents who want to make a difference in the community.
The Nasher, which opened in 2003, displays modern and contemporary sculpture from the collections of the late Raymond and Patsy Nasher, whose acquisitions include masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and more. In addition to its permanent collection, the center welcomes special exhibitions throughout the year. The most recent special exhibition, Jaume Plensa: Genus and Species, opened Jan. 30 and includes works by Plensa that have never been seen in public before.
Gibbins says the Nasher&rs
quo;s volunteers enjoy several important jobs within the center. “Nasher Sculpture Center volunteers are utilized in a number of ways. During regular museum hours, volunteers may be stationed at the front desk in the admissions area to greet visitors, answer questions and hand out brochures and audio tours about the Nasher Collection. They may be stationed at the membership table for on-site membership sales,” Gibbins explains. “Or volunteers may help Nasher staff—including the membership, marketing and public relations departments—with general administrative duties like paperwork, mailings and filings. During special events, volunteers assist the events team with setup, check-in, photo-ops and other duties as needed.”
Nasher volunteers are required to be 18 years of age or older, but the museum is currently in the process of developing a new program for high school students that will enable teens to serve in volunteer capacities for the Nasher and meet their school’s community service requirem
ents.
Gibbins continues, “Volunteers are encouraged to commit to the Nasher Sculpture Center for a minimum of six months.” All volunteers are required to have a background check and attend an orientation that educates volunteers about the building, garden and collection and includes a tour, a screening of The Nasher Sculpture Center: A Gift to Dallas and a self-guided audio tour. “Personalized, hands-on training may also be required, depending on the nature of the volunteer’s specific duties,” says Gibbins. And there are perks, too: Nasher volunteers receive a free T-shirt, a 10 percent discount in the Nasher Sculpture Center Store and four free passes for every 50 hours spent volunteering.
Gibbins adds, “The No. 1 thing we hope volunteers take away from their experience is a strong sense of pride in furthering the Nasher’s mission of being an international focal point and catalyst for the study, installation, conservation and appreciation of modern and contemporary sculpture.”
|
|
|
