The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art is an amazing resource on the JCCC campus not only for art and culture, but also for volunteer opportunities! The Nerman has volunteer positions at the front desk and with docent tours, which you can check at their website. They also always need help in their classrooms! Below is a description of that position, which sounds like so much fun.
Children’s Class Assistants
Benefits: Work with expert art educators, gain childcare and teaching experience in a dynamic environment, learn about contemporary art and artists in the permanent collection and exhibitions, and learn about art museum education as a profession.
Position description: Assist instructors with preparation and implementation of Contemporary Creations and Early Explorations classes, including supervising students during the warm-up project, the gallery component, the studio component, discussion and cleanup. Report to the instructor and the curator of education. Work three to six hours per week. Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1:30-4:30 p.m. shift times available throughout the academic year, and weekday shifts are available in the summer.
Skills and training: Recent studio art coursework or childcare experience is required. Fill out a JCCC application and Nerman Museum application; references will be called and an interview will be scheduled. Review general information packet. Volunteers receive a copy of the lesson plan via email prior to class date.
Tasks:
- Wear Nerman Museum apron and name tag while on duty.
- Arrive 30 minutes before class begins. Meet the instructor in the classroom.
- Welcome students as they arrive. Supervise the warm-up project for the early arrivals. Once all students arrive, the instructor will lead introductions. The visitor service assistant from the information desk will bring the check-in/check-out sheet (clipboard will also have emergency contact information for each student).
- While the instructor conducts the tour, assist by keeping the students together and reinforcing the instructor’s authority, reminding students of the museum rules if they forget.
- After the tour, the instructor will demonstrate the studio project. Gently remind students to pay attention as needed.
- Following the instructor’s suggestions, pass out materials, supervise and assist students as needed
- Supervise students as they clean up.
- Supervise children during the discussion component and supervise them until their parents arrive to pick them up.
- Check students out as they leave with their parents.
- Distribute parent letters and make sure students leave with all belongings and projects.
- Help instructor finish cleanup and prepare materials for next class.
If you’re interested, you can fill out a volunteer application here!
Happy volunteering!