Education

Volunteer Opportunities

Erin Mathias leads a videoconference discussion.

Volunteers are an integral part of the success of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. There are a number of ways to volunteer at American Art, either interacting with the public or working behind-the-scenes on special projects.

Museum Docents

Docents conduct visits for adults and school groups of all ages at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery, in addition to presenting community outreach programs. If you enjoy discussing artwork with others, consider joining the docent program. For more information, contact wilsoncl@si.edu.

Videoconference Presenters

Videoconferencing provides a great opportunity to talk to students across the country about artworks without leaving Washington, DC. No television or videoconference experience is required. For more information, e-mail AmericanArtEducation@si.edu.

Art Signs Gallery Guides

Fluent in American Sign Language (ASL)? Interested in expressing your thoughts and raising questions about American art? Art Signs Guides facilitate thirty-minute gallery conversations in ASL for deaf and hearing impaired visitors. For more information, contact wilsoncl@si.edu.

Art à la Cart Volunteers

How do you hold an artist's palette? Does bronze feel grainy or silky, warm or cool? How is a bison like a shopping mall? A limited number of volunteers, ages sixteen and above, are needed to introduce American art through hands-on activities to families with children, ages 6–12. For more information, contact NicholsS@si.edu.

Luce Foundation Center Information Desk

The Luce Foundation Center is often looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help at its information desk. E-mail SAAMLuce@si.edu or call (202) 633-5435 for details.

Internship Program

If you are a college student who is interested in a museum career, check out the Smithsonian American Art Museum's nationally recognized internship program.

Behind-The-Scenes/Museum Information Desk

To learn more about behind-the-scenes volunteer opportunities at the Smithsonian or to apply to be a visitor information specialist at the museum's information desk, check out Smithsonian opportunities for volunteer service or e-mail info@si.edu.