VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT CHEEKWOOD

Welcome Center Greeter
Gift Shop Greeter
Museum of Art Docent
Museum of Art Greeter
Garden Guide
Garden Volunteer
Art Activities Assistant
Booth Assistant/Outreach Events
Community Outreach and Speakers Bureau
Administrative
Library Coordinator
Special Events
Sculpture Maintenance
Hospitality
Summer Camp

Welcome Center Greeter

Greeters welcome visitors to Cheekwood, tell them about current exhibitions and events, describe areas of interest at Cheekwood, explain maps and exhibition literature, and answer visitor questions.

Location: The Welcome Center at Botanic Hall; Information Desk

Key Responsibilities: Greet Cheekwood visitors, answer visitor questions, answer the phone, transfer calls, sell and renew memberships

Reports to: Volunteer Coordinator

Time Commitment: At least one shift per month; 3.5 hours per shift

Time Frame: Year round; Tuesday-Saturday 9:30am-1pm or 1pm-4:30pm; Sunday 12pm-3:30pm

Qualifications: Friendly and outgoing personality, basic computer skills, must complete

Volunteer Orientation as well as two Volunteer Training Sessions
Support Provided: Welcome Center Administrator and Volunteer Coordinator

For more information contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6966 or apply online.

Gift Shop Greeter

Greeters welcome visitors to Cheekwood, tell them about current exhibitions and events, describe areas of interest at Cheekwood, explain maps and exhibition literature, and answer visitor questions.

Location: The Cheekwood Gift Shop

Key Responsibilities: Greet Cheekwood visitors at the Gift Shop entrance, answer visitor questions, process Cheekwood memberships.

Reports to: Gift Shop Sales Associates, Gift Shop Manager and Volunteer Coordinator

Time Commitment: One shift per month; 3 hours per shift

Time Frame: Year round; Every day except Monday; 11:00am to 2:00pm

Qualifications: Friendly and outgoing personality, prior customer service experience a plus but not required, must complete Volunteer Orientation as well as two Volunteer Training Sessions

Support Provided: Gift Shop Sales Associates and Manager; Volunteer Coordinator

For more information contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6966 or apply online.

Museum of Art Docent

Docents enhance the visitor experience by leading interactive tours and sharing valuable knowledge about Cheekwood and the Museum of Art.

Location: The Museum of Art

Key Responsibilities: Guide visitors through Cheekwood’s art collections and special exhibitions while providing insightful commentary and answering questions.

Reports to: Docent Coordinator

Time Commitment: At least two tours per month; tours last about 1 hour plus prep time

Time Frame: Tours are scheduled as needed. Year round although Spring and Fall are the busy seasons.

Qualifications: Friendly and outgoing personality, must complete Docent Training
Support Provided: Docent Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator

For more information contact the Docent Coordinator at cgregory@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6971 or apply online.

Museum of Art Greeter

Welcome visitors to the Museum of Art, answer questions about exhibitions, the mansion, Cheek family history and the gardens.

Location: The Museum of Art

Key Responsibilities: Welcome visitors, tell them about current exhibitions, explain maps and exhibition literature, answer visitor questions, answer phones as visitor traffic permits

Reports to: Volunteer Coordinator

Time Commitment: At least one shift per month; 2 hours per shift

Time Frame: Year round; Tuesday-Friday 2:30pm-4:30pm

Qualifications: Friendly and outgoing personality, must complete Volunteer Orientation as well as Docent Training

Support Provided: Volunteer Coordinator and Docent Coordinator

For more information contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6966 or apply online.

Garden Guide

Garden Guides enhance the visitor experience by leading interactive tours and sharing valuable knowledge about Cheekwood and its sculpture and gardens.

Location: Cheekwood Botanical Gardens

Key Responsibilities: Guide visitors through Cheekwood’s gardens and outdoor exhibitions while providing commentary and answering questions.

Reports to: Docent Coordinator

Time Commitment: At least two tours per month; tours last about 1 hour plus prep time

Time Frame: Tours are scheduled as needed. Year round although Spring and Fall are the busy seasons.

Qualifications: Friendly and outgoing personality, must complete Volunteer Orientation as well as Garden Guide Training

Support Provided: Docent Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator

For more information contact the Docent Coordinator at cgregory@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6971 or apply online.

Garden Volunteer

Garden Volunteers enjoy working in beautiful surroundings under the direction of knowledgeable staff. Tools will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear closed toe shoes and bring their own gloves, hats or sunscreen, and insect repellant.

Location: Cheekwood Botanical Gardens

Key Responsibilities: Tasks include weeding, watering, grooming, planting, and other maintenance assignments as well as answering visitor questions.

Reports to: Garden staff

Time Commitment: At least two shifts per month; 2 or 3 hours per shift

Time Frame: March-October; Tuesday-Friday, shift times vary between 8am and 3pm; occasional weekends

Qualifications: Garden experience a plus but not necessary. Must be physically able to do light garden work outdoors. Must complete Volunteer Orientation as well as two Volunteer Training Sessions.

Support Provided: Garden staff and Volunteer Coordinator

For more information contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6966 or apply online.

Art Activities Assistant

 
Assist teachers and students as they have fun with unique hands-on art activities that encompass a wide range of styles and materials. Classes are built upon changing exhibitions and seasons in the Museum of Art and Botanical Gardens and feature fun activities for families and children of all ages. Smocks are provided but “dress for mess.”

Options: Cheekwood needs Art Activities Assistants for various regular classes (Saturday AM and Tuesdays for Tots) as well as for episodic and seasonal classes and functions such as
Summer Camp (more information on Summer Camp below).

Location: The Cheekwood Frist Learning Center

Key Responsibilities: Support instructor by providing one-on-one assistance to participants.

Reports to: Art Teachers and other Program Staff

Time Commitment: At least one class per month; 3 hour shifts

Time Frame: Saturday AM is 9:30am-12:30pm every Saturday (year round); Tuesdays for Tots is 9:30am-12:30pm every Tuesday (September-May). Seasonal and episodic classes vary.

Qualifications: A love of children and art, must complete Volunteer Orientation as well as two Volunteer Training Sessions

Support Provided: Art Teachers and other Program staff, Volunteer Coordinator

For more information contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6966 or apply online.

Booth Assistant/Outreach Events

Assist Cheekwood staff as they involve visitors in interactive art and learning activities that encompass a wide range of topics and materials.

Location: Cheekwood as well as other venues around Nashville (festivals, schools etc.)

Key Responsibilities: Assist staff with hands-on activities for children and their families by providing one-on-one assistance to participants.

Reports to: School & Outreach Programs Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator

Time Commitment: At least one function per quarter; shifts vary and normally last 2-4 hours

Time Frame: Varies; Functions and events occur throughout the year.

Qualifications: A love of children and art, must complete Volunteer Orientation as well as two Volunteer Training Sessions

Support Provided: School & Outreach Programs Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator

For more information contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6966 orapply online.

Community Outreach and Speakers Bureau

Educate the community about Cheekwood.

Location: Various locations throughout Nashville

Key Responsibilities: Speak at community events on behalf of Cheekwood to share information about Cheekwood, special exhibitions and volunteer opportunities.

Reports to: Volunteer Coordinator

Time Commitment: At least one engagement per quarter; usually about 2 hours.

Time Frame: Varies; Functions and events occur throughout the year.

Qualifications: A thorough knowledge of Cheekwood history, as well as current exhibitions. Must complete Volunteer Orientation as well as two Volunteer Training Sessions.
Support Provided: Volunteer Coordinator

For more information contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6966 or apply online.

Administrative

Be an integral part of helping Cheekwood run efficiently and smoothly. Help staff members with important administrative tasks.

Location: Various Cheekwood departments

Key Responsibilities: Mailings, data entry, stuffing membership packets, filing and various organizational tasks

Reports to: Various departmental staff

Time Commitment: At least one shift per month; shifts are 2-4 hours

Time Frame: Varies; year round.

Qualifications: Organized and detail oriented, must complete Volunteer Orientation as well as two Volunteer Training Sessions

Support Provided: Various departmental staff and Volunteer Coordinator

For more information contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6966 or apply online.

Library Coordinator

Assist with the organization and cataloging of the botanical library collection so it is easily accessible to Cheekwood visitors.

Location: Botanic Hall Library

Key Responsibilities: Assist staff as they organize and catalogue books, keep shelves tidy, and assist visitors with locating particular items.

Reports to: Human Resource Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator

Time Commitment: At least one shift per month; 3 hours per shift

Time Frame: Year round; Tuesday-Friday

Qualifications: Library experience a plus but not required. Must complete Volunteer Orientation as well as two Volunteer Training Sessions.

Support Provided: Human Resource Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator

For more information contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6966 or apply online.

Special Events

Be a part of making a Cheekwood Special Event fun and fabulous!

Some of our events include:
El Dia de Los Muertos (usually the last Saturday in October)
- Assistance with art activities
- Vendor/Marketplace coordination
- Assistance with educational activities
- Entertainment coordination
Season of Celebration (Cookie decorating and story telling activities are from 10am-2pm every Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas. You can sign up for a 2 hour shift.)
- Assistance with weekly cookie decorating activities (2 hour shifts available from 10am-2pm every Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas)
- Storytelling (2 hour shifts available from 10am-2pm every Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas)
- Tree/Decoration assistance (shifts vary)
Scholastic Art Competition (mid January)
- Accepting & sorting artwork
- Assistance with adjudication process
- Tallying scores
- Scholastic Award Reception (late January)
Antiques & Garden Show (mid February)
- Assist staff with Cheekwood booth, while enjoying the show!
Spring Art Hop- (late March)
- Assistance with fun art activities & egg hunts
- Assistance with educational activities
- Entertainment coordination
Highballs & Hydrangeas (mid April & mid August)
- Greet and direct visitors
- Admit visitors
- Sell drink tickets
Exhibition Previews (year round)
- Greet and direct visitors

Location: Various locations throughout Cheekwood

Key Responsibilities: Assist visitors in a variety of ways including greeting and directing them, selling memberships, selling tickets, or helping out with egg hunts or special art projects etc.

Reports to: Program Staff and Volunteer Coordinator

Time Commitment: You can volunteer for as many events as you wish. Shifts are 2-4 hours.

Time Frame: Throughout the year.

Qualifications: Must complete Volunteer Orientation as well as two Volunteer Training Sessions.

Support Provided: Program Staff and Volunteer Coordinator

For more information contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6966 or apply online.

Sculpture Maintenance

Assist in the maintenance of Cheekwood’s beautiful sculpture collection.

Location: Cheekwood Botanical Gardens

Key Responsibilities: Maintain garden sculptures

Reports to: Curator of Contemporary Art

Time Commitment: 6-8 hours per week, every week

Time Frame: Year round; days and times can be flexible

Qualifications: Art degree a plus; experience with fine objects necessary. Must complete Volunteer Orientation as well as two Volunteer Training Sessions.

Support Provided: Curator of Contemporary Art and Volunteer Coordinator

For more information contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6966 or apply online.

Hospitality

Provide refreshments or help with set-up/clean-up for events such as the annual Volunteer Meet & Greet.

Location: Various locations throughout Cheekwood

Key Responsibilities: Assist in event preparation, greet and direct participants, help provide snacks or decorations

Reports to: Volunteer Coordinator

Time Commitment: At least one event per year

Time Frame: Varies throughout the year

Qualifications: Likes to host or bake, must complete Volunteer Orientation as well as two Volunteer Training Sessions

Support Provided: Volunteer Coordinator

For more information contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6966 or apply online.

Summer Camp

 
High School and Middle School volunteers welcome! You will receive in-service credit as “Counselors in Training.” CIT’s get to work with a wide range of art styles and materials. Smocks are provided but “dress for mess.”

Location: The Cheekwood Frist Learning Center

Key Responsibilities: Assist teachers with hands-on art activities for children, provide one-on-one assistance to participants.

Reports to: Art Teachers and other Program staff; Volunteer Coordinator

Time Commitment: At least one full week

Time Frame: Monday through Friday from June through August. Camp is open 8am-5pm with volunteer shifts available 9am-12pm, 1pm-4pm, or all day 9am-4pm.

Qualifications: Must love children and art, must complete Volunteer Orientation and Summer Camp Training

Support Provided: Program staff and Volunteer Coordinator

For more information contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6966 or apply online.