VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT CHEEKWOOD

Special Events
Museum of Art Docent
Garden Guide
Garden Volunteer 
Administrative 
Art Activities Assistant 
Welcome Center Greeter 
Museum of Art Greeter
Library 
Booth Assistant/ Community Outreach (Speaker's Bureau) 
Hospitality 
Sculpture Maintenance
Summer Camp 
Chihuly Host
Chihuly TEAM CLEAN  
Museum Exhibition Intern

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.

For more information contact the Manager of Volunteer Programs and Services 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

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

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.
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.

For more information contact the Manager of Volunteer Programs and Services 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
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

For more information contact the Manager of Volunteer Programs and Services 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.
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

For more information contact the Manager of Volunteer Programs and Services at volunteers@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6966 or apply online.

Library

Assist with the organization and cataloging of the botanical library collection.   

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

For more information contact the Manager of Volunteer Programs and Services at volunteers@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6966 or apply online.

Welcome Center Greeter

Be the face of Cheekwood!  Welcome visitors as you answer questions, give directions and offer information about current exhibitions and events.

Location: The Welcome Center Inforamtion Desk at Botanic Hall (only)
Key Responsibilities: Greet Cheekwood visitors, answer visitor questions, answer the phone, transfer calls, sell and renew memberships
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

For more information contact the Manager of Volunteer Programs and Services at volunteers@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6966 or apply online.

Museum of Art Greeter
Be the face of Cheekwood! Welcome visitors as you answer questions, give directions and offer information about current exhibitions and events.

Location: The Museum of Art foyer
Key Responsibilities: Greet Cheekwood visitors, answer visitor questions, answer the phone, transfer calls, sell and renew memberships
Time Commitment: At least one shift per month; 2 hours per shift
Time Frame: Year round; Tuesday-Saturday 2:30am-4:30pm
Qualifications: Friendly and outgoing personality, basic computer skills, must complete
Volunteer Orientation as well as two Volunteer Training Sessions 

For more information contact the Manager of Volunteer Programs and Services at volunteers@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6966 or apply online.

Booth Assistant/Community Outreach (Speaker's Bureau)

Educate the community about Cheekwood while you help recruit new volunteers.

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.
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

For more information contact the Manager of Volunteer Programs and Services 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
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

For more information contact the Manager of Volunteer Programs and Services at volunteers@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6966 or apply online.

Sculpture Maintenance

Have a background in arts?  Assist in the maintenance of Cheekwood’s beautiful sculpture collection.

Location: Cheekwood Botanical Gardens
Key Responsibilities: Maintain garden sculptures
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.

For more information contact the Manager of Volunteer Programs and Services 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 a Summer Camp volunteer. A volunteer assists instructors, campers and Cheekwood staff members. They will help prepare supplies for the classes as well as assist students who may need guidance. Volunteers get to work with a wide range of art styles and materials. Art aprons 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.
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 

For more information contact the Manager of Volunteer Programs and Services at volunteers@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6966 or apply online.

Chihuly Host 
Be part of something truly amazing! In conjunction with the Cheekwood 50th Anniversary festivities of 2010, you can help instruct and inform visitors in the Gardens or the Museum of Art about several of the pieces in this impressive exhibition. 

Key Responsibilities: Stationed at a pre-assigned piece throughout the property, you will help educate visitors about Cheekwood, Chihuly and his artwork
Time Commitment: 2 hour shifts; a minimum of one shift every other week
Tuesday, Saturday: 10:30am-12:30pm; 12:30pm-2:30pm; 2:30pm-4:30pm 
Wednesday: 10:30-12:30, 12:30-2:30, 2:30-4:30 & 7pm-10pm
Thursday, Friday: 10:30am-12:30pm; 12:30pm-3pm; 3pm-5:30pm; 7pm-10pm
Sundays: 11:30am-2pm; 2pm-4:30pm
Time Frame: May-October 2010

For more information contact the Manager of Volunteer Programs and Services at volunteers@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6966 or apply online.

Chihuly TEAM CLEAN 
Responsible for keeping our Chihuly artwork looking its best, this select group will receive specialized training to work directly with the objects- cleaning and maintaining each piece with prescribed tools and techniques. 

Key Responsibilities: Team CLEAN cleans and maintains Chihuly objects in pristine condition
Time Commitment: 2 hour shifts, a minimum of one shift every other week
Time Frame: May-October 2010; days and times can be flexible

For more information contact the Manager of Volunteer Programs and Services at volunteers@cheekwood.org or (615) 353-6966 or apply online.

Museum Exhibition Intern
Cheekwood Museum Exhibition Internships are designed for the university or college student seeking to gain hands-on experience in a non-profit museum and/or botanic garden. Interns will experience all aspects of day-to-day museum operations, including working with different departments of a museum and observing how various departments interact with one another.

Majors in education, art education, art history, studio art, arts management, business, communications, marketing and/or related areas of study are desired.

Internships are offered during the school year, coinciding with the fall semester, spring semester, and summer break. This program is ideal for students registered in programs that permit independent studies, and courses that require internships or practicum credits.

Hours/Time Commitment:
Internships are available between April 1st and November 19th. Hours vary and are flexible, but a minimum of 12 hours per week is generally expected, with a 6 week minimum commitment.

Compensation/College Credit:
All interns are encouraged to obtain academic credit for internships through their academic institution. Cheekwood currently offers no paid internship positions but does offer a Perk Program*.
*Please see the Benefits section of the Cheekwood Volunteer Policies & Procedures Manual

Description:
Museum Exhibition Internships are designed to expose students to the multi-faceted and high energy field of museum operations while providing students with opportunities to apply their learned classroom skills in a real-world environment.

Responsibilities Include:
• Instructing visitors about the current exhibition, the artist and his/her work
• Assisting Exhibition Volunteers with preparation and execution of Events and Projects
• Overseeing administration projects including scheduling a calendar of events and Exhibition Volunteer shifts (must be proficient in Excel)
• Preparing supplies and materials for trainings
• Organizing and developing curriculum for various training programs
• Providing superb customer service for both Exhibition Volunteers and Cheekwood visitors

Experience in the following areas is preferred:
• Experience supervising/managing individuals
• Art and/or Horticulture
• Public speaking
• Museum Studies and it’s application
• Customer Service

Application Must Include:
• Volunteer Application (found at http://www.cheekwood.org/Contribute/Volunteer.aspx)
• Resume
• Letter of Interest 

Mail or email applications to:
sbell@cheekwood.org
-or-
Cheekwood Internships
Attn: Susan Bell
1200 Forrest Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37205