Special Skills:
As a nonprofit organization, it is always helpful to have connections to community members who know how to do ALL the things! We often need help with…
…building maintenance (construction, plumbing, electrical, etc.). We are housed in a VERY old building on Main Street in Staunton, IL. There are always things that need to be repaired or built or replaced. Can you help?
…event demos/entertainment (artists, musicians, performers of all kinds). Seeing artists in action inspires people to create! At MAC events, we want the community to truly experience the creative atmosphere we strive to achieve. Featuring local artists/performers is a part of our gallery’s mission. We are always open to workshops, demos, and performances. We exist both FOR and BECAUSE of talented local artists like you! Let’s support each other! (btw, have you considered teaching a class?)
Do you have skills you would like to share with your community?
These special projects/volunteer positions are looking for just the right person. Is that person YOU? Click the position’s title to apply!
Gallery Intern Curator:
You will be the keeper of the Gallery!! This position is an unpaid internship. Each show will need an intern curator. You can apply for one show or all. When complete, you will receive a letter of completion for your records. If applicable, we are also able to provide recommendation letters for college programs and future positions. This position can be connected to any recurring/upcoming gallery show (a show the MAC does annually or one created by the MAC or Artist). The gallery intern curator will be responsible for…
FIRST, the Call for Art:
Announce and follow up on the “Call for Art”. This includes advertising both the “Call for Art” and the show itself to retain artist submissions and patrons once the show is up.
Gather artist applications and maintain communication with them as they may have questions
Contact all accepted artists with show info and their requirements, drop off/pick-up dates, etc.
SECOND, advertise the show/opening event:
Create a poster that includes the date, time, location, show title/theme, and an illustration.
Post the show to our website (on your own or in conjunction with our online presence volunteer)
Create (on your own or in conjunction with our online presence volunteer) Facebook event/s and scheduled posts for the call for art, opening event, and the show itself.
THIRD, Hang the show:
First, assess the gallery’s condition. Does it need to be cleaned? Swept? Painted? Etc.
Will you need help? Delegate! Gather a few volunteers (ask friends, peers, etc.)
Prep the gallery: We have everything you will need. You will be using a hammer, nails, screws, drill, and possibly ladders to get all the artwork on the wall. We also have some pedestals/shelves for sculpture work.
FOURTH, Plan and run show’s opening reception:
You are REQUIRED to be present for the entire opening reception. You will be the point person for the event.
Acquire snacks and drinks. Remember, we are a nonprofit community organization. The goal is to avoid spending money wherever we can. You can usually ask participating artists to bring some nibbles and drinks. Sometimes, local businesses will donate treats. Due to COVID restrictions, we will need all of the snacks and drinks to be in individual wrappings.
You can create any atmosphere you like that reflects the theme of the show. This can include soft background music or a local live musician, participating artists doing demos in the shop or outside the MAC, etc. BE CREATIVE! You are not just curating an art show, but an art EXPERIENCE.
And FINALLY, take the show down:
Once the show has run its course. It is time to take it off the walls. Artists will need to pick up their work from The MAC by the specified date.
You will then come into the gallery to pull nails, patch holes, put away any supplies used, and possibly paint the walls white.
After-School Explorations Student-Teacher Internship:
This position is an unpaid internship. When your six-month position is complete, you will receive a letter of completion for your records. If applicable, we are also able to provide recommendation letters for college programs and future positions.
The MAC’s afterschool art program, After-School Explorations, is FREE to any school-age child. We would love to see a high school/college-age student/s lead these sessions. This would be an excellent opportunity to gain experience working in a creative, educational environment with school-age children. The student-teacher internship is a 6-month position, with a possible extension through the remainder of the year.
Sessions are scheduled every Tuesday that school is in session from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. You would be required to be present for each session. Arriving a few minutes early for set up and staying a few minutes after for clean-up would also be appreciated. The structure of the sessions is relatively freeform. However,
Students will always have access to glue, scissors, and one drawing material
Student-Teacher (you) will choose 4 different materials for students to use.
Student-Teacher (you) will allow students to create whatever they wish within those materials.
Student-Teacher’s (your) goal is to help facilitate creativity by encouraging students to create with given materials.
Student-Teacher (you) should NOT be doing projects for students.