Volunteer at the Washington Pavilion!

Volunteer Opportunities   

 

Visual Arts Center Receptionist

Greet visitors and assist with simple clerical duties. Weekly, every other week or substitute positions available.  Shifts are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 to 3:30 p.m.  Weekdays.  

 

Visual Arts Center Docent or Tour Guide

Make art come alive for school groups by providing tours of the exhibits. Training is provided and an art background is not necessary. Many of our volunteers are former teachers.  We provide you dates and times of school group visits and you choose what works for you. Approximately 2 hour shifts.

Lobby Greeter

Be the first to welcome visitors to the Pavilion. Provide information about what to do as well as show the Great Hall.  Weekly, every other week or substitute positions available.  Shifts are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or Noon to 3 p.m.    

 

Great Hall Ushers

Enjoy a portion of the show while ushering and assisting visitors.  We provide you show dates and you choose the ones that work for you.  Volunteering for three shows a month is requested.  Interviews are conducted in July and August for the September through May season.

 

Kirby Science Discovery Center

Volunteers help ensure that children find success in the Science Center as they learn how to interact with our exhibits. It’s easy for a child to become discouraged if they can’t operate the Mar’s Rover, master the climbing wall or complete a wheelchair race. That’s where you come in! You can help ensure that children leave the Science Center encouraged and confident, and help them grasp how science is a part of their daily lives. A science background is not necessary - training is provided.  Volunteers 14 and older may apply.

 

Monday - Friday:  We provide you dates and times of school visits and you choose what works for you. Approximately 2 - 3 hour shifts February - May.

Saturday or Sunday, 1 - 4 pm  Weekly or every other week
We provide flexibility to accommodate school and family obligations. 

 

Discovery Store

Assist customers with their purchases and ring sales on computerized cash register, pricing and stocking merchandise.  Weekly, every other week or substitute positions available.  Shifts are 11:30 to 2:30 p.m.  Weekdays or weekends. 

 

 

Publications Assistant

Volunteers will use their creative skills while assisting with various components of developing the bi-monthly member newsletter.  Opportunities include conducting interviews for the “Member Spotlight” column, identify and write articles, assist with layout ideas.  Flexible schedule with a 5 hour commitment a month.

 

Sidewalk Arts Festival Held the first Saturday after Labor Day.  We have something for everyone ages 12 and older!

 

Join over 150 volunteers for the largest annual fundraiser for the Visual Arts Center and the largest one-day outdoor festival in the region.  Filling the streets surrounding the Washington Pavilion the Festival draws and estimated 60,000 people to the 250 arts, craft and food booths, children’s outdoor play area and live entertainment.   

 

Volunteer opportunities include working at the pop booth, selling tickets at the Garden Studio, assisting children with arts and craft projects and face painting. 3 hour shifts from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Volunteers 12 and older may assist.

 

 

5 K Run and Wellness Festival Held the last Saturday in April.  The morning starts with a 5K Run/walk where volunteers work in teams of two to cheer runners along various points in the race and help to direct traffic.  Time commitment is 8 to 10 a.m.  Other opportunities include race registration and providing information to visitors who attend the Wellness Festival held inside the Pavilion. 

 

Spooky Science Night Held the 4^th Friday and Saturday night in October from 5 to 9 p.m. and features a variety of Halloween-related hands-on science and art activities for children ages 3 to 12 who are accompanied by an adult.  Volunteer opportunities include greeting and providing directions, face painting, and assisting children with games, art and science activities.   Volunteers 12 and older may apply.

 

Summer Youth Program

Volunteers ages 12 and older assist younger children (ages 3-14) at our week-long summer classes. Shifts are 3 hours with a morning or afternoon shift. Volunteers are asked to commit to the entire week of class. Apply between April 15 and May 1. Volunteer opportunities fill quickly!  Youth volunteers gain valuable experience in the work place and can even receive a letter of recommendation 

 

Volunteer Benefits

Volunteers who assist a minimum of three hours a month are eligible for free parking while on duty, passes to the Wells Fargo CineDome and Kirby Science Discovery Center, discounts for classes and discounts in Leonardo's Cafe and the Discovery Store gift shop. 

 

For information on any of these volunteer projects, please contact Ruth Atkins, volunteer coordinator, at (605) 367-7397, ext. 2375, or by e-mail.

 

Benefits

Sustaining volunteers are eligible for that include free parking, passes to the Wells Fargo CineDome and Kirby Science Discovery Center, discounts for classes and discounts in Leonardo's Cafe and the Discovery Store gift shop. Volunteer activities may take place in, but are not limited to, the following areas:

 

Positions

Visual Arts Center - Docent or Tour Guide - Showcase the artwork to visitors one-on-one or to group tours. Art background not necessary.

Greeter– welcome visitors and give information on Pavilion activities

Kirby Science Discovery Center - Show visitors (adults and children) how to interact with exhibits, take tickets and usher in the CineDome theater.

Husby Performing Arts Center - Usher for performances and events. Interviews take place in July for the Sept. - May Husby Series