Volunteer
Whatever your skills, interest or time availability, chances are there is a volunteer opportunity just right for you at the Chaffee Art Center. The Chaffee hosts events and programs year-round, many on evenings and weekends. For “behind-the-scenes” volunteer positions and internships, we ask for a commitment of at least two months of regular involvement. Special events, opening receptions and one-time opportunities also available.
Community Volunteers: Join Us!
As a Chaffee Art Center volunteer, you will have the opportunity to meet new friends, build professional relationships, or learn a new skill while contributing to a great cause. Most importantly, however, you will have the satisfaction that comes with supporting the Chaffee in its mission to make the visual arts an integral part of our community and region. Here are a few ways you can volunteer:
- Gallery Greeters
- Event Volunteers (including Art in the Park, Receptions & Fundraisers)
- Office & Marketing Volunteers
- Exhibit Transition & Installation Volunteers
- General Maintenance / Cleaning Assistance
- Mailing Assistance
- Outreach Volunteers at community & Chaffee events
- Poster & Brochure Distribution
- Docent Volunteers
For more information on types of volunteer availability please visit chaffeeartcenter.org/volunteer/
Internship Opportunities
Gallery
Summer/Fall/Spring Semesters
Unpaid Internship
Description: Responsible for assisting staff with the daily activities of the Chaffee Art Center. Interns will be required to help with deconstruction and hanging of artwork, including patching and painting walls, moving furniture, adjusting lights, as well as general office duties such as data entry, cleaning, mass mailings, and word processing.
Requirements: A degree in fine arts, or enrollment at a college or university, working towards a degree in fine arts is preferred. We are looking for self-starters, who are organized, professional, computer savvy with experience in Microsoft Word, Photoshop, Indesign, WordPress, and able to work on their feet for extended periods of time. Applicants must be flexible as our responsibilities are often on an as needed basis.
Studio School
Summer/Fall/Spring Semesters
Unpaid Internship
Description: Responsible for assisting with Chaffee Studio School programming such as after school art programs, homeschool programs, children’s workshops, and adult/teen classes. Possibly teaching a Saturday Kid’s Class when timeslots are available. Aside from studio school programs, interns may assist with daily classroom responsibilities such as cleaning and organizing the studio, ordering new supplies, and creating marketing materials to promote classes.
Requirements: Applicants must have a degree in art or education, or be enrolled full time at a college or university, working towards a degree in fine arts or education; applicants working towards a K-12 certification are preferred. We are looking for self-starters, who are organized, professional, and fun with high energy and enthusiasm. Applicants must be flexible as our responsibilities are on an as needed basis.
To apply, email an application, resume/biography, and a statement about how you will benefit from an internship at the Chaffee Art Center to [email protected] or send to 16 South Main Street, Rutland, VT 05701
Membership
The Chaffee Art Center has provided Vermonters and guests to our state with opportunities to learn about and experience the visual arts for 62 years, ensuring the distinction of being one of the oldest arts organizations in Vermont. Having an art center in our community enriches our quality of life and makes our community a more attractive place to live.
We put on over seven exhibits annually. These exhibits highlight work by our juried artists and visiting artists. Approximately 25,000 local residents and tourists visit the Chaffee Art Center annually for exhibits, art classes and our two annual Art in the Park festivals. Many of the individuals attending events will spend time in the Rutland area, eating at local restaurants, shopping at other locations or attending other events.
The Chaffee offers a wide variety of art education experiences for all ages … from fun Adult paint and sip introductory painting classes and weekly figure drawing with live nude models, to full-week summer classes for children.
The Chaffee has always strived to be an active part of the Rutland community. Art is a big business in Vermont, employs a lot of Vermonters, and generates a significant amount of tax revenue. The Chaffee helps artists develop their business by marketing and selling artwork of our member artists, as well as operating the Annual Art in the Park Festivals for 62 years.
Please join us. Membership contributions provide unrestricted support for the Chaffee’s programs and operating budget. Your fully tax-deductible contribution will make it possible for the Chaffee to continue and thrive, and in turn for our community to be nurtured and enriched by all that we offer.