Job Title: Bakalar & Paine Gallery Attendant
Position: MassArt / Bakalar & Paine Galleries
Supervisor Name: Katie Loesel / Darci Hanna
Department: Curatorial Programs
Number of Openings: 10
Work Schedule: 1-2 shifts per week
Hours per Week: 6.5-13
Wage/Salary: $8.00/hour
Job Description:
Gallery Attendants at the Bakalar & Paine Galleries receive training in museum interpretation techniques that prepare them to engage visitors in conversation and provide additional information about the artists and artworks. This is a paid work-study position. Museum Education-track Art Education students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Gallery Attendants will work one or two shifts per week. Shifts are 3.5hrs or 6.5hrs; please state your preference when applying.
Supervised by Curatorial Team
Duties:
Be on time and reliable.
Guarding Duties:
• Record the number of visitors entering the gallery
• No photography of the artwork (including cell phone cameras)
• No food or drink in the gallery (there is a trash can by the door)
• No touching
• If there is a large class or group, please notify someone in the office and we will assist you, it is imperative that nothing gets damaged or stolen in the exhibitions
• Watch groups and individuals to make sure they do not accidentally bump into pedestals or artwork
• Attend 2 trainings – Tuesday January 24 from 10:30 – 1 OR Friday January 27 from 10:30 – 1. Lunch is included. You MUST attend one of these trainings. Another gathering/check-in will be held in mid-February, date/time TBD.
• Guard occasional special events and extra shifts, i.e. openings, Family Day, auction
Interpretive Duties:
• Ask visitors how they heard about the exhibition upon arrival greeting and record responses
• Answer questions that visitors may have about exhibitions and events in the galleries. Unknown questions can be directed to the curatorial team.
• Become well informed about the exhibitions and museum practice, including reading all the information in the Gallery Attendant binder and recording comments on the page following the article after you read it.
• As visitors leave, ask them if they enjoyed the show. Record any interesting responses.
Social Media
• Become a “fan” of the MassArt Bakalar & Paine Galleries Facebook page. Suggest the page to friends at MassArt and in Boston.
• Make a written post or comment on the Facebook page at least once during each shift.
• Post at least a paragraph written reflection on the Gallery Attendant Blog after each shift. Posts should also include number of visitors to the gallery, where they heard about the show, and any feedback on the show in addition to the reflection.
• Comment on blog posts of other attendants to create an online forum and learning experience.
Qualifications:
Portfolio Review On-Campus: *Application Instructions: Please review the job description closely. Bring your schedule to the Curatorial Programs office in the Bakalar & Paine Galleries for a quick conversation about your skills and interests.
Work starts week of January 30, so the position will be filled on a first-come first-served basis.
Preference is given to work-study eligible students, but non-work study students are also encouraged to apply.
Contact:
If interested, contact katie.loesel@massart.edu with your schedule and which training you are able to attend.