Fairbanks Arts Association has provided Interior AK with quality arts programs since 1966, and we can’t do it without you!
Volunteering with Fairbanks Arts Association is a great way to connect with the artistic community in the Interior and to learn more about opportunities for artists and audiences in every discipline. Here are some of the many ways you can help:
In the BEAR GALLERY, a public place for the exhibition of art:
Gallery Docent: The Bear Gallery on the third floor of the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts in Pioneer Park features a new exhibition of original Alaskan art each month. Fairbanks Arts is able to maintain a free admission gallery because of the assistance of volunteer docents.
You can make a difference with 3 hours per week– no prior experience is required! Fairbanks Arts currently needs the following docent volunteers:
- Fill-in coverage (become trained as a docent and help cover when there are cancellations by regularly scheduled docents)
Email volunteer@fairbanksarts.org or call 907-251-8386 ext. 5 to inquire about the above docent openings!
Docent responsibilities include making gift shop and exhibit sales, maintaining a tidy and respectful environment in the gallery, and being a congenial presence in the Bear Gallery. Being a docent gives you a chance to become familiar with Alaskan artwork and artists, learn how an art gallery is managed and provides time to practice your own art, read, or study in a lovely atmosphere. Docents typically volunteer for one shift per week, although different arrangements can be made based on availability. Shifts are Noon-3 pm and 3-6 pm, Monday-Saturday.
Gallery Hanging/Lighting:
Art exhibits are open to the public from the First Friday until the last Saturday of each month. It takes many hours of preparation in order for one exhibit to transition seamlessly into the next within a few days and to provide the public access to beautiful Alaskan contemporary art without long waiting periods. Volunteers help make this happen by assisting with taking down exhibits, hanging new shows, painting pedestals, cutting and hanging labels, and lighting the gallery.
First Friday Reception Help:
Since the 1960’s, it has been a Fairbanks Arts tradition to celebrate openings of new art exhibits in the Bear Gallery during a reception on the first Friday of every month. There are several tasks that need to happen to make sure the exhibit is ready and the gallery is set up for the opening reception. Having consistent volunteers for this event ensures an enjoyable evening for all.
EDUCATIONAL Volunteering:
School Performance Ushers:
Each year the Fairbanks Arts & Cultural Education (FACE) Committee chooses a variety of performances to offer to students in public schools for enhancement of artistic education by exposing students to different forms of performing art. These hour-long performances take place in theaters and concert halls around town during the school day. A team of kind and organized ushers help Fairbanks Arts staff to get students into their correct seats and maintain a safe environment for all who attend. Once everyone is seated, students and ushers alike get to enjoy the performance by some of the most talented artists to visit our borough. School performance ushering is a great way to see some of the acts that come to town and help children learn how to be good audience members.
Event Assistance:
Fairbanks Arts Association holds events such as literary readings and artist lectures, fundraisers, and special performing arts events. Most of these are held in the evening somewhere in Pioneer Park and require transforming the gallery, the Blue Room, the Exhibit Hall, or the Theater into a place perfectly suited to the needs of the event. Every pair of hands can help make arts events comfortable and safe for the audience and the performers. Many times there are receptions with delicious hors d’oeuvres and live music!
Serve on a Fairbanks Arts Committee
Fairbanks Arts committees have been on an extended hiatus courtesy of our 2019 temporary relocation, followed by a pandemic– we are excited to begin convening committees (including some new ones) this fall!
If you are interested in getting involved with your community arts organization and connecting with the arts community through this volunteer opportunity, click the tile to the left to read about the committees.
Community Service:
FAA’s programs provide a unique opportunity to earn community service hours. Call our offices at (907)251-8386 and we will be happy to look at the current volunteer needs and utilize volunteers where we can.
Benefits of volunteering at FAA include boosting the volunteerism section of your resume, fulfilling community service hours, learning more about the goings-on of the art community, and much more. We happily write letters of reference for our volunteers.
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