Volunteering at the Art Center
There are so many ways to share your time and enthusiasm with the Palo Alto Art Center! From regular weekly commitments to occasional drop-in opportunities, Art Center volunteers support all aspects of education, special events, exhibitions, and more—and there is a place for you.
Get involved! All volunteers 12+ are welcome to join the Art Center volunteer team. We have opportunities for adults and teens, and ways for the entire family to volunteer together too. Contact Rebecca.Passarello@cityofpaloalto.org to learn more.
Volunteer positions include:
Art Center volunteers are artists too! We are excited to share an online exhibition of their artwork. The volunteer exhibition celebrates the artistic endeavors of our community of volunteers. (A Palo Alto City Library account is required to log in and view the online exhibition.)
Kids and Teens Studio Assistants
The Studio Assistant volunteers assist professional art instructors in the day-to-day running of the Kids and Teens Studio Art classes. Volunteers offer support through encouraging students, prepping art supplies and more. This is a great way to earn service hours, develop and strengthen leadership skills, and have fun in a creative environment. Our classes are held in Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions. Volunteers work with the Director of Volunteer Engagement to choose a class time that fits their schedule.
The Project Look Docent Program
The Project Look field trip program serves K-5th grade students from local schools. Docents lead weekly interactive tours of the Art Center galleries and assist with the hands-on art activities. No art or art history experience required!
New Docents will participate in three mandatory training session on gallery tour strategies followed by Fall exhibition training (see dates below). Tours are scheduled Tues.-Fri., at 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. from Sept. - May (1 school year).
2023 Training Dates: Sept. 5, 8, and 12, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. (New Docents) and Sept. 15, 19, and 22, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Fall Exhibition)
If you are interested in learning more about being a Docent for our School Tours (Project Look), please contact Rebecca.Passarello@cityofpaloalto.org or 650-617-3509.
Special Projects Welcome
We are pleased to support teens working on special service projects, such as Girl Scout Gold Awards, Eagle Scout Awards, and other extensive service projects.