Yeiser Art Center relies on awesome volunteers, our "YAC Pack," to bring great visual arts programming to Paducah. We enjoy working with individuals who love art, and want to help grow the art community here in Paducah. The YAC Pack assists in general operations, as well as in every phase of an exhibition. From installation to reception and removal, the Yack Pack is an important asset to the Yeiser Art Center.
Daily Help in the Gallery/Gift Shop by welcoming our visitors and telling them about YAC, making sales from our Gift shop, general information about Downtown Paducah, helping to spruce up displays, keeping the art dust free and level.
Special Help with Our Events, including fundraisers, public programming, and workshops, by checking people in, bartending, serving at information points, set-up and break-down of activities, among a random assortment of tasks.
YAC volunteers represent YAC by having enthusiasm and encouragement of creativity and visual art. We all work together to accomplish whatever it is we are working on, so a great appreciation and understanding of teamwork goes a long way to a great experience as a volunteer.
sustain visual arts in Paducah. The YAC Pack is full of art ambassadors, if you will, people that embrace the creative nature and understand the power of art and openly share that vision through their volunteer hours. You do not need formal studio training, a developed portfolio, or even to own a paintbrush or pencil in order be a part of the YAC Pack. YAC Pack'ers come in all shapes and sizes, and enthusiasm is our only requirement to join the Pack.
How do I become a volunteer at the YAC?
Becoming a volunteer at YAC happens in many ways. You can sign up to be on our Volunteer List (or to be a part of the YAC Pack) and notices will be sent out when special opportunities arise. If you are interested in volunteering on a regular basis with our daily needs (and we need lots of help in-house), send us an email and we will be happy to work with you.
We have some volunteer needs which occur regularly, like our Opening Receptions and with the Lower Town Arts and Music Festival which will be listed on our volunteer page. Special volunteer opportunities will also be listed periodically.
Generally, volunteering is the most rewarding when you can commit 2-4 hour chunk of time. However, most of our volunteer needs fall in the 2-hour range.
What are the benefits of volunteering at the YAC?
Besides the warm and fuzzies? YAC is a historical institution, the longest running visual arts organization in Western Kentucky. Your time helps in sustaining visual arts programming and making sure YAC sees another 60 years! Also, volunteering can be a great way to make new friends, learn some new skills, and it's a great resume booster. Our goal is for volunteers to receive something in return for their service – whether it's a great time, or it's valuable employable skills development.
Are volunteers required to attend an orientation?
Generally, we don't have a formal orientation process. We greet our volunteers as family, and get everyone up to speed when they come in for their shift. If the role they are playing is more intricate or regular, we will sit down and have a more formal training session. But generally speaking, volunteers are given clear, simple instructions for their task the day-of.
The Yeiser Art Center (YAC) offers internships as a mutually beneficial opportunity to accomplish daily operational tasks while gaining valuable job skills. If you are interested in completing a YAC Internship, send an email expressing your interest along with a current resume including your education, previous employment (if any) and previous/current projects which you are involved in. Interns are expected to commit 10 – 15 hours per week for a minimum of 2 months. Positions will be offered to candidates that show a specific interest in gaining valuable and applicable job skills through dedicated work ethic and positive attitude.
The Collections Management (CM) Intern works directly with the Executive Director to maintain the YAC's Permanent Collection. Consisting of over 300 objects, the Permanent Collection is currently being utilized as an educational tool and fundraising opportunity through the Permanent Collection Loan Program.
The CM Intern will work on updating the database, transposing records, research on artwork when applicable, and creating materials for the Loan Program. Requirements include skills in design software, specifically Adobe InDesign, ability to adequately create and maintain Google Docs, Google Sheets and Gmail, and an interest in working for a nonprofit arts organization minimum of 10 hours per week. The Intern will gain valuable knowledge of collections management procedures, applicable to a wide range of industries (not just visual arts), in addition to valuable skills such as administrative data management in a professional office setting.
varias channels, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, local print, radio and electronic media outlets, and E-mail using Robly email campaign tool. The Marketing Intern must have a "good eye" for photography and design, be able to use Adobe InDesign and Photoshop (and/or Illustrator when appropriate) to produce graphics and designs for marketing materials, including print (Rack Cards, postcards, ads, tshirts, etc) and web (social media, ads, email, etc), and an interest in working for a nonprofit arts organization minimum of 10 hours per week. The Intern will gain valuable knowledge on a wide spectrum of communication tools and needs, a skillset that is increasingly necessary across almost all industries, but especially necessary for a successful career in the arts.
Gallery Docent / Gift Shop – hang out in the Foyer of YAC to welcome visitors, share information about the current exhibit and gift shop products, process gift shop sales and accept membership applications.
Art In Community Project – June 24 – August 12 – For 7 weeks, YAC is turning its gallery into a creativity space, offering Summer Art Camps, art making stations, etc. The project will culminate in an exhibition of artwork made during the project. Volunteers will help carry out the activities and workshops during this time.