Students interested in museum careers gain valuable experience working in the Galleries as catalogers, researchers, administrative assistants, photographers and exhibition installers. In addition, professors in various fields assign class projects and research in the Galleries. Students study the works on view and in storage, and delve into the computerized records and paper files.
EMPLOYMENT:
The Galleries employ between 15 and 20 UMW students per semester. A background in art history or studio art is preferred but not required.
Tasks include monitoring galleries, entering data, cataloging artworks, researching in the library, answering phones, etc. Tasks vary with experience and skills. Students may work up to 12 hours per week and absolute reliability is required.
Students may also volunteer to help install exhibitions. This work is not paid, but the experience is invaluable to those interested in museum or gallery careers.
Applications are available here. Fill one out and return it to the Galleries office in Ridderhof Martin Gallery.
INTERNSHIPS:
Students may also apply for internships at the galleries. These may occur during the school year or during the summer. They may be for academic credit, or simply for the acquisition of new skills. Applications are available here. Fill one out and return it to the Galleries office in Ridderhof Martin Gallery.
MUSEUM STUDIES MINOR:
This interdisciplinary program has been developed in conjunction with the three UMW museums (UMW Galleries, Gari Melchers Home and Studio, and the James Monroe Museum) and the departments of anthropology, art and art history, American studies, classics, historic preservation, and history. Please see the link at the right hand side navigation bar for further information.
