Serving VMFA as Volunteers Since 1955
The Council of VMFA is a group of dedicated museum members who give their time and talent in support of the museum. This diverse organization of volunteers works on behalf of VMFA to enhance community outreach and participation. Volunteer opportunities range from interacting with visitors to supporting educational programs and helping care for the galleries. Council members learn about the collections, make new friends, and share their love for art, all while helping to support and improve a cultural institution that enriches the lives of all Virginians.
Since 1955, The Council has led the way on projects such as opening the VMFA Shop, establishing the tour guide program, organizing museum travel, and providing seed money for the VMFA library.
The exhibition Fine Arts & Flowers is The Council’s signature biennial project made possible by hundreds of Council volunteers. They plan its events and the exhibition itself, which showcases approximately 80 works of art from the VMFA collection and floral designs by members of the Garden Club of Virginia, The Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs, and Ikebana of Richmond.
VMFA membership is a prerequisite for joining this support group.
Learn more about VMFA Membership benefits and options.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are many opportunities within the museum for Council members to volunteer their time and talents. The Council works with VMFA to identify needs and develop volunteer opportunities. Different opportunities may be available when you join The Council.
Visitor Services
- Entrance Ambassadors (Ask-Me Ambassadors) Welcome and greet all visitors, answer questions, and introduce yourself as a volunteer with The Council. Promote joining The Council when appropriate. When needed, assist with checking coats and backpacks.
- Atrium Ambassadors (Museum Ambassadors) Help visitors find desired galleries, provide info about the museum, assist with technology and audio guides, and introduce yourself as a volunteer with The Council. Promote joining The Council when appropriate. (Interview required)
- School Group Ambassadors (School Group Greeters) Welcome students and educators, introduce them to their assigned Tour Guide, and/or direct them to galleries.
- VMFA Event Ambassadors Support special events for VMFA members and the public. Greet attendees, take tickets, and introduce yourself as a member of The Council. Explain that The Council is a body of volunteers for the Museum.
- Tour Guides Tour Guides provide gallery and exhibition tours to adult and student groups in kindergarten through college. Tour Guides are also called upon to lead walk-in highlight tours, VIP tours as scheduled by the museum, and tours in support of Council activities, including lecture luncheons, member enrichment programs, new member recruitment and orientation programs, book chats, and other Council events. Tour guides are onboarded in large groups during a recruitment period determined by the VMFA Education Department. Recruitments occur as needed and anyone in the community is welcome to apply.
Conservation & Collections
- Gallery Care Assistants Assist in caring for VMFA’s permanent gallery exhibits before opening hours. (Interview required)
- Education Youth & Family Program Assistants Assist with materials, art activities, and logistics for programs.
Floral Arranging
- Hirschler Floral Displays in the Atrium Design and assemble a large floral arrangement for the Atrium once a week. (Interview required)
- Fleurs de Loo Refresh the floral arrangements in designated public restrooms.
- Luncheon Centerpieces Assist with floral arrangements for Council luncheon tables and other events.
Library of VMFA
- Project Assistants Staff the reference desk to answer basic questions and provide assistance. There are also occasional opportunities to work on special projects with the librarians.
- VMFA Membership Calls Make courtesy and stewardship calls to new and renewing VMFA members on a weekly basis in The Council office in the Pauley Center. Introduce yourself as a member of The Council and explain that we are volunteers for the Museum. Promote joining The Council when appropriate.
- Sculpture Garden Assistants Assist the VMFA staff horticulture team as needed on the outdoor campus of VMFA, planting, weeding, bed preparation, etc.
- VMFA Shop Sales Floor Assistants Provide friendly customer service and merchandise knowledge. Help with gift wrapping, restocking displays, and customer selections for purchase. Introduce yourself as a member of The Council and share opportunities to join and volunteer. Assist with shop events. (Interview required)
Council Operations
- Communications Council Handbook/Directory Help obtain content, compile, edit, and proofread the membership directory and informational handbook for Council members. Work with printer on final publication and distribution.
- Writing/Editing Volunteer as a writer, reporter, or editor of Council Connections, The Council’s online magazine of news and information about Council activities and upcoming events as well as news about VMFA.
- Photography Photographically document activities and special events for Council Connections and/or for The Council’s historic archives.
Membership
- Recruitment & Outreach Share your enthusiasm as you develop and implement new member recruitment campaigns and events for The Council.
- Registration & Dues Process all incoming applications for Council membership. Help manage invoices, collect, and record Council membership dues. Maintain records of Council members’ status and information as you work closely with New Member Recruitment and New Member Orientation Committees.
- New Member Welcome & Orientation Plan and implement welcome event(s) for new Council members. Host New Member events designed to meet, greet, and educate new Council members.
Technology Services to The Council
- Tech Team Manage and support information technology tools used by The Council. Applications supported include Event Management, Membership, Website, Volunteer Logistics, Zoom, and other Communication Services. Emphasis is on working with other Council groups to support all phases of volunteer activities. (Interview required)
Council Membership Enrichment Programs
- Event & Trip Planning Create, plan, and manage a variety of enrichment, learning, and social opportunities for Council members. These include Connect & Learn programs at VMFA, artistic site visits in town, out-of-town day trips, lectures, book chats, and other events.
- Fine Arts & Flowers 2024 All members will be called on to participate and assist with a variety of activities to support The Council’s signature fundraising event to benefit VMFA.
For more information about these volunteer opportunities, please contact the following:
Membership Requirements
VMFA membership is a prerequisite for joining this support group. Learn more about VMFA Membership benefits and join today.
The Council is a volunteer organization and, as a requirement of Council membership, members are expected to contribute a certain number of hours on a regular basis. The approximate amount of time required for each activity is usually 15–20 hours a quarter; however, this number may vary depending on the opportunity you select. Volunteer opportunities and required hours will be explained more thoroughly when you complete New Member Orientation.
Council Membership dues are $75 per year; however, dues are prorated during the first year for new members.