Meet Crystal Bridges Volunteer Reetik Patel!

Career Information  

High School Student

Ignite intern at Walmart Technology

Future in Computer Hardware Engineering

Hobbies/Activities/Interests

Programming, Video & Photo Editing, 3D Modeling, and Robotics, plus Symphonic Band

Gabriel Dawe, b. 1973 Plexus No. 27, 2014 Thread and steel hooks Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas © 2015 Stephen Ironside/Ironside Photography

Favorite artwork or space at the Museum

Plexus No. 27 – Gabriel Dawe

How did you learn about the museum and what prompted you to get involved?

I was looking around for another place to volunteer when a friend of mine said there might be some opportunities at the museum.  None of us knew for sure until we found the volunteer page on the Crystal Bridges website.

In what ways have you been involved as a volunteer with the museum thus far?

Museum Store Sales, Public Events, Summer Camp, Experience Art Studio, Museum Store Stockroom, and Noon Year’s Eve

What keeps you coming back to volunteer?

The variety of opportunities and the radiant atmosphere keep me coming back to volunteer.

What do you enjoy most about your volunteer experience?

Because it is a museum, there is always something new.

Do you have a funny or inspirational story about your volunteer experience?

It was late at night and cold, and my parents were still a long way away to pick me up.  I stood outside with one of the Protection Services staff – we told stories and talked about life.

Anything else you would like to share?

I haven’t seen another volunteer program like this – It is truly a unique experience.

Do you have any advice for individuals considering volunteering with Crystal Bridges?

Take all the tours and training.  It helps to get a sense of where everything is and how the museum functions.