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Volunteer at Crystal Bridges

Volunteer helping children make art
HOLIDAY HOURS: Crystal Bridges will be closed December 25 (Christmas Day).
HORARIO POR DÍAS FESTIVOS: Crystal Bridges estará cerrado el 25 de diciembre (Navidad).

We Welcome All

Crystal Bridges and the Momentary are committed to creating institutions that reflect the diversity of our region and nation. We are especially mindful of those in our community impacted by inequity due to ability, language, class, age, gender, religion, sexuality, race, and ethnicity, and are working diligently to address perceived and real barriers that keep anyone from fully experiencing the museum as a guest, volunteer, or employee. All volunteer applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We actively encourage minority volunteer applicants to join our team.

Apply Today!

Apply to volunteer

Already a volunteer?

Use the volunteer database

People viewing art in a gallery
People gathered on the Momentary Green

You can make a difference here!

Volunteers welcome Crystal Bridges’ visitors, engage children on school visits, and lead tours of our collection and our trails. They survey guests, assemble art kits, care for our grounds, and act as ambassadors throughout Northwest Arkansas.

Learn more about our different volunteer opportunities.

Already a volunteer? Use the Volunteer Database.

Are you a Guide Program volunteer? Log into Sharepoint.

What to Expect

  • Flexible scheduling. You are in charge!
  • Ample orientation, training, and continuing education
  • Opportunities that allow you to work with the public or behind the scenes-you decide!
  • Opportunities to enjoy fellowship with other volunteers and staff
  • And more

Steps to Becoming a Volunteer

1 – Apply

Complete a volunteer application.

Apply to volunteer

2 – Attend

Attend an orientation.

We will be in touch with a variety of options to discuss all you ever wanted to know.

3 – Ask

If you still have questions, please contact a member of the volunteer services team.

(479) 657-2309
Volunteer@CrystalBridges.org

Adult Volunteer Opportunities

Administrative Support 

Volunteers assist with daily operational functions and office support such as data entry, filing, scanning, copying, assembling, prepping, proofreading, and other similar tasks.

Availability – On an as-needed basis
Training – No additional training required
Commitment – As available

Ambassador

Volunteers work along side staff at community fairs and festivals throughout Northwest Arkansas to deliver a clear and consistent message about Crystal Bridges and the Momentary through distribution of materials and/or public interaction.

Availability – On an as-needed basis
Training – No additional training required
Commitment – As available

Avant-Gardener

Volunteers will partner with Trails and Grounds staff in the care and beautification of the 12+ acres of native plant gardens throughout the Crystal Bridges grounds.

Availability – Seasonal and weather dependent
Training – No additional training required
Commitment – As available

Culinary

Volunteers work alongside Culinary staff during special events with tasks such as display of food/drink, passing of food/drink, and keeping service areas and tables clean during events.

Availability – On an as-needed basis
Training – No additional training required
Commitment – As available

Drop In Artmaking Host

Volunteers will host CB’s Drop-In Artmaking program. They will welcome guests, track attendance, provide instruction, and prepare, distribute and replenish materials.

Availability – Weekend Afternoons Only
Training – Approximately 2 Hours
Commitment – Four times a year

Events Assistant

Volunteers will assist with educational and public programs offered at Crystal Bridges. Typical duties include: wayfinding and greeting, ushering, ticket scanning, and supervising craft tables.

Availability – On an as-needed basis
Training – No additional training required
Commitment – As available

Guide Program Volunteer Roles

Cart Guide
Gallery Guide
Outdoor Guide

Guides provide tours and experiences to guests on the art, sculptures, trails, and architecture.

Availability – Daily
Training – Extensive (also requires separate application and selection process)
Commitment – Significant

Library Guide

Volunteers serve as a welcoming presences for guests and assist with the daily operational functions of the Library.

Availability – Daily
Training – Approximately one hour
Commitment – As available

Museum Guide

Volunteers serve as a welcoming presences for guests, similar to a concierge. Volunteers offer general information and help guests understand options for tours, events, and other details for a wonderful museum experience.

Availability – Daily
Training – Approximately one hour
Commitment – As available

Retail Support

Volunteers will work behind the scenes to help process new merchandise, make note of damages and/or shortages on invoices, sign off on purchase orders, and shelve merchandise. They might also assist guests with merchandise selection in the museum store.

Availability – Weekdays
Training – Approximately two hours
Commitment – As available

The Studio

Volunteers maintain a welcoming presence, in addition to engaging guests and encouraging participation in a variety of meaningful and enjoyable hands-on art experiences. Volunteers are welcome to design and facilitate these experiences with approval from Studio staff.

Availability – Daily
Training – Approximately one hour
Commitment – As available

Survey Collector

Invite guests to share feedback (on iPad survey) about their experience as they are exiting either Crystal Bridges or the Momentary.

Availability – Daily
Training – As needed
Commitment – At least two 2 hour shifts per month

Teen Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering isn’t just for adults—we have opportunities for teens, too!

Develop your leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills while earning service hours at Crystal Bridges. Individuals 16 or older may volunteer throughout the museum and are invited to attend one of our teen volunteer orientations in May or June.

Teens aged 14–15, or older teens looking to volunteer just during the summer months, are encouraged to apply specifically to our Summer Volunteer Program. The summer program offers three distinct opportunities: Grounds Crew, Junior Camp Instructor, and Youth & Family Art Crew!

Volunteers helping on the Green Roof

Grounds Crew

Summer 2024

Enjoy the Great Outdoors with the Crystal Bridges’ Grounds Crew!

This volunteer opportunity offers teens a chance to help preserve our grounds while learning more about the flora and fauna that share our space. You don’t have to be a master gardener to take part—all you need is a thirst for knowledge and a love of nature. Applicants must be willing to work outdoors in all weather and be able to lift 25 pounds. Tools and gloves will be provided.

All high school students are welcome to apply.

Required orientation – June 1, 2:30 – 5 p.m.
Commitment – Applicants must be able to commit to five 2-hour shifts on Thursday mornings in June, July or August.
Total Service Hours – 12-15

Junior Camp Instructor

Summer 2024

Get a head start on developing important job skills by participating in our summer Junior Camp Instructor Program!

Junior Instructors help us bring art and inspiration to kids of all ages by helping teach at our annual Summer Camps. They will work directly with a Lead Instructor to support, encourage and manage campers and materials.

All rising 9th and 10th graders are welcome to apply.

Required orientation – June 1 from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Commitment – Applicants must be able to assist at two week-long, half-day camp sessions in June or July 2024.
Total Service Hours – 38

Art Crew

Summer 2024

Inspire Guests To Create & Explore with our Youth & Family Art Crew!

The Art Crew helps inspire guests of all ages to create and explore at four distinct Family Days this summer. Volunteers will contribute to all aspects of these Family Days, including event planning and budgeting, scheduling, and day-of activity facilitation.

All high school students are welcome to apply.

Required orientation – May 16, 4 – 6 p.m.
Commitment – Applicants must be able to attend a monthly meeting. These will be held on the afternoons of May 23, June 20, July 11 and August 1. They must also be able to attend YF Art Crew events on June 16, July 20 and 21, and August 18.
Total Service Hours – 23

Application Instructions

  • Applications open March 25 – April 30. Applications are due by 5 p.m. CST on April 30, 2024.
  • Please make sure you select the teen summer volunteer program when you are filling out your application and that you indicate which teen program you are applying for.
  • Once you submit your application, your parent/guardian will be sent a waiver giving their permission for your participation in your chosen program. Applications are not complete without this.
  • All applicants will be evaluated on the thoughtfulness and thoroughness of their responses as well as on their availability. Acceptance letters will be sent out in early May.
  • At the end of the summer, all participants will receive a letter of reference and certification of their service hours.

Thank you for your interest in Crystal Bridges Teen Summer Volunteer Program. We will be accepting applications again in April 2025.