Arts & Culture
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Contact
Tricia Harding, Board Member; 509-876-2591; tricia.harding@artwalla.com
Mission
To support and strengthen the Arts as an integral part of daily life through collaborative participation, aggressive Arts advocacy and dynamic membership services.
Volunteer Opportunities
Public art tours, kids' art, events/fundraisers that require planning, set-up, execution and clean-up.
Required Skills
Reliability, innovation, energy, and interest in the arts.
Skills Learned
Independence, research skills, how a non-profit arts organization operates in a small community, art knowledge, and fundraising organizational skills.
Training
ArtWalla board members train volunteers.
Volunteer Types
Individuals who can help with a project on occasion or groups and individuals who can help once with a big project.
Contact
Tracy Thompson, Program Director; 515 E. Main Street, Walla Walla, WA 99362; 509-526-6921; info@carnegiepicturelab.com
Mission
The Carnegie Picture Lab nourishes creativity by enhancing art instruction in the Walla Walla Valley. The Picture Lab also supports schools with library book donations, family fun nights, and field trips.
Volunteer Opportunities
Working with elementary school students, assisting with public events and poster distribution. All opportunities provide hands-on involvement with an emphasis on art.
Skills learned
Teaching elementary school students, collaboration, curriculum design exposure.
Volunteer Types
Individuals who can teach or assist in classroom instruction or art-making projects at public events.
Contact
Gina Grant Bull, Events and PR Manager; 109 E Main, Suite 302T, Walla Walla, WA 99362; 509-529-8755; info@downtownwallawalla.com
Mission
To promote the history, culture, and commerce of downtown Walla Walla.
Volunteer Opportunities
Multiple events all year long, historic property database maintenance, newsletter articles, poster distribution, and clean-up days.
Required Skills
(Depending on the task): writing, desktop publishing, data entry, positive attitude, strong back, willingness to get dirty, grace under pressure, experience working with city government, and interest in historic preservation and/or design.
Skills Learned
Knowledge of downtown design; exposure to interaction between city government and local non-profits and businesses; formatting and editing for newsletter and/or promotional materials; database management.
Training
On a project-by-project basis. Event training tends to be 30 minutes prior to start time.
Volunteer Types
Individuals or groups who can come on a regular basis, help on occasion, or contribute once to a big project.
Contact
Laura Schulz, Collections Manager; 755 Myra Rd., Walla Walla, WA 99362; 509.525.7703; info@fwwm.org
Mission
To preserve and share Walla Walla's regional heritage.
Volunteer Opportunities
Tour guidance, gardening, building attendance, exhibits & collections, and office work.
Required Skills
Physical strength and mobility, positive attitude, and Microsoft Office skills.
Skills Learned
Work experience and helping others.
Training
Volunteers are oriented before they start work at Fort Walla Walla Museum.
Volunteer Types
Individuals or groups who can come on a regular basis, help on occasion, or contribute to a big project once. Volunteers who can earn credit (service learning) are welcome.
Contact
Volunteer Coordinator, Kirkman House Museum; 214 N Colville, Walla Walla WA 99362; 509-529-4373; khm@kirkmanhousemuseum.org and/or visit www.kirkmanhousemuseum.org
Mission
To enrich the cultural heritage of Walla Walla by preserving the Kirkman Family home, sharing its history, and educating our community and visitors about domestic life in Victorian-era Walla Walla.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Docents: Tour guides
- Program aides: Hands on History children's camp
- Garden upkeep
- Communications: media relations
- Special event assistance: Sheep to Shawl, Historic Home Tour, etc.
Required Skills
Reliability and enthusiasm. More specific qualities depend on the volunteer assignment (i.e. writing and speaking skills for communications).
Skills Learned
Docents gain skills in interacting with, and providing information to, a variety of audiences. Program aides gain skills in developing and implementing education programs. Communication volunteers gain skills in preparing and disseminating information to a variety of media outlets.
Training
Each volunteer is oriented and given basic training when they begin their assignment. In addition, the museum provides ongoing individual and group training.
Volunteer Types
Individuals or groups who can come on a regular basis, help on occasion, or contribute once to a big project.
Contact
Patty Keyes, President; 610 S. Roosevelt Street, Walla Walla, WA 99362; 509-529-7948; wwbs@bmi.net
Mission
To foster increased awareness of and appreciation for America's unique musical form known as the Blues through educational programming, live events, musical scholarships, and instrument aid.
Volunteer Opportunities
Putting up posters, taking newsletters around to businesses, and working security at events.
Required Skills
Dependable, able to provide own transportation.
Skills Learned
Working with the public; people skills.
Training
A society member accompanies first-time volunteers on their initial round.
Volunteer Types
Individuals who can come on a regular basis or help once with a big project.
Contact
Nathanael Fleming, Program Coordinator; 13 1/2 E Main, Suite 201, Walla Walla, WA 99362; 509-529-8020; nathanael@wwsymphony.org or info@wwsymphony.org
Mission
The Walla Walla Symphony begins its 110th season as the oldest continuously operating symphony west of the Mississippi. Composed of musicians from Walla Walla and around the region, the orchestra is recognized for its adventurous programming, school programs, and tradition of performing original compositions.
Volunteer Opportunities
Marketing, poster distribution, mailing preparation, ushers, ticket sales, event set-up/tear-down. Volunteers receive free tickets to the performance.
Required Skills
A great attitude and love of music.
Skills Learned
Event planning, music development, people skills.
Training
Provided before the event; no experience necessary.
Volunteer Types
Individuals and groups who can come on a regular basis, on occasion, or to help once with a big project.
Contact
Mike Dedman, Volunteer Coordinator; 328 Whitman Mission Road, Walla Walla, WA 99362; 509-522-6360; mike_dedman@nps.gov
Mission
"To conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of same in such manner…as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” (The National Park Service Organic Act, August 25, 1916)
Volunteer Opportunities
Resource inventory/monitoring, stream restoration, tour guiding, graphic design, historic document transcription, and historic and scientific activity demonstrations.
Required Skills
Physical capability to perform the assigned task and a positive attitude.
Skills Learned
Work experience and the satisfaction of helping the community and enjoying the company of other like-minded people.
Training
Volunteers are oriented at the time of their choosing prior to beginning a project.
Volunteer Types
Individuals or groups who can come on a regular basis or help once with a big project. Volunteers who can earn credit (service learning) are welcome.