What we do
SOTA offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities to fit an array of talents, schedules and interests. Whether you want to learn more about art, work with children, or simply enjoy interacting with others in a dynamic organization, there is something for everyone.
We have five general meetings a year, but the days, times and locations for committee and project participation vary a great deal, allowing involvement for professional women. We also have a wonderful Apprentice program to help new members meet others and get involved.
ArtVentures
ArtVentures is a free program for children and their families every Sunday from 12:30 until 3:30 at the AAM where free admission for Sundays has been sponsored largely through a donation from SOTA. It includes interactive activities in the galleries to introduce families to the works in the museum’s permanent collection and special exhibits. Thanks to the generosity of Crayola Corporation there are art materials as prizes for the children completing their Treasure Quest activities.
Curatorial
The members of the Curatorial Committee work under the direction of the Collections and Exhibitions Department, which is responsible for the management of the museum’s permanent collection. This committee assists in maintaining the Allentown Art Museum’s collection, as well as current and ongoing exhibitions.
Members of the Curatorial Committee experience a hands-on, behind the scenes opportunity to observe the inner workings of the museum. They have close contact with the museum’s archived collections as well as works of art from touring exhibits. Tasks include gallery dusting,
vinyl picking and peeling, textile vacuuming and rolling, research filing and vertical file maintenance, computer entry, library duties and special projects as determined by the Collections and Exhibitions Department.
Development
Development Assistants support the Museum's Development Department and several SOTA activities. The committee prepares monthly Museum membership renewal mailings, Gala mailings, and other projects. SOTA mailing projects include the yearbook, invitations for Luncheon With The Authors, and other projects as they arise.
Docents
Museum docents are community members who engage visitors in stimulating conversations about art and the exhibitions. They provide tours of the museum’s collections and exhibitions to visiting groups of many ages and levels of experience. Docents not only provide a valuable service to the museum and the community, but they also have the opportunity to meet and learn from museum staff, curators, and visiting artists. All docents are specially trained to work with the permanent collection and changing exhibitions. Participation in the docent program requires a substantial commitment of time and energy on the part of volunteers, but it is tremendously rewarding. Our docents are a diverse, talented, and interesting group of individuals. They share a passion for art and have the desire to share their knowledge with others. Training sessions provide an opportunity for docents to interact with other docents, museum staff and curators while they grasp teaching techniques, and become familiar with the full workings of the museum.
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Field Docents
Field Docents are ambassadors for the Allentown Art Museum, engaging audiences in the Museum as well as off site in the community. Field Docents make presentations about the Museum’s collections and may support special community projects sponsored by the Museum.
The primary project of the Field Docents is their off-site program, “You Belong Here”, developed to introduce Senior Citizens to the Museum collections, special programs, and exhibits.
Fundraising
The Fundraising committee is responsible for organizing SOTA’s fundraising activities. The Fundraising committee organizes numerous functions, including SOTA Show Houses, kitchen tours, Luncheon with the Authors, and so much more!
Museum Events
Museum Events Committee provides staffing at museum preview parties, lectures, and special programs. Depending on the event, Committee members greet guests, sell beverage tickets, and monitor attendance with the added responsibility of making sure all proper capacity for new health guidelines are met. They may also assist Museum staff in planning special events.
Museum Store
The Museum Store Committee members provide staffing for the Museum Store. Volunteers make and record sales and assist the Museum Store manager as needed.
One of the most important and fun “tasks” that we ask our Volunteers to do is shop! We support the Museum Store in many ways but our shopping continues to boost sales which in turn supports the Museum. Our opportunity to see and purchase the new merchandise before anyone else does is one of several ‘perks’ to this committee. Wearing our treasures becomes a chance to display these for those who may have not had the pleasure of shopping with us……yet!
SOTA Prints
The SOTA Print Committee act as stewards of the SOTA Print Fund and of the prints identified as being acquired through the Print Fund, the SOTA Print Collection.
The committee creates and implements an annual education program centering on prints and printmaking processes for the SOTA membership and the community at large. Committee responsibilities and projects may include research, education and preservation projects, and presentations.
Programs
The SOTA Programs committee is responsible for providing delicious treats as well as the educational portion of our General Meetings. From guest speakers to member-led presentations, the Program Committee ensures our meetings are stimulating and satisfying. In addition, this committee plans the annual luncheon as well as Luncheon With The Authors.
