Gallery Assistant
Job Description
Through dynamic curatorial projects and public programming, Herron's galleries continue to be an innovative educational forum for diverse audiences by providing direct and meaningful encounters with contemporary art and artists. We mostly work Mon-Sat 9:30a - 5p and accommodating class schedules. This job is both “hands on” and administrative in nature; students learn about the policies, procedures, and processes involved with installing major and minor exhibitions.
70% - Open or close three gallery spaces within Eskenazi Hall. You will be asked to welcome visitors and monitor main gallery space, answer their inquiries in person or by phone, become familiar with the exhibitions and artists on display, and perform light data entry; miscellaneous tasks may be asked of you.
30% - Work closely with Gallery Director and staff, and visiting artists to assist with installation, de-installation, and packing of a variety of traditional artworks and technologies, including mini Mac’s, TV’s, and projectors. Minor wall repair in between exhibitions (patching and sand holes, painting walls and pedestals). Assisting before, during, and after gallery receptions, including with placing signs, tables, table cloths, etc. General maintenance tasks such as organizing supplies, sweeping, and maintaining a clean work environment.
Qualifications
Friendly, dependable, punctual, ability to follow specific instructions and work independently, interest in learning about gallery installation techniques and procedures. Must be able to lift 30 lbs and be comfortable on a ladder.
This position is limited to candidates with a Federal Work-Study Program award. To verify you have a work-study award, please go to your One.IU.edu account (look under Student Center and Financial Aid Summary). If you have an award, it will be listed with the rest of your financial aid (e.g., loans, grants, scholarships). You may also email the Office of Student Financial Services to inquire about eligibility.
Profiles of Learning for Undergraduate Success: IUPUI+
Communicator
Students work directly with visiting artists and gallery staff to install periodic exhibitions throughout the year. Because art exhibitions can look vastly different, active listening is required to understand the necessary installation procedures unique to each exhibition. Students have the opportunity to ask questions and understand artists’ methodologies; they will be able to formulate opinions and converse with the galleries’ visitors and other immediate audiences.
Problem Solver
During installation periods, students are required to work both independently and collaboratively with each other and gallery staff. Critical thinking is used to determine the most effective ways of performing tasks and anticipate potential problems. Strategy and time management are required to meet daily objectives in order to ensure that exhibitions open on time.
Innovator
Students understand how general audiences are directed throughout an exhibition through curatorial decision making: the sequence and placement of artwork, the layout of the space, informational text, lighting and sound design, etc.
Community Contributor
The Galleries at Herron invite local, regional, and international professional artists, lecturers, and instructors to engage with IUPUI students and the broader communities. Along with their art, artists share their own perspectives and stories with those of greater Indianapolis. As a contemporary gallery, the artists we exhibit are a contribution to the current cultural zeitgeist.