Every Monday Oklahoma City resident Vickie Norick saves a special part of her day to volunteer four hours at Red Earth in downtown Oklahoma City. While there, she oversees a project to update a database of nearly 1,500 historical artifacts and contemporary pieces of art in the organizations’ permanent collection. Now, a docent program will give volunteers the opportunity to help the organization as it strives to showcase the Native American cultures that make Oklahoma unique.
Red Earth already has over 400 loyal volunteers who work thousands of hours every summer at the Red Earth Festival – the annual award-winning event that draws artists, dancers and visitors from throughout the world to the Cox Convention Center. Now Red Earth is looking for individuals interested in volunteering their time at the Red Earth Art, open weekdays from 10-5 pm, next to the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in the heart of the city.
Anyone age 16 or older is eligible to volunteer at Red Earth. Volunteers will have several opportunities to serve including as exhibit hosts, during special events, in the Red Earth Gift Store or office. All docents will receive special training and orientations for permanent and special exhibitions at the Red Earth Art Center.
All that is required to become a Red Earth docent is a commitment to volunteer a minimum of four hours per month and no less than 50 hours per year. Red Earth docents will also have the opportunity to have a set schedule each month.
Docent benefits include discounted rates to special classes and select items in the Gift Store, and free downtown parking at the Santa Fe Parking Garage while volunteering.
“We see people from throughout the world every week at the Red Earth Art Center,” said Leslie Blair, president of the Red Earth Board of Directors. “When people travel to Oklahoma City they are often looking to experience Native American cultures. We can give them an introduction at Red Earth.”
Red Earth, Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 with a mission to promote the rich traditions of American Indian arts and cultures through education, a premier festival, a museum and fine art markets. It is custodian of a permanent collection of items including fine art, pottery, basketry, textiles and beadwork – including the Deupree Cradleboard Collection, one of the finest individual collections of its kind in North America.
Red Earth is an Allied Arts member agency and is funded in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department, and Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau.
To learn more about docent opportunities visit www.redearth.org or call (405) 427-5228.
