The Colby Museum boasts a world-class collection of American art, and offers students a range of opportunities to get involved in the arts. You might visit the museum as part of a class, independently, or as part of a club/other organization, and there are lots of other ways to take advantage of what this unique resource offers, regardless of your major. For more information, email: [email protected]
VISITING THE MUSEUM
IN A CLASS. Many courses hold a class session in the Museum, during which you’ll learn to look at objects carefully and for a sustained amount of time. But that’s not all you’re expected to do when you visit.
To engage sincerely with the artworks, you’ll also need to be ready to talk. When you visit with a class, don’t expect long lectures. Instead, be ready to discuss the observations, ideas, and impressions that the artworks raise. The Colby Museum of Art is a space of learning, exploration, and engagement. Your active contributions help create connections between the museum collection and Colby College’s curriculum.
OTHER VISITS. Students (and staff and faculty) are always welcome to visit the Colby Museum. What’s more, you’re also welcome to contact the folks who work at the museum if you’d like help with a project or research, whether it’s for a class or whether it’s an independent project that you’re pursuing.
The Colby Museum of Art is also excited to work with clubs or student organizations through the Campus Collaboration Initiative.
And did you know that you’re also welcome to use lobby tables to do your homework? Many students appreciate studying in the museum and taking study breaks to appreciate the exhibitions and artwork on display. Since the museum also has a café cart, it’s pretty much a full-service study space!
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
The museum’s professional opportunities are available to students in any major, and have no prerequisites.
COLBY MUSEUM STUDENT BOARD. The Colby Museum or Art celebrates and relies upon student input, and spots are available every year on the museum’s student board. This leadership opportunity allows your voice to shape the developments of the museum, and takes only about 10-15 hours per semester.
WELCOME DESK WORKERS. If you want to hone your skills with customer service, visitor experience, communication, and more, this paid position is ideal. Applications are accepted each year, and the hours can be arranged around your class schedule.
INTERNSHIPS. Museum interns are embedded within one of the departments in the museum (Curatorial, Exhibitions, etc.) during a spring or fall semester. Interns are usually hired in the fall for a full academic year, but some opportunties may be posted in spring semesters.
SUMMER WORKERS. Paid positions are available at the museum over the summer that include on-campus housing. Summer student worker openings include departments like Curatorial, Engagement, Development, and Exhibitions/Publications. The summer program hosts a robust cohort program that provides first-hand insight into museums. It includes field trips to museums around Maine and exposes students to impactful, timely issues pertinent to the art world through a Reading Lab series.
FURTHER RESOURCES
Colby Museum of Art. Guidelines for Class Visits.
Colby Museum of Art Internship program.
Colby Museum of Art Welcome Desk Attendant program.
The Teagle Foundation. Teaching and Learning with Museum Exhibitions