On-Demand Webinar: Mount-Making for Beginners
/in Blog, Workshops /by CWAM adminThis virtual webinar will provide an introductory overview of the process of mount-making for both collections and exhibitions. We will cover the purpose of mount-making, materials, best practices, real world examples, plus lots of tips and tricks for beginners. Participants will gain the knowledge to begin working with archival supplies and start making mounts for a variety of object types. This presentation will be geared toward EMPs, students, interns, or any collections and exhibitions staff looking to learn the basics. It may also be good for those in other departments looking for cross-departmental skills and understanding.
Presenters: Ashley Muggli, Collections Assistant, University of Colorado-Boulder Museum of Natural History; Jesse Dutton-Kenny, Museum Preparator, San Francisco International Airport Museum; Dominique Alhambra, Anthropology Collections Manager, Denver Museum of Nature & Science
On-Demand Webinar: Applying Basic Interpretive Principles to Written Communications and Program Development
/in Event, General /by CWAM adminMuseums continually face many new challenges. How can we design museum programs and messages for today’s world? In this session, we will brush up on the basic principles of interpretation and examine how to apply them to create mission-based programs and museum communications.
Written communication occurs daily from museums – Facebook posts, Website information, donor letters, exhibit texts, and so much more. When these are approached using the principles of interpretation, we see greater engagement with visitors and supporters. Try your hand at an interpretive approach to these common communication forms.
We all want to create museum programs that matter to our communities. The principles of interpretation can help educators from any museum create relevant, mission-based programs. Learn practical tools for using interpretive principles to plan and implement programs.
Wrap up this session with an explanation of the interpretive certification programs through the National Association for Interpretation. You will find out what the categories are, how to enroll, requirements, and the value of adding the course contents to your toolbox of museum skills.
Presenters: Karin Hostetter, Owner/Trainer/Writer, Interpret This
Katherine Mercier, Certified Interpretive Guide Trainer, Museum Education Coordinator, Town of Windsor Museums
Emily Jacobs, Certification and Training Program Manager, National Association for Interpretation
On-Demand Webinar: Apply Stronger: Resumes and Cover Letters
/in Event, General /by CWAM adminLanding a new job is an age-old challenge, faced by individuals entering the museum field as well as seasoned professionals. Come learn concrete and practical tips to polish your resume and cover letter so you can get a seat at the interview table in this competitive museum job environment.
Presenters: Caitlin Rumery, Assistant Registrar/Traveling Exhibitions, Denver Art Museum
Christina Cain, Anthropology Collections Manager, University of Colorado Museum of Natural History
On-Demand Webinar: Online Portfolios for Museum Professionals
/in Event, General /by CWAM adminHaving an online portfolio is becoming increasingly common in the museum field, but is it right for you? In this presentation, we will discuss how a portfolio can be a great asset for your career. We will explore ways to gather content and start building your own portfolio. We’ll also look at examples of different portfolio styles, as well as a case study on how a hiring committee interacted with a portfolio during the application process. You’ll leave with specific strategies on how to set up a portfolio to reflect your best work based on your audience and professional goals.
Panelists: Ashley Muggli, Collections Assistant, University of Colorado-Boulder Museum of Natural History
Jesse Dutton-Kenny, Museum Preparator, San Francisco International Airport Museum
Dominique Alhambra, Anthropology Collections Manager, Denver Museum of Nature & Science
2020 CWAM Grants
/in Event, General /by CWAM adminThe application for 2020 CWAM grants is now open. Four grants up to $500 each are available for CWAM institutional members. The deadline to apply is May 15th. Ideas include collections rehousing, education trunks, website enhancement, staff training and more! Questions? Contact us.
Free Webinars in May
/in Event, General /by CWAM adminOnline Portfolios for Museum Professionals
May 6, 2:00-3:00pm (Mountain Time)
Having an online portfolio is becoming increasingly common in the museum field, but is it right for you? In this presentation, we will discuss how a portfolio can be a great asset for your career. We will explore ways to gather content and start building your own portfolio. We’ll also look at examples of different portfolio styles, as well as a case study on how a hiring committee interacted with a portfolio during the application process. You’ll leave with specific strategies on how to set up a portfolio to reflect your best work based on your audience and professional goals.
Panelists: Ashley Muggli, Collections Assistant, University of Colorado-Boulder Museum of Natural History
Jesse Dutton-Kenny, Museum Preparator, San Francisco International Airport Museum
Dominique Alhambra, Anthropology Collections Manager, Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Link for free registration: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kjl2_gh4Qi23uT_VuWrIIw
Apply Stronger: Resumes and Cover Letters
May 15, 1:00-2:00pm (Mountain Time)
Landing a new job is an age-old challenge, faced by individuals entering the museum field as well as seasoned professionals. Come learn concrete and practical tips to polish your resume and cover letter so you can get a seat at the interview table in this competitive museum job environment.
Presenters: Caitlin Rumery, Assistant Registrar/Traveling Exhibitions, Denver Art Museum
Christina Cain, Anthropology Collections Manager, University of Colorado Museum of Natural History
Link for free registration: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OfkKpAr_R_Gyasv6gtEi9A
Applying Basic Interpretive Principles to Written Communications and Program Development
May 20, 2:00-3:30pm (Mountain Time)
Museums continually face many new challenges. How can we design museum programs and messages for today’s world? In this session, we will brush up on the basic principles of interpretation and examine how to apply them to create mission-based programs and museum communications.
Written communication occurs daily from museums – Facebook posts, Website information, donor letters, exhibit texts, and so much more. When these are approached using the principles of interpretation, we see greater engagement with visitors and supporters. Try your hand at an interpretive approach to these common communication forms.
We all want to create museum programs that matter to our communities. The principles of interpretation can help educators from any museum create relevant, mission-based programs. Learn practical tools for using interpretive principles to plan and implement programs.
Wrap up this session with an explanation of the interpretive certification programs through the National Association for Interpretation. You will find out what the categories are, how to enroll, requirements, and the value of adding the course contents to your toolbox of museum skills.
Presenters: Karin Hostetter, Owner/Trainer/Writer, Interpret This
Katherine Mercier, Certified Interpretive Guide Trainer, Museum Education Coordinator, Town of Windsor Museums
Emily Jacobs, Certification and Training Program Manager, National Association for Interpretation
Link for free registration: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4Vp7CMvJRryObVQlHLAK0Q
Free Archives and Digital Collections 101 Workshop: Durango, Colorado
/in General, Workshops /by CWAM adminThe Colorado Historical Records Advisory Board (CHRAB), in partnership with the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), is once again offering a FREE, 2-day, Archives and Digital Collections 101 Workshop. This time the workshop will be held in Durango on September 10 and 11.
Learn more about the event and find the link to registration here: https://www.coloradovirtuallibrary.org/digital-colorado/free-archives-and-digital-collections-101-workshop-2/.
By Western Hands – Volunteer Museum & Gallery Intern
/in General, Internships /by CWAM adminBy Western Hands seeks Volunteer Museum & Gallery Intern
By Western Hands (BWH), is a non-profit organization that was founded by Cody community members in order to preserve, promote, and educate new generations of American artisans in the western tradition. The organization’s mission to preserve, promote, and educate, corresponds with a museum, member gallery, and internship program, all housed in BWH’s newly renovated Design Center in Cody, WY.
Artists working in wood, tooled leather and bone, beaded textiles, antler, silver, and iron (to name just a few) are juried into the BWH Artists’ Guild. Members’ pieces as large as a wood and stained glass bar and massive hammered and cast iron chandelier — and as small as silver inlaid spurs and hand-beaded pillows, are on display in the member gallery. The Museum exhibits and interprets historic and contemporary award-winning examples of western functional art.
The Gallery Assistant will greet visitors entering the gallery and museum, answer questions, and ensure that the Design Center is clean and that visitors follow the rules. The Assistant must be personable, knowledgeable about artists and exhibitions, and have the ability to remember details about each artist’s process, style, and biography. The Assistant may occasionally help with the physical installation of exhibits, operation of audio-visual equipment, and updates for the website and social media outlets. The Assistant may handle phone inquiries, help prepare purchase orders, and coordinate events.
The Gallery will be open daily during the summer from 10:00am-5:00pm. Please note that weekend and some additional evening hours will be required. Assistant will be 24-30 hours a week, paid at $12-13 an hour.
To apply please send the following items to Director@ByWesternHands.org:
Letter of introduction describing your interest in western functional art and/or museum and gallery work
List of work experience and any relevant coursework
Names and contact information for at least two professional references
For more information please call 307-586-1755 or email Director@ByWesternHands.org.