Museum Sleepovers Need Fun Loving Activity Leaders at the Scavenger Hunt Stations
These lifetime memory-making nights (which are hugely popular) are made possible by enthusiastic activity leaders. They make the evening FUN! Join our volunteer teams!
Please look over all these dates and use EVANS to sign up. We ask that you select 3 or more dates to help us run things smoothly and more consistently.
3 American History Sleepovers
Sat. June 17
Fri. July 7 (need 10 more volunteers!)
Fri. Aug. 25 (need 9 more volunteers)
5 Natural History Sleepovers
ALL ON FRIDAY NIGHTS:
June 23 and June 30 (need 30 more volunteers for June 30!)
July 21 (need 25 more volunteers)
Aug. 4 (need 30 more volunteers)
Aug. 18 (need 35 more volunteers)
3 Air and Space Sleepovers at Udvar Hazy in Chantilly, VA
ALL ON SATURDAY NIGHTS:
July 15 (need 5 more volunteers)
July 29 (need 16 more volunteers)
Aug. 12 (need 15 more volunteers)
A reconfirmation email with all the details you will want to know in advance will be sent out in the days leading up to each sleepover.
________________________________________
In April, May, and June the Associates Volunteer Program facilitated 6 small group trainings for Event Reps. They were lively sessions with 94 participants in all, and the focus was on how, as teams, we can best "SUPPORT STAFF." Using baseball analogies, we covered our year to date "STATS," and put on the proverbial shoes of our Programmers to consider all the balls that come their way before programs begin, and how we can best help them. Each of us also developed "The Great Pitch," a concise type of elevator speech to sum up what the Associates does, how we serve as Event Reps, and what makes our programs so great!
The four main themes of this training, based on feedback from all our Programmers, were these four ways we can improve our game, collectively:
Be more welcoming to our program participants
Step Up: Take Initiative with participants concerns or problems
Be more flexible when Programmers ask for help with different tasks and when completing other duties
Be more cheerful in spirit and attitude: show that you are happy to be here
Thank you to all who participated in the trainings, especially those who gave extra time, helping set up the rooms, taking photos of volunteers for our upcoming directory, staffing the check in table, and those who helped straighten the room back afterwards. It was a pleasure to spend this time with you and we look forward to seeing all of you at future programs! "Batter up!"
_______________________________________
Have You Seen The Green Man in Ripley?
By Janet Hewitt, Guest Blogger
From IT specialist to frame conservator, from scientific illustrator to curator of manuscripts, from metadata librarian to security guard, the Smithsonian’s extended family is almost the size of a small city. The diaspora of Smithsonian-affiliated folks who support 19 museums, a zoo and a few other outposts work across the National Mall, extend north to Manhattan and south to Virginia, and then populate some of the farthest reaches of the globe.
So, it’s perfectly understandable that the artwork done by this great, big, extended family would reflect that same kind of diversity.
And just about every medium known to man is on view in the Ripley Center in the current juried exhibition of artwork done by this creative bunch—from paintings, to photography, to fiber arts, basketry, blown glass, metal sculpture, collage, drawing and illustration (and a few other categories I honestly couldn’t name).
“Artists at Work 2017”--the name of the show--showcases the work of Smithsonian employees, partners, interns and volunteers. (And by the way, those job descriptions I referenced in the opening are some of the actual work titles given for artists whose work is in this show.)
Smithsonian Associates volunteers also are among the 74 artists represented out of 206 entries in this year’s show. We caught up with one of our volunteer artists (Leslie Boss) in an earlier blog. In this edition, we focus on the work of Joan Stogis, a retired architect and 11-year Associates volunteer.
The work by Stogis selected for the show is titled “Green Man, 2014.” It is a multi-dimensional quilt in vivid green colors with the head of a small green man peeking out from amongst dense leafy greenery. On a wall-mounted card next to the art quilt, Stogis confesses: “I am a medieval maniac and volunteer for all programs addressing the Middle Ages.” She says the quilt was inspired by a 13th century carving in the cathedral in Dijon, France.
Stogis’s quilt can be found nestled on the wall inside Ripley between “Yellow Scream, 2015,” “Dual Mask 2, 2016,” “The Empress and The Emperor, 2015,” and “Door #28, 2016.”
If you want to see it in person, you simply need to locate the Yellow Scream and then let your eyes hang a right.
We recently had a chance to chat with Stogis about her work. Here’s some of the back and forth we had with the artist:
What is your favorite medium? How long did it take you to decide what the best medium was for you? What are some other mediums you have worked in and thought were a good fit for your talent? I really enjoy working in the fiber arts area. I have long been attracted to fabrics and the ways I can combine or transform them. I had a brief interest in weaving (too much planning ahead), and made clothing for many years (but now my wardrobe is jeans and T-shirts). Quilting—both art quilts like “Green Man” and functional modern quilts—is a good combination of structure and spontaneity.
Who is your favorite artist? In 2015, I took a five-day workshop with Australian quilt artist Gloria Loughman. She is an outstanding fiber artist and an inspiring teacher. I am trying to build on all I learned from her.
When did you first start dabbling in art, how old were you? At what age did you feel your work started to meet your own standards of what could be considered fine art? As a child, I liked to draw and build models (mostly of spaceships, sometimes houses). Perhaps no wonder I became an architect. Quilting is an important part of my retirement years. “Fine art?” Probably not, not a label that concerns me.
How long did it take you to produce the work selected by the judges for this exhibit? What is the title of the work and why did you name it that? I worked on “Green Man” for around two months. It is my second Green Man piece; the first was a gift for a friend, several years ago. The Green Man is a male symbol of fecundity seen in pre-Christian art and incorporated into Christian imagery in many old churches. This image [portrayed in my quilt] was inspired by a carving in the cathedral at Dijon, France.
Have you taken any formal art training? Where? My academic training was part of my architecture school curriculum. I also took drawing classes offered by The Smithsonian Associates way back in the early years of TSA.
What attracted you to become a Smithsonian Associates volunteer? How long have you been doing that? I am in my 11th year as a volunteer; my husband, Peter, has been a volunteer for more than 20 years. He recruited me.
What are some of the things you have done as a volunteer that you have enjoyed the most? The interesting and intelligent people who participate in the programs, both as patrons and fellow volunteers. I always look forward to the Q&A part of a lecture or seminar, as folks ask such informed and sometimes challenging questions.
What is the best-kept secret about being a Smithsonian Associates volunteer? How much fun it is!
_______________________________________
SI Wide Volunteer Meeting with Secretary Skorton featured Associates Volunteer Valerie Virta
Secretary David Skorton takes a selfie with (from left) Valerie Virta, David Trumble, Dave Norman and Nancy LeBaron
On May 17, Secretary David Skorton hosted a Town Hall meeting for all active Smithsonian volunteers to give them a chance to share their perspectives and ask the Secretary questions. The meeting began with a panel discussion led by Dr. Skorton that highlighted the different experiences of volunteers who serve in various roles around the Smithsonian.
Among those participating in the discussion were Dave Norman, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center volunteer; Nancy LeBaron, docent at the Smithsonian American Art Museum; David Trumble, National Museum of African American History and Culture volunteer; and Valerie Virta, a Studio Arts/Ambassasor/Special Event volunteer with Smithsonian Associates. Following the panel discussion, Smithsonian Call Center volunteer Julia McCrossin interviewed Secretary Skorton about his views on the volunteer program and its impact. The meeting ended with an open Q&A session.
Valerie Virta is introduced at the 2:30 mark of this video and can first be seen when the camera moves to the panel onstage at the 5:04 mark, when Skorton kicks off the meeting by taking the selfie pictured above.
_____________________________________________________
Office Volunteers: Short Training/Appreciation Event - Tuesday, July 11
We will meet from 1 pm until 3:30 pm in the office conference room. Please attend, here's what's planned:
- Information and updates applicable to ALL office volunteers, whether you work at the front desk or with other staff.
- A one hour session on navigating our Tessitura database, which many of you use. Learn some new tips and short cuts for getting to the data you work with. Andrea Hartman, our in-house TT expert will facilitate.
- An opportunity to enjoy each other’s company, make connections, enjoy refreshments (you knew I’d have food for you, right?) and get your photo taken for the directory we are creating for all our volunteers and staff.
This has been scheduled on a Tuesday afternoon because that is the day of the week when the biggest number of our office volunteer corps are here, including Jay Missal and Sheila Lopez, pictured above.
Please RSVP with Jenna by Friday, July 7th. You will be credited volunteer hours for your participation.
__________________________________
Our Ripley Security Officers:
Meet Sergeant Rosario Kheritza
by Kiren Jahangeer, Guest Blogger
Sergeant Rosario Kheritza is from Puerto Rico, about an hour east of San Juan. She served in the military for thirteen years prior to making the move to DC for the opportunities it would offer her children.
How long have you been working at the Smithsonian? I started in 2006, through a program that sought to recruit bilingual police officers. I was one of 38 officers in my class, and was first assigned to NMAH, but moved to Ripley after a year. My father works for the Smithsonian, at NASM. My daughter now works there too.
What is the strangest question you’ve ever been asked on duty? Do you have ghosts? We get a lot of Night at the Museum questions – “are all the museums connected underground?” that sort of thing.
Which museum is the spookiest to work in? I’ve never worked at the Castle but I have heard the ghost stories. NMNH at night, in the mummies exhibit – that’s spooky. The Freer Gallery of Art – at night you will hear strange noises, see shadows, and alarms will go off, but no one is there. I’ve talked to the ghosts before though, and will let them know I’m just doing my job, making sure everything is safe and secure, and ask them nicely not to bother me. It’s worked.
Who is the most famous person you have seen on the job? There are so many to name. Danny Glover at NMAH. Benjamin Bratt. Samuel L. Jackson. Sasha Obama took a 3 day class here. The Prince of Egypt. Gillian Anderson was a highlight though,I got a photo with her, she was very nice!
Do you have a favorite Smithsonian museum to visit for fun? I made a deal with my children years ago when they were young, that we would always go to a new museum on the mall, before we’d go back to their favorite – NASM. We did this, but I haven’t been to the National Postal Museum or Anacostia Community Museum yet. NASM holds special meaning for me because of all the memories from when my kids were young. The orchid exhibit at NMNH is my favorite, it feels like being at home in El Yunque Rainforest with all the aromas! I also love the Folklife Festival and usually spend two days there.
What is the best part of your job? I have learned so much – it’s like a college experience with all of the knowledge that’s to be gained here. I enjoy going through new exhibits before they open to the public to see how people will react to them and engage with the content. If I understand how they feel, and can have empathy for them, I will be able to better assist the visitors. It’s eye opening to learn about new cultures – I never knew there was so much involved in Japanese tea ceremonies! I’ve also made very good friends here. Knowing that you made a difference in someone’s life – the thank yous and gratitude through words, gestures, or expressions is very rewarding.
__________________________________
Where Am I?
By Janet Hewitt, Guest Blogger
What better way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s birth than buying a copy of this board game called “The Kennedy’s?" There’s only one small hitch: they don’t carry it at Toys R Us or Walmart. We found this one at one of the Smithsonian’s museums—but which one? Tell us where you think it is and you might win a prize (that’s how they talk in the land of board games, but don’t take it seriously).
We love the Mt. Rushmore treatment of the Kennedy clan on the game’s cover, but couldn’t quite figure out who some of the lesser-known members of the clan are towards the back of the carved mountain edifice. See if you can, as a bonus!
We always like to give a few hints to help readers identify where the objects might be that are featured in Where Am I? So here are a few:
Hint One: The same exhibit that features this board game also displays an outfit worn by Jackie O to a 1961 Washington reception. It’s a dove grey, silk brocade dress and jacket designed by Oleg Cassini just for Jackie.
Hint Two: The same display case holding The Kennedy’s board game also contains a vintage box of “Original Lincoln Logs” that dubs itself “The All American Toy.” The box alone is an antique toy collector’s dream.
ANSWERS TO LAST ISSUE’S Where Am I?
That cool Hawaiian shirt we featured last time around belonged to our 33rd president—Harry S. Truman. As you all know, Truman became president in April 1945 after assuming the post upon the death of Franklin Roosevelt. The shirt is on display in an exhibit titled “The American Presidency—A Glorious Burden” in the National Museum of American History.
