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Best Volunteer Opportunities For Art Lovers In OC

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Although there is no financial gain for those who volunteer their time, the altruistic activity can help improve daily life and promote goodness. For the thriving art scene in Orange County, there are many locations that offer volunteer opportunities that explore the various types of art and exhibits throughout the region.
Orange County Museum of Art
(credit: Orange County Museum of Art/Facebook)

Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA)
850 San Clemente Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 759-1122
www.ocma.net

With a mission to "enrich the lives of a diverse and changing community through modern and contemporary art," the OCMA offers a great volunteer opportunity for those who want to take part in the world of modern and contemporary art. In order to volunteer at the museum, one must be at least 18 years old. There are flexible schedules available that range from community events to exhibition tours and development drives. The programs that are offered include public programs, the docent council, the museum store, admissions desk and development. A download of the volunteer application can be found here or call (949) 759-1122 ext. 200 for more information.

Family Art Innovations (Bower's Museum)
(credit: Bowers Museum)

Bowers Museum
2002 N. Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 567-3600
www.bowers.org

The Bowers Museum has a vision of exploring world cultures through art. The volunteer program at the Bowers offers any candidate a unique and enriching experience. Through the Bowers Affiliate Councils', volunteers are encouraged to become involved with the museum community. The Beads Society also provides the community with education resources when it comes to artistic, historical and intercultural significance of beads and holds regular meetings and events at the museum. The Bells serve as ambassadors of goodwill and volunteering at the information desk. They also help at social and fundraising events at the museum.

surfing museum
(credit: International Surfing Museum)

International Surfing Museum
411 Olive Ave.
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 960-3483
www.surfingmuseum.org

Founded several decades ago by a woman that never actually surfed, the International Surf Museum in Huntington Beach offers an incredible beach vibe and welcoming spirit that the late founder Natalie Kotsch recognized when she first moved to the location from Canada many years ago. Tourists and locals visit the museum to see the great surfboards and local history that Kotsch had dedicated many years to preserve. Additionally, surfers from around the globe also stop by to find out where the local surfers are surfing. The surf culture and art can prove to be a great volunteer opportunity for those who are interested in becoming more involved.

Related: Best Date Ideas For Art Lovers In OC

lagunaart.jpg
(credit: Laguna Art Museum)

Laguna Art Museum
307 Cliff Drive
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-8971
www.lagunaartmuseum.org

There are many important ways in which volunteers contribute to the Laguna Art Museum's richest resources and there are a variety of opportunities available for volunteers. Serving as a Docent Corps ambassador, you will provide interactive tours for visitors and school groups. Docents seek to engage museum visitors through discussion about the art in the rotating exhibitions of the museum. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, The Carole Reynolds Art Research Library seeks computer-literate volunteers to help with the filing of historical files. A volunteer application is available to fill out here.

Muzeo Museum
(credit: muzeo.org)

The Muzeo Museum
241 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 956-8936
www.muzeo.org

The Muzeo Museum in Anaheim encourages the community to explore and celebrate our diverse heritage, culture and arts through creative programming. This particular museum hosts three traveling exhibits every year and helps expand the cultural understanding and horizons of each exhibit. With special programs and events that take place at the museum, this serves as a great opportunity for those who would like to volunteer their time. Some future events include Transcending Trash which celebrates turning throwaway objects into complex and colorful works of art. This exhibit runs until August 31, 2014.

Related: Best Art Museums In Orange County

Elle Toussi is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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