Palm Springs Art Museum membership brings a multitude of benefits including receipt of Member Magazine, free admission, and discounts in the Store, the Annenberg Theater, and classes. But an additional benefit is the chance to participate in a special interest council. There are eight councils, each with a specific mission to support the institution. Each has its own governing board, bylaws, staff liaison, and dues structure.

If you are looking to help raise money, work in the Muse Café, support the Annenberg Theater, or assist in the development of acquisitions and programs on art, architecture, or performing arts, there is a special group for you!

Museum Service Council

The Museum Service Council (MSC) of the Palm Springs Art Museum is looking for volunteers to join their creative, art-loving volunteer corps. Who said work couldn’t be fun? MSC members usher in the Annenberg Theater, help in the Toor Gallery Café, assist and ring up totals in the Museum Store and perform a multitude of administrative tasks or duties. All ages and skill sets are welcomed and we are interested to hear from those who can give their time on regular assignments, as well as those who can be called upon in a pinch to help with mass mailings or special projects.

Museum membership is required for consideration into the MSC Council along with an additional $20 fee to join the Council. Council members are recognized once per year at an annual thank you lunch. Interested parties can call the MSC desk at 760-322-4855 for more information.

Contemporary Arts Council

The Contemporary Art Council raises money to underwrite one exhibition each year and to purchase an artwork for the permanent collection. The CAC members also present provocative lectures and tour major art collections locally, nationally and around the world. For more information, call the CAC Coordinator at 760.322-4823.

Docent Council

Each year, 10-12 eager and earnest applicants are chosen from dozens of hopefuls for the rigorous but rewarding docent training. Orientation for the class is in early October and the training culminates in April with the presentation of their research and their first public tour. Each new candidate is paired with an experienced docent as their mentor and guided through the process of learning about the art and artists in the Museum’s permanent collection, developing communication skills appropriate for all ages, and, of course, enjoying themselves at every step along the way!

For more information, please call Education Coordinator Glenn Wilhite at 760.322.4817.

Western Art Council

For the Western Art Council, the most important activity over the summer is expanding its membership to support the Art Museum’s Western and Native American art exhibitions, collections and programs. WAC’s popular activities include an annual barbecue, fundraiser and exciting art tours. Other events include Coffman Conversations With Collectors, a series of “show-and-tell” gatherings scheduled throughout the year in private homes. In the coming season, plans are in progress for a tour to visit private collections and artists’ studios in the Coachella Valley. For more information, call WAC Coordinator Nancy Thomsen at 760.322-4888.

Artists Council

If you draw, paint, sculpt, take photographs, or would like to, the Artist Council is the place for you. Join the AC to learn, share and connect with fellow artists in our community and beyond. Most classes are week-long workshops, but many classes are offered in the evenings and weekends. New workshops include sculpture design, printmaking, collage, mixed media, figurative painting, life drawing, photography, digital photography, assemblage, paper making, watercolor, acrylic, pastels and oils. For more information, call the AC Coordinator at 760.322.4850.

Performing Arts Council

Are you interested in supporting great local entertainment? The PAC raises funds to support theater operations and programming. Members receive discounts and preferred seating. For more information, please call Director of Theater Operations and Special Events John Finkler at 760.322.4859.

Architecture and Design Council

The ADC focuses on contemporary issues and innovations in architecture and design hosting a provocative lecture series, tours, an annual symposium and more. For more information, call ADC Coordinator Emily Christie at 760.322-4818.

Museum Associates Council

The Museum Associates Council was established as a small group of members with a strong desire to assist in the ongoing promotion and funding of Museum programs. Today, more than 400 dedicated MAC members execute a variety of fundraising events annually raising over $500,000 to support programs, exhibitions and the general operating fund. Best known for hosting the annual Art Museum’s Gala and biennial events, A Day in the Garden, The Art of Shopping and Let Us Entertain You, MAC also offers its members many volunteer and enrichment opportunities, including luncheon speakers, art-related trips and a scholarship program. For more information, call MAC Events Manager Stacy Maddux at 760.322.4844.