The Education Department at Open Concept Gallery organizes a wide range of programs for audiences of all ages. We offer special exhibition-related events such as, artist talks, lectures, presentations and panel discussions.
Evening Lecture Series
Contemporary art addresses the issues of contemporary times. It takes a stand and often generates new questions regarding the increasingly complex structure of society and reality. Contemporary art’s unique field of knowledge also encourages its viewers to actively engage with particular works.
The Open Concept Gallery art education team is focused on increasing understanding of 21st century art in all forms. The series is taught by a combination of Open Concept Gallery staff and guest scholars, artists and lecturers.
Each educational opportunity offers the potential to lend greater transparency to the many layers of the artistic process. The gallery’s team invites your participation and encourages open, creative dialogue.
The Evening Lecture Series offers the audience a chance to delve deeply into the gallery’s exhibitions and programs. Visit the insightful lectures and discover new ways to look at art works. Hear artists speak about their work, or listen to a curator’s perspectives and discussions. Discover new approaches, discuss different perspectives, or critique the appropriateness of certain forms of art appreciation.
Internships
The Open Concept Gallery offers a variety of internships for undergraduates, recent graduates and graduate students in art history, administration, conservation, education and related fields.
The objective of the internship program is to offer practical gallery training experience to individuals interested in pursuing careers in the arts and gallery fields. Interns gain a general knowledge and broad understanding of how a particular department functions within the context of a major gallery; as well as specific skills related to a particular department’s activities. Interns are assigned to a department based on their academic background, professional skills, interest, and career goals. Interns participate in the ongoing work of the department and complete specific projects or portions of larger departmental initiatives.
Potential internships are available in the following departments: Curatorial, Education, Public Affairs, Registrar, Photography, Film and Media Arts, Director’s Office, Development, Membership, Special Events, Visitor Services, Finance and Information Technology.
Community Outreach
Our Community Education program aims to increase public enjoyment and understanding of contemporary art. The education team is also involved in special projects linking the gallery with local communities.
Programs aim to stimulate widespread interest in contemporary art, as well as helping art-enthusiasts and the general public alike, gain insights into themselves and the world around them. A special emphasis is placed on providing innovative interpretation of exhibitions, developing new audiences, providing creative educational opportunities for youth and adults and acting as an educational resource for the community.
The Open Concept Gallery relies on the community to support its wide range of exhibitions and public programs.
All members of the community are invited to apply to the Community Docent Program as volunteers. Community docents are asked to sign up for membership at the Open Concept Gallery. While community docents are not eligible for scholarship benefits, they participate in Open Concept Gallery as full-fledged members as well as in other unique opportunities.