The success of Craft Expo, Guilford Art Center’s longest running and largest event is due in part to the hundreds of volunteers who help with the operation of the show each year. Volunteers are asked to give a minimum of 3 hours of their time and in return will receive free entrance to the show for all three days.
To sign up to volunteer for Craft Expo, please contact: Maureen Belden, mbelden@guilfordartcenter.org, 203-453-5947 ext. 202
VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Gate/Ticket Sellers: This job will keep you busy and is one of the most fun and important tasks at the fair. You will greet each customer as they come through the gate, take their money, make change, collect $1.00 coupons and postcards, give them a program and answer any questions that they might have. You also will send people to the GAC HQ table for membership sales and renewals, show visitors how to orient themselves with the map of the grounds, or direct them to the Rest Rooms or Food Court. You will also need to verify members against a current membership list, and stamp the hands of guests who wish to re-enter the show. There will be a notebook with complete instructions at the gate.
Silent Auction Helper: You will be helping to run the Silent Auction table. Tasks may include gathering donations from exhibitors, filling out bidding forms, setting up the table for the day, and showing fair patrons how to sign up for a bidding number. You will be working inside a tent; further instructions will be provided.
Artist Ally: This is a great shift for someone who loves to interact with people. Artist Allies provide booth relief to any exhibitor who may need it so that they can take a 15 minute bathroom break, lunch break, etc. You are not allowed to make sales in their absence, just watch their booth and safeguard their merchandise. Some artists will have signed up for this service before hand – there is a list on a clipboard for you – others may not have. You will also walk through the fair and report any problems to staff, let people know where restrooms are and answer basic customer questions.
Family Art Tent: The craft tables in the Family Art Tent will be open daily during show hours. You will be helping children of all ages to create a simple art and crafts projects or supervising them in open play. No experience is necessary, but you will need to be able to direct small children, although their parents will also be required to stay with them.
Check In Help: (Thursday, July 14, 2021, 2:00 – 8:30 pm) Check-In volunteers will greet exhibitors on the Green as they arrive to set up their booths. You will hand them their exhibitor packet, collect checks for any outstanding fees, and show them where their booth is on the map.
Set-up Help: (Thursday, July 14, 2021 10:00 am – 8:30 pm, Friday, July 15, 2021, 7am-10am) Assist exhibitors as necessary transporting goods from vehicles to tent sites. Can be arduous, but is very helpful for the very appreciative artists.
Head Volunteer/Volunteer Coordinator: You will be asked to check in all volunteers on a given day and brief them on their tasks. You will be responsible for calling individuals who have not arrived and finding replacements if necessary.
Water Delivery Volunteer: You will fill up a wagon with cold bottled water (from the back of the Silent Auction Tent) and deliver to exhibiting artists around the Green. The exhibitors will be happy to see you!
