Art Gallery Assistant

Sorrel Sky Gallery is a well-established and highly regarded gallery that has been showcasing exceptional art and jewelry since 2002. We take pride in representing some of the industry's most talented local, regional, national and international artists, and offering a diverse range of stunning pieces.

We are currently seeking a responsible, motivated, and versatile Gallery Assistant to join our team. This role involves assisting in various gallery operations, including art shipping & packaging, art hangings & rotations, art receiving & storage, special events, and basic building maintenance.

Hours in this role are flexible hours: 20 to 25 hours/week. Typical schedule: 6-8 hour shifts, 2-3 days a week; schedules for client installations are 'on demand', corresponding to client schedules.

● Hours of Gallery operation: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Our ideal candidate will uphold the ideals and standards of our gallery space, working closely with the artists we represent and the gallery sales team. Professionalism in spirit, demeanor, and appearance is essential.

Key Responsibilities:

● Gallery Operations: Packing and shipping fine art in a careful and safe manner. Rotating and re-hanging gallery displays under the guidance of the gallery manager.

● Organization: Maintaining order and cleanliness in back-of-house areas, storage, and the gallery itself. Keeping the shipping area clean and organized.

● Art Handling: This role requires significant physical capability, including lifting and carrying heavy items (up to 100 lbs.), navigating stairs with fragile or heavy objects, and working on ladders for installations and lighting adjustments. Candidates must be comfortable with the physical demands of handling and installing large-scale and heavy artworks such as bronze sculptures and oversized photographs.

● Administrative Duties: Track tasks daily on spreadsheets, reconcile shipping and other expenses, and maintain art inventory records. Report progress and issues to leadership.

● Lighting Adjustments: Replacing and adjusting ceiling, spotlight, and jewelry case lighting as needed.

● Communication: Communicate with represented artists regarding inventory intake. Represent the gallery professionally and knowledgeably at exhibitions and events.

● Creative Problem-Solving: Think outside the box to overcome challenges, particularly when dealing with unconventional art pieces.

● Team Collaboration: Work closely and effectively with other team members to ensure proper customer service and a positive work environment.

● Customer Service: Display inventory creatively and compellingly to engage clients. Maintain strong customer service practices.

● Event Support: Assist during special events and exhibitions.

● Physical Tasks: Perform basic building maintenance and sculpture garden set up/cleaning as needed.

Client Installations: Travel occasionally for client installations, showcasing professionalism and expertise.

Requirements:

● Preferred experience in art packing, shipping, and crating or similar

● Knowledge of handling fragile items.

● Valid driver’s license.

● Proficiency with Mac platforms.

● Physical ability to lift 100 lbs., work on ladders, and navigate stairs with heavy or fragile objects.

● Strong commitment to delivering excellent customer service.

● Solid communication and interpersonal skills.

● Friendly and energetic personality.

● Highly organized with the ability to prioritize tasks under pressure.

● Flexible availability, including weekends, holidays, and events.

● Ability to adapt to constructive criticism and grow within the role.

In return, we offer

● Competitive pay ranging from $30/hour, higher pay possible depending on experience.

● A creative and inspiring work environment.

● Opportunities for professional growth and skill development.

● A chance to work closely with unique and challenging art pieces.

We are an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression.

Pay: From $30.00 per hour

Application Question(s):

• Are you able and willing to work hours outside of your regular schedule to accommodate occasional client installations?
• Are you able to meet the physical requirements of this job - lifting/carrying up to 100 lbs, working safely on a ladder, and navigating stairs (sometimes carrying heavy art objects)?
• Briefly describe any relevant experience not included on your resume.

Work Location: In person