Volunteer
The McMichael
Volunteer Committee
The McMichael Volunteer Committee (MVC) was founded in 1985. It comprises of a dedicated team of McMichael members from all walks of life who share a passion for the arts and are committed to volunteerism. McMichael volunteers play an invaluable role in the gallery — whether they are interacting with visitors, supporting events or fundraising. In addition to contributing their time, as of April 2024, the MVC have contributed over $790,000 through fundraising to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. These funds have supported the V.O.I.C.E.S. program, the free Sunday Music program, the Bench Project, and also contributed $50,000 towards the gallery’s Canada 150 celebrations.
Joining the McMichael Volunteer Committee is a rewarding way for you to:
- Meet passionate and like-minded people
- Learn more about the McMichael, the home to the art of Canada
- Contribute to the community
- Develop skills and interests
- Participate in exciting excursions to other museums, galleries and more
Volunteer help is required mostly on weekends. General volunteers must commit a minimum of 25 hours per year. General meetings are held once a month on a Thursday morning from September to June. Docent volunteers follow different guidelines (see below).
2026 Autumn Art Sale
Fundraiser
The 31st Autumn Art Sale, showcasing 47 juried artists, took place in the McMichael’s iconic Grand Hall November 7th to November 9th, 2026.
The excitement from the artists, art collectors, art communities and the volunteers who put on this annual fundraiser created a positive and exciting buzz leading up to and during the sale weekend.
Despite the challenges faced with the unpredictable weather, the fundraiser raised over $30,000 in support of the McMichael’s educational children’s programs, residency programs, exhibitions and more.
Congratulations
Top Ten Selling Artists
| Chazz Balkwill | Laura Stevens |
| Danny Perkins | Roslyn Levin |
| Doris Pontieri | Andrew Bonnycastle |
| John Shea | Veronica Meloche |
| David Lidbetter | Michele Rose |
The McMichael Volunteer Committee is grateful to all the artists that participated.
Become
a Docent
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is seeking qualified, enthusiastic, sociable individuals to join our dedicated team of docents – volunteers who share an interest in introducing children and adults to the Art of Canada, its culture and history. Volunteering as a docent is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our country and share your love of learning with visitors.
Docent Roles and Responsibilities
Docents lead interactive tours of exhibitions and the permanent collection for McMichael’s student and adult groups. A docent may opt to lead programs for students, adults or both.
Generally, school program docents conduct themed tours for school groups from September to June, excluding holidays. These tours are highly interactive and include hands-on activities. School program docents are also involved in facilitating studio programs. They commit to one day a week of active service during the school year. Docents are also required to attend training sessions every third Monday of the month from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Gallery tours docents are responsible for providing tours of the collection to McMichael visitors from Wednesday to Sunday, and to special interest groups/private tours as required. They are required to commit to a minimum of two days a month and 75 service hours yearly. Gallery tour docents are expected to attend monthly training sessions held between September and June on every third Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
How Docents Are Trained
New docents, also referred to as provisional docents, must attend a number of docent training sessions. During these meetings they will be introduced to the McMichael’s permanent collection and learn basic guiding techniques.
A McMichael membership of $65 per year is required to be a member of the MVC. If you would like to learn more about this program, please contact learning@mcmichael.com or call: 905.893.1121 ext. 2224.
McMichael
Youth Team (MYT)
Discover new adventures, create new memories, and receive your community service hours in a unique setting that combines art and 100 acres of stunning conservation land.
MYT members must commit a minimum of 12.5 hours of volunteer service in their first year. Volunteers for the McMichael Artventure March Break & Summer Camp are required to be members of the MYT.
How to join MYT
If you are interested in applying to the MYT, please:
1. Download and complete MYT Application form below.
2. Send completed form to myt@mcmichael.com.
Artventure
Summer Camp
We are currently recruiting Camp Volunteers for our Artventure Summer Camp Programs. Volunteers for the McMichael Artventure Summer Break Camp are required to be members of the MYT.
Summer Camp
Volunteer Applications
MYT Members
1. Download and complete Summer Camp Volunteer form
2. Send completed form to myt@mcmichael.com
Non-Members
1. Download and complete MYT Application form
2. Download and complete Summer Camp Volunteer form
3. Send completed form to myt@mcmichael.com