Membership at the Palm Springs Art Museum brings a multitude of benefits, including quarterly receipt of InSight magazine, free admission, and discounts in the Museum Store,  Annenberg Theater, and art workshops. An additional benefit available to members only is the opportunity ­ to participate in special interest councils.  The councils are the most active and dynamic part of our membership, with more than 1,200 museum members electing to join. Participation in a council is the best way to meet other members with similar interests and become involved with activities and events that support the museum’s exhibitions and programming. There are eight councils, each with its own staff liaison, bylaws, dues structure and board of directors.  Museum membership is a prerequisite to join a council, but once you join, you’ll receive their newsletter updates and invitations to all of their special events.

Whether your interest is volunteering, fundraising, or enjoying a performance at the Annenberg Theater; or viewing exclusive private collections of Western and Contemporary art; or gaining insight about architecture and design - councils offer something for everyone!  

Annenberg Theater Council

Are you interested in supporting great performing arts entertainment? The Annenberg Theater Council (ATC) raises funds to support theater operations and programming. With an exciting variety of performers each year, ATC members enjoy discounts on show tickets 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 Architecture and Design Council (ADC) focuses on contemporary issues and innovations in architecture and design hosting an informative lecture series, architectural tours, an annual symposium and more. For more information, please call ADC Coordinator, Emily Christie at 760.322.4818.

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, please call the AC Coordinator, Gary Paterson at 760.322.4850.

Contemporary Arts Council

The Contemporary Art Council (CAC) is a group of collectors and enthusiasts who plan activities and events that raise money to underwrite  exhibitions  and to purchase  artwork for the museum’s permanent collection. The CAC also present  lectures and enjoy touring major art collections locally, nationally and around the world.

For more information, please call the CAC Coordinator at 760.322.4823.

Docent Council

Each year, a number of 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.

Museum Associates Council

The Museum Associates Council (MAC) 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 300 dedicated MAC members execute a variety of fundraising events annually raising over $700,000 to support programs, exhibitions and the general operating fund. Best known for hosting the museum’s annual Gala, and biennial events, A Day in the Garden, The Art of Shopping and Let Us Entertain You (LUEY) parties, MAC also offers its members many volunteer and enrichment opportunities, including luncheon speakers, art-related trips and a scholarship program.

For more information, please call MAC Events Manager, Stacy Maddux at 760.322.4844.

Museum Service Council

The Museum Service Council (MSC) is looking for volunteers to join their creative, art-loving volunteer corps. Who said work couldn’t be fun? MSC members work as ushers in the Annenberg Theater, help our guests in the Muse Café, assist with sales in the Museum Store and perform a multitude of administrative tasks and 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 with an additional $20 membership fee to join.  Council members are recognized by the museum and enjoy camaraderie at an annual “thank you” luncheon.

Interested parties may call the MSC desk at 760.322.4855 for more information.

Western Art Council

For the Western Art Council (WAC), the most important activity is expanding its membership to support the 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, please call WAC Coordinator, Nancy Thomsen at 760.322.4888.