Volunteer Work & Crews

All volunteers jump in together for the first two days to tackle the many setup tasks needed to get campus ready for the auction.

After that, we break into crews. Every crew involves some combination of lifting, standing, and trekking up and down hills and stairs.
Volunteering for the auction is physically demanding—and yes, the campus is on a mountain, so the terrain is no joke.

Some crews (like Docents, Vannas, and Art Handlers) require prior experience. If you’re interested in joining one of these crews in the future, connect with the Crew Chiefs this year.

Here’s a general idea of what everyone does:

EARLY (Locals & 7th Session folks)
Our MVP early crew helps get everything off the ground—organizing the development office and prepping exhibition spaces. Think spackling, sanding, painting pedestals and walls—all before the rest of the crew even arrives.

ART HANDLING
For those with experience only (previous Penland auction or professional gallery/museum work). This crew carefully transports, unpacks, and repacks artwork as it moves across campus.

BARTENDING
Set up, clean up, lift heavy things, and serve drinks. Bonus skill: confidently cutting people off when needed.

DOCENTS
People people, this is you. You’ll be on your feet all day in exhibition spaces—greeting, guiding, and talking with patrons. During the live auction: help with seating, cynosures (aka centerpieces), buffet service, and checkout.

HOT WHEELS
Transportation crew! Greet patrons, guide parking, direct traffic, help with wayfinding, and assist guests with mobility needs. Clean driving record required.  

KITCHEN
Support our amazing kitchen staff during the auction. Some lifting involved, no experience necessary—they’ll show you the ropes.

NECESSARY Crew (Bathrooms / Recycling / Trash)
Exactly what it sounds like—and more heroic than it gets credit for. Help keep campus clean and running smoothly. You’ll travel around campus (in a vehicle), see everything, and enjoy a surprising amount of independence. Gloves provided. Glory implied.

PINES (Dining Hall)
Set up, clean up, wash dishes and pots. Some lifting required. Everyone passes through here to eat, so everyone loves you—and this crew always has a good time. Great prep if you’re eyeing a future Pines scholarship.

SPECIAL FOODS
Help with setup, service, and cleanup for various events across the weekend. When not on special assignment, you’ll team up with the Tent crew. Some lifting required.

SPOTTERS
Work under the tent with the auctioneer to identify bidders. Prior experience required. You’ll also support the Docent crew. Interested for the future? Talk to the Crew Chief this year.

TENT (Food Service)
All things food service under the tent—folding napkins, moving tables and chairs, setting up, serving buffet and drinks, busing tables, and keeping things flowing. May team up with Special Foods as needed.

ART PRESENTERS (aka VANNAS)
Present artwork during the live auction and assist Docents during silent auctions. Prior experience required or selection by the Crew Chief. Curious? Start the conversation this year.

YOUNG GUNS
Lift heavy things. Move them somewhere else. Repeat. Pedestals, tables, chairs, ice, giant fans—you name it. Yes, lots of lifting. Also: you’ll get everywhere and do a bit of everything. It’s a great gig.