Where should I start to find an art gallery job or museum job?

I just moved to Washington state from Washington,DC. I live in Puyallup, WA which is a good 45 minutes away from Seattle. I don't have a degree due to my son's health so I had to put my schooling on hold. I want to work in the Arts, it's always been my passion since I was 5 years old. I'm also a painter so I very interested in any great Arts opportunity. I would prefer a part time position due my son's health but that might change later on in the year. PLEASE HELP!! I'm at a lost to find a place to work and I would like to meet other artist too.

I don't know about gallery jobs, but for museum jobs I know you usually have to have advanced degrees (sorry!). But if I were you I would start to volunteer as a docent at a museum, if I had time. Also, I would start networking with people who are in the art community. Good luck! Try hard, network, and put yourself out there and I'm sure you'll be successful! If you get the chance, go back to school, it will open up a lot more doors.

Art galleries are stores that sell art. Just as the rest of the economy has suffered, so has art. Many, many gallery owners have to work other jobs to keep their galleries open. Galleries in some areas are only open one to two days a week. Depending on your ability to convince people of things, you might be able to convince the owner of a gallery you can keep it open for them, while they work another job.

You are unlikely to get a job in a museum without your master's degree in museum management, curating, or a similar degree. I'm sorry I cannot give you any more hope than that.

I recommend finding any job to start, then work your way closer and closer to art. The economy continues to move in trends of up and down. So for a while, it may be tough. But when real estate starts to rebound, then art will follow (as will everything else.)

Perhaps you can find a job in the art department of a community college, as an assistant. Then you can take more art classes, too.

There may also be help for you because of your son. If your ability to work is limited because of his health, there may be programs in disability or welfare for this situation. Check it out by calling your local welfare office or Social Security office. Good luck.