By Leslie Stainton
Museum of Art
The Museum of Art’s docent touring program is accepting applications for a new class that will begin in September. Class members will be selected this spring. Application deadline is May 22.
Applicants need not have an art history background, but must have a strong interest in art. Minorities and men are especially encouraged to apply.
Docents conduct tours of the Museum’s collection and special exhibitions. Tours are given for both adults and children, with those for children geared to ages six to 14.
To become a docent, individuals must be accepted by an interview committee and participate in a year of training at the Museum. Trainees are required to attend classes in art history that focus on the Museum’s collection and carry out individual study and research.
Following training, docents are expected to give at least two years of service to the Museum. Touring docents are members of teams that work together to plan and give tours at least one morning or afternoon per week, with occasional tours on weekends and during the evening, from mid-September through May. Additional opportunities are available during the summer.
Classes for all docents are arranged at least twice a month. Art history faculty, Museum staff and docents with special expertise are invited to speak.
Docents also may lead “Object Lessons,” 20-minute public tours at 12:10 p.m. on Tuesdays during the academic year, and one-hour-long “Sunday Tours” at 2 p.m. September–July.
