The Museum offers several volunteer opportunities for those individuals who truly love art, enjoy learning, look forward to meeting new people and have flexible schedules.
Docent Candidates
Candidates are individuals who are currently attending the five month training program. The training covers art, art production, elements of art, principles of design, educational psychology, tour development, touring techniques, group management and Museum etiquette.
Docents
Docents are Education Department volunteers who facilitate question-based tours after graduating from the Museum's five month training program. They are certified to lead tours for student and adult groups as well as the general public. They participate in continuing education training sessions that focus on art, teaching techniques and exhibition briefings. Docents commit to being scheduled one day per week, on their assigned day for the calendar year.
Gallery Specialists
Gallery Specialists are volunteers who have unique knowledge and understanding of a specific genre, medium, art movement, or some other unifying concept for works in the Museum's collection. This is a self-driven program, with oversight by the Education Department. Individuals must receive the approval of their topic, submit a written tour plan, and present their tour to the Education Department to be certified to lead tours. They lead informational tours for the general public or groups requesting a tour on their focused knowledge. They participate in continuing education training sessions that focus on art, teaching techniques, and other pertinent information. While not required to attend Previews or Briefings for all new exhibitions, they are always welcome. Gallery Specialists commit to being scheduled a minimum of twice per month on their assigned day.
Special Exhibition Guides
Special Exhibition Guides are volunteers who focus on giving informational tours only on special/temporary exhibitions. These volunteers complete an eighteen hour in-class component, submit a written tour plan and present their tour to the Education department to be certified to lead tours. The Special Exhibition Guides must attend a preview or briefing for each new exhibition. Special Exhibition Guides commit to being scheduled a minimum of twice per month on their assigned day.