Hunter Museum of American Art

The Hunter Museum is looking for a few good docents. Becoming a docent is a great way to meet new people and give back to the community. Education specialist Linda Millard answers some frequently asked questions about the docent program:

What is a docent? Docents are specially trained volunteers who share their knowledge and enthusiasm with Museum visitors, particularly school students.

Do I need to have an art background or talent? Absolutely not! No experience is necessary and although we do have docents with art backgrounds, most do not. Docents come from all walks of life and backgrounds: homemakers, accountants, pharmacists, realtors, doctors, engineers, dance instructors, business people and everything in between!

How do I become a docent? Join the Education Staff and Senior Docents for a Docent Recruitment Event on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in the Museum lobby. This is a great opportunity to meet staff and learn firsthand from other docents about the HMAA Docent Program.

Attend 2010 New Docent Training Classes (6 sessions) on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 3 weeks: July 27th, July 29th, August 3rd, August 5th, August 10th and August 12th. All classes are from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

How much time and commitment will be required? New docent training consists of 18 hours of initial training. These training sessions build on one another so it is imperative to attend all the training sessions. New docent training prepares prospective docents to conduct tours of the Museum’s permanent collection, as well as to instruct “hands-on” art studios. Additional training is also provided for all temporary exhibitions.  Docents are also required to attend regular docent meetings throughout the year.

Once docent training and evaluations have been completed you will be asked to lead tours during the school year (docent-guided tours are not offered during the summer or on weekends). You select tour dates and times that work best for you, but most school group tours are conducted during the mornings. Docent-guided tours last one hour. Studio tours last 90 minutes with the time split equally between the galleries and the “hands-on” art studio.

Why should I volunteer as a docent? Once you see the excitement on a visitor’s face as he or she learns something new, you’ll be hooked. Docents can expect to participate in satisfying experiences working with people of all ages and backgrounds. You can also expect to expand your own understanding of art and history while being challenged by new ideas.

You will also meet terrific people with a common interest, go on exciting trips to other museums and cultural institutions and participate in a variety of educational opportunities.

Questions? Want More Information? Contact Hassan Najjar, Manager of School and Outreach Programs at 423.752.2043 or email at hnajjar@huntermuseum.org

Linda Millard, Education and Tour Specialist