What is a docent?

In order to emable a diverse audience to learn about art, with art, and through art, the museum relies upon docents, volunteer museum educators.  The word “docent” is rooted in the Latin word “docere,” which means “to teach.”  MGMoA docents help visitors make lasting connections with art, by acting, among other things, as tour guides, art project helpers, story tellers, and gallery monitors.

To be a docent is also to be a committed life-long learner. Docents attend training sessions and meetings to learn about artworks in the MGMoA permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, as well as art and art history in general. 

What qualifications are required to become a docent?

No previous knowledge of art or art history is required, but would-be docents should possess:

• A sincere and genuine interest in people
• A love for and excitement about learning
• A strong desire to help others make a connection with art

• A willingness to inspire others, make good friends, and have memborable experiences.
  

What training is required?

Active docents attend two meetings per month during the school year (September - May), usually on the 2nd & 4th Mondays at 3:00 p.m.  The education programs during these meetings include information about the MGMoA collection, temporary exhibitions, art techniques and media, art history, touring techniques, and school programs.  This education is also complemented by museum lectures and trips.

Intitial docent training is offered during the summer in the form of six workshops:

• Discussing Art I:  Elements and Principals of Design
  Learn to discuss art though an understanding of color, line, shape, form, texture, and space, as well as rhythm, balance, unity, variety, repetition, center of interest, and movement.  Expand your ability to discuss art by considering how artists manipulate the elements and principals in their creations of artworks.
• Discussing Art II:   Mediums and Techniques
  Explore painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and photography, gleaning a greater understanding of media and the creation process, in addition to developing your ability to accurately discuss these aspects of art.
• Understanding Context I:  Ancient Art - Medieval Art
  Understanding Context II:  Renaissance - Postmodernism
  Understanding Context III:  Non-Western Art
  Become more familiar with MGMoA artworks and artifacts by understanding the context in which they were created.  These workshops explore art and history from pre-history though postmodernism, including non-Western cultures, referencing art and artifacts from the MGMoA permanent collection as well as other historically significant pieces.
• Engaging Visitors:  Touring Techniques
  In this interactive workshop, learn how to help visitors connect to art in a variety of ways, including traditional tourcing techniques as well as the latest innovative techniques, such as VTS (visual thinking strategies).

A docent is considered "in training" until they complete the initial docent training and observe and assist with at least one tour or school program led by a mentor docent or the Curator of Education.  

How much does it cost to be a docent?

There is no cost, but many rewards!

2010 Docent Training Workshops

Sessions are from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Lunch is on site from 12:30 - 1:00

Workshops are free and open to any interested in assisting with MGMoA educational programing, giving tours, or volunteering for the museum in any other capacity.

Discussing Art I:  Elements and Principals of Design
Monday, June 28

Discussing Art II:  Mediums and Techniques
Wednesday, June 30

Understanding Context I: Ancient-Medieval Art
Monday, July 26

Understanding Context II: Renaisance - Postmodernism
Wednesday, July 28

Understanding Context III: Non-Western Art
Friday, July 30

Engaging Visitors: Touring Techniques
Monday, August 2

Schedule may be subject to change.  Pre-registration for workshops is required.  Please contact Donna Merkt at 405-878-5605 or dlmerkt@mgmoa.org to register.