Madison Museum of Contemporary Art Volunteer Docents
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Madison Museum of Contemporary Art 227 State St., Madison, Wisconsin 53703
press release: The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) seeks individuals who are enthusiastic about art and people, organized, open-minded, and curious. These individuals can join a dynamic group of volunteer docents who engage audiences of all types in the transformative power of art.
Docent training will be offered from 1 to 3:30 pm on Tuesdays, September 20 through December 13 at the museum.
MMoCA’s docents contribute time, energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge to help visitors gain insight into art, and are a vital part of the museum’s educational efforts. Docents offer tours of the museum’s exhibitions to groups that range from school-age children to older adults. They involve group members in lively discussions that encourage them to look closely at and interpret works of art.
“It has truly been an exciting experience being part of MMOCA, meet the artist(s) and to get to know the other docents. Not only has it been so satisfying to share my love and appreciation for art, but to learn from others,” stated Pam Vesely, current MMoCA docent.
Background in art and art history is not required. The twelve-week training course is offered every other year and includes presentations on modern and contemporary art, art media and processes, behind-the-scenes museum operations, tour techniques, and more. There is no course fee beyond a $25 cost for training materials. Docents also should become members of MMoCA at the individual level and be willing to make a two-year commitment.
“As someone with no background in art or art history I was hesitant to apply for docent training. But because I’ve always enjoyed looking at art I went forward with the application, was accepted, and took the training. The training was outstanding. The experience has changed how I look at art and artists, and has given me a new group of friends who share my interest in art,” said Sandra Ward, MMoCA docent.
In recognition of their service to MMoCA, docents receive benefits such as private exhibition orientations with artists and museum curators and a 20% discount at MMoCA’s award-winning Museum Store. Docents provide cultural enrichment to community members and contribute to a dynamic visual and social environment.
For a position description and application, visit mmoca.org and click Support/Docent Program, or contact Sheri Castelnuovo, curator of education, at 608.257.0158 or sheri@mmoca.org. The application deadline is Friday, September 9, 2016.
The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is an independent organization that exhibits, collects, and preserves modern and contemporary art to provide transformative experiences that educate, reflect, and inspire us as individuals and a community.