Montclair Art Museum Issues Call for Volunteer Docents

MONTCLAIR, N.J. - June 8, 2016 - PRLog -- The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) is currently recruiting Volunteer Docents to facilitate inquiry-based tours for pre-K-12 students and adults. Docents are valued members of MAM's new Vance Wall Art Education Center, who bring the Museum's permanent collection and temporary exhibitions alive for visitors of all ages. They are a vital link between the public and the art in the galleries and further the social and educational mission of the museum. Applications for the docent program are due June 26. Volunteers who are accepted will have the rare opportunity to engage with the Museum's exhibitions beyond the gallery, complete a comprehensive training program that deepens their understanding of art and teaching, and enjoy a camaraderie with fellow art lovers.

         Joining the docent corps at MAM means being a part of a group of peers who embrace teaching and learning about art. "I meet people who love art and enrich my experience," said Kathy Briedis, a MAM docent from Maplewood. The artwork exhibited at MAM is explored not only through thorough research but also beyond the immediate context of the Museum. Docents attend field trips to other museums such as the Barnes Foundation and MoMA as well as guest lectures from artists, curators, conservators, educators, and scholars. Docents also explore the creative process and contemporary art. "It is a continuing learning experience. Aside from the art on the wall, we have special opportunities to do paper making, printmaking, pottery, and digital photography," said Karen Radin, of Essex Fells. Exchange is at the center of the docent program at MAM: docents are not only teachers (the term docent is derived from the Latin word docere, to teach), but also lifetime learners.

To apply, send a letter of interest and current résumé to Petra Pankow, director of education, at ppankow@montclairartmuseum.org to receive a Docent Program application packet. Applications are due June 26, 2016 and the new training session will begin September 2016. For more information about this opportunity, please visit montclairartmuseum.org. The training program for new docents is offered at MAM every two to three years.