VERO BEACH — The Vero Beach Museum of Art has announced a five-week class for training new docent volunteers to lead educational tours for the visiting public beginning Wednesday, Nov. 9. Space is limited, and the selection process is competitive; applications will be accepted through Oct. 17.
The word docent comes from a Latin word meaning to teach. Museum docents are volunteers who are specially trained to facilitate the educational experience of students, families, and adults through the galleries and exhibitions at the Vero Beach Museum of Art. Last year, VBMA docents provided over 4,700 hours of service to more than 18,000 gallery visitors. The Museum is seeking volunteers interested in being trained to join the institution’s 30+ docents.
Individual and group visitors form a lasting impression of the Vero Beach Museum of Art through their docent tours and gallery experiences. In this high-visibility capacity, a docent’s qualifications, training, and performance are extremely important. A docent must enjoy working with people of diverse interests, backgrounds, and ages and be able to conduct tours with flexibility, diplomacy, and a willingness to accept new challenges.
Persons who have an interest in the arts, community service, and the general public are welcome to apply. Individuals are especially encouraged to apply who have classroom teaching or other educational experience, as well as those individuals who have volunteer experience as docents in other institutions. A prior knowledge of art or art history is helpful but not required. Applicants of interest will be interviewed for the limited number of spaces available and informed of acceptance by Nov. 1.
For more information or to receive an application, visit the Museum’s Visitor Services Desk; visit www.verobeachmuseum.org and click on Programs, and then Docents, to download an application; or call (772) 231-0707 to have an application can be faxed or e-mailed to you.