About the Docent Program:
Docents at The Fralin Museum of Art serve the community by engaging visitors in conversation about the exhibitions on view. Our docents appreciate art and interact with people of all ages and backgrounds. New docents receive training in art appreciation, public speaking, and techniques for engaging visitors, along with ample opportunity to practice these skills. Some knowledge of basic art history is helpful; the Museum provides training specific to the artwork on view. Docents should be able to use e-mail and the Internet; training and support are provided to help docents become familiar with the electronic documents used to schedule and prepare for tours.
Docents commit to the program with:
Training. New docents attend a twelve-week Docent Training Class, complete readings and assignments outside of class, and lead a qualifying tour at the end of the course.
Participation. Docents become familiar with current Museum exhibitions. To facilitate this, the Museum organizes special lectures by Museum and University faculty throughout the year. Attendance at these education meetings is expected.
Availability. Docents commit to leading twelve (12) tours per academic year. Most tours happen on weekdays during business hours, and we count on you to make them possible! Upon joining the Docent Program, volunteers agree to remain active for a minimum of two (2) years after completing training.
Flexibility. Docents work as part of a larger team that includes University students, community members, and Museum staff. They are able to think on their feet and respond to the needs of visitors and large tour groups.
Professionalism. Docents are the public face of the Museum and are warm, knowledgeable, and engaging in their interactions with the public.
The Core Values of the Docent Program
Fralin Docents connect people and connect people to art
Fralin Docents facilitate “good teaching” in the art museum
Fralin Docents engage in ongoing personal learning opportunities
Fralin Docents are active members of the museum and university community
Benefits include:
Access. In addition to lectures by University faculty and Museum curators, docents have special access to behind-the-scenes tours of the Museum’s operations and collections. Docents may also audit courses in art history at the University with instructor permission.
Camaraderie. Docents at The Fralin form a close-knit community of diverse individuals with common interests. Social events include field trips, a holiday tea, a book club, and an annual luncheon to recognize docents.
Tax Deduction. Mileage to and from the Museum may be used as a tax deduction.
Satisfaction. Being a Museum docent is a rich and rewarding experience. Docents contribute to the Museum’s mission by fostering an appreciation for art in Museum visitors of all ages.
Deadlines:
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Questions about the Docent Program at The Fralin Museum of Art? Contact the Manager of Docent & Teacher Programs at docenteducation@virginia.edu or 434.243.2050.
Thank you for submitting your application.