JOIN OUR DOCENT TEAM!

The Polk Museum of Art is seeking passionate and dedicated volunteers to join our Docent Team. No prior art experience required!

Docents are volunteer staff members of the Education Department who lead tours and devote time and professional expertise to help visitors understand and enjoy works on display from the Museum’s permanent collection and in changing exhibitions.

The Museum offers tours and outreach services to area elementary, secondary, and college students as well as to other groups ranging from pre-school children to senior adults.

A training program prepares docents with enhanced teaching skills and helps develop their knowledge of aesthetics, the history of art, and interpersonal skills. An art history class will be provided by the Museum free of charge. Docents are provided lectures by staff, curators, and visiting artists and meet monthly.

Polk Museum of Art docents are committed to excellence; their enthusiasm for art and their interest in visitors endow the Museum with spirit and warmth. Docents are also given free membership to the Museum.

We seek individuals who have:

  • A passion for art and learning.

  • The ability to communicate effectively with a variety of groups and ages.

  • Bilingual abilities or have special certifications in areas such as Special Education, American Sign Language, etc.

  • A warm and friendly attitude.

  • Available time: Docents should be available the first Monday of every month for meetings. Docents are scheduled on an average of two to three tours a month.

  • The physical stamina to carry on a 2-hour walking tour.

  • The ability to make a two-year commitment to the program.

Docents are selected on their qualifications and willingness to make a serious commitment to this exciting program. Neither race, religious affiliation, gender, ethnic background, or sexual orientation are ever a consideration in the selection process.