HMoA at Home

Docents

What is a Docent?

The Huntington Museum of Art is offering a free informational Docent Open House on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, from 6 to 7 p.m. for those who are interested in becoming volunteer art and nature tour guides. Refreshments will be served. “Docents are dedicated to sharing their appreciation for art and nature to visitors of all ages at the Huntington Museum of Art, which has a nature trail system on its 52 acres,” said HMA Director of Education Cindy Dearborn. “If volunteering to become a docent sounds like something you would enjoy, then we need your help. No experience is needed as all docents are thoroughly trained and supported by HMA staff.”

Docents gather on Monday mornings at the Huntington Museum of Art during the fall and spring for informal art training sessions with the staff members of HMA’s Education Department. “Our docents are vital in continuing the legacy of community involvement and service at the Huntington Museum of Art. We could not provide the number of tours that we do without their help,” Dearborn said.

For more information, call Cindy Dearborn at (304) 529-2701, Ext. 321.

A docent is someone who volunteers his or her time to lead schoolchildren and museum visitors on guided tours. If you like art of any kind, if you enjoy sharing your knowledge and if you can spend 90 minutes a week getting a free art education, you might enjoy volunteering as a docent. Persons of any age or background are welcome.

  • If you enjoy learning and sharing your knowledge, being a docent could be for you!
  • If you enjoy attending gallery walks and presentations about art exhibitions, being a docent could be for you!
  • If you can bring enthusiasm and commitment to your volunteering, being a docent could be for you!
  • A docent is a trained volunteer who leads tours of the Museum for groups of children and adults. No prior formal training or experience is needed, no particular background in art is required, and all ages are welcome. The docent program at HMOA offers the opportunity to learn about other cultures, historical periods, artwork and artists.

Docents attend weekly training from September through May. This may include gallery walks with Museum curators, training in touring techniques from the Education staff, field trips to area museums, and demonstrations by visiting artists. Be prepared to make a yearlong commitment to attend training and lead tours.

Our docent corps is a highly valued part of our Museum family. These committed volunteers act as Museum ambassadors to the public. Please consider joining us.

Contact Cindy Dearborn at (304) 529-2701, Ext. 321.