Become a Docent

Share your love of art by becoming a docent!

What is a docent?
This volunteer tour guide helps make art enjoyable and understandable to visitors. 

What are tours like?
Most docents conduct tours for students, although others also conduct adult tours. Tours are interactive experiences in which the docent helps visitors make their own discoveries. The Museum's collections include American art, African art, and art of the Ancient Americas. Two to three temporary exhibitions take place each year. 

Who is a typical docent at the Museum?
There is no typical docent! The Museum has volunteers from a variety of ages and walks of life. Enthusiasm, a sense of humor, and curiosity are more important than an art background. 

What are the benefits of being a docent?
In addition to becoming a volunteer who is distinguished by your level of training and dedication, you receive a basic art education and continuing education. You are part of an active and enjoyable group of people, who enjoy seeing the "aha" moments on a visitor's face!

What requirements are there to becoming a docent?
Interested applicants must submit a New Docent Application to Associate Curator for Community Engagement, Molly Lawson (mlawson@omart.org). In addition, applicants must be 21 or older to apply. OMA does not accept currently enrolled college students. All new docents must complete a 11-week training course before being fully accepted into the Docent Corps. Training sessions occur every Thursday from 10:30am-12:30pm, beginning February 15, 2024.

Please consider joining us to make art meaningful for others!

For more information, please contact:

Molly Lawson
Associate Curator for Community Engagement
mlawson@omart.org
407.896.4231, ext. 282