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Support the Bellevue Arts Museum

SHARE YOUR PASSION FOR ART -- BECOME A MUSEUM DOCENT!

WHAT IS A DOCENT?

A docent is a trained, volunteer museum guide and an essential link between the public and the Museum. Docents strive to effectively engage visitors of all ages in stimulating conversations about BAM's exhibitions and the Museum's mission. Docents give tours, perform gallery duty and assist in educational programs. Articulate, enthusiastic and knowledgeable, docents are part of the BAM family and important ambassadors inside and outside of the Museum's walls.

DOCENT BENEFITS

  • Connections with others who share an interest in art
  • An opportunity to meet and interact with visitors from around the world
  • An introduction or continuing education in art, craft and design
  • Exhibition walkthrough with artists, curators and scholars
  • Free access to lectures about the current exhibitions
  • Art tours to local artists' studios and collectors' homes
  • Participation in book and movie clubs

HOW CAN I BECOME A DOCENT?

The 2012 - 2013 training program will begin in September 2012 and end in May 2013 with regular half-day classes on Mondays. The curriculum is centered around BAM's unique focus on art, craft and design with training specific to the Museum's history, mission, architecture and exhibitions. Touring and presentation techniques as well as skills for working and engaging with Museum visitors round out the program. Some outside time for research and preparation will be necessary. Following graduation, docents are asked to serve for a minimum of two years for at least 16, two-hour time slots per year. COST: $225 + BAM Membership

Read the 2012 - 2013 docent program overview >

COMPLETE AN ONLINE APPLICATION TODAY! >

SCHEDULE

  • April - August 2012: Applications open online. Click here to start >
  • July - August 2012: In-person interviews
  • August 31, 2012: Notification of acceptance
  • September 2012 - May 2013: Weekly docent training
  • June 2013: Graduation

INTERESTED?

Join us for one of the following free Information Sessions on Fridays, May 4 and July 6, 2012, 5:30 - 6pm.

BE A TEEN DOCENT! (STUDENTS AGES 14 - 18)

Are you passionate about creative arts and interested in museums? Consider joining BAM's Teen Docent Program, designed for students ages 14 - 18. Learn about art, craft and design, hone your presentation skills and gain a sense of pride and confidence that will help you succeed in any environment.

To learn more, join us for the Teen Docent Informational Meeting on Wednesday, September 12, 4 - 5:30pm.
RSVP online >

Once enrolled, the 2012 - 2013 Teen Docent Program begins in September with regular meetings and training sessions held on Wednesdays (4 - 5:30pm). Once training is finished, teen docents will conduct tours and complete six, two-hour shifts between December and March. This volunteer position counts toward high school community service hours. Participants can earn between 25 - 40 hours of community service.

 

The Teen Docent program is made possible in part by     KeyBank Foundation


Image (center): John Buck, Botanica, edition 10/15  Photo: Strode Photographic, Portland, OR