Sheldon Docent Program Seeks Volunteers

The Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is accepting applications for the fall docent course.

The course will begin Aug. 30 and continues every Monday and Wednesday through September. Classes are 9 a.m. to noon, except for Labor Day. Additional monthly training sessions are held throughout the school year.

No special background or expertise is required. Anyone who desires to learn about Sheldon and wants to provide informational tours to both students and adults is welcome to apply. Docents must have time to volunteer, demonstrate a commitment to education in the visual arts and have an enthusiasm about working with people of all ages. The course will assist volunteers in becoming knowledgeable about the wide variety of artworks in Sheldon's collection, and will provide information and materials for applicants to become proficient in touring skills.

Following the initial training course, the docent program requires a minimum commitment of one morning per week throughout the school year. Primary beneficiaries of the docent-led tours are Lincoln Public Schools fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students who visit Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Many additional tour groups are scheduled for afternoons and other days.

The Sheldon docent program, beginning its 41st year, has an annual enrollment of approximately 65 adults from all segments of the community who share a commitment to the arts to volunteer in one of the nation's finest art museums.

Applicants may contact Karen Janovy, curator of education at Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 12th & R Streets, Lincoln, NE 68588-0300, by telephone at (402) 472-4524 or by e-mail.

CONTACT: Karen Janovy, Curator of Education, Sheldon Gallery, (402) 472-4524