The Sheldon Museum of Art is accepting applications for volunteer museum docents. Since 1964, Sheldon docents have provided engaging tours of the museum's collection and exhibitions. Docents are more than volunteers. They're educators and art lovers who support the museum's mission by being ambassadors for the arts.
Applicants do not have to have a background in art history, be an art teacher, or know anything about art. They only need an interest in art and the ability and desire to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds, including children. Education about the arts comes as part of the docent training sessions, which are required for new volunteers.
Aug. 1 is the deadline to apply for the fall docent training course. The course begins at Sheldon at 9 a.m. Aug. 20. Ongoing monthly training sessions are held throughout the school year.
Lincoln Public Schools fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students are primary beneficiaries of the docent-led tours. Because of this, the docent program requires a commitment of one morning per week throughout the school year. Emphasis is placed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning tours, but many additional tour groups are scheduled for afternoons and other days.
Application forms are available at Sheldon or at http://www.sheldonartmuseum.org. Interested applicants may also contact Sarah Feit, assistant curator of education, at 402-472-4524 or by email.
- Eileen Boehmer, Sheldon Museum of Art