The Docent Council is a lively group of art enthusiasts who enjoy learning and sharing their knowledge of the Museum's collection with the community. The word docent derives from the Latin verb "docent" meaning to teach, to conduct, or to take care of. Today, this word has come to mean anyone associated with volunteer educational services to a museum. At the Portland Art Museum, docents are a vital link between what is displayed in the Museum and how visitors respond to what they see. When visitors come to the Museum, the docent's function is to open new doors to looking.
In partnership with the education department, the Docent Council is a self-governed body of volunteers who provide educational tours and other arts experiences on behalf of the Portland Art Museum.
Currently, there are more than 220 docents in the Docent Council at the Portland Art Museum, including docents-in-training, active docents, sustainer docents, and education affiliate docents.
The Mission of the Docent Council is to:
Docent Council members must be members of the Museum. The following is also required:
- Interest in art
- Good public speaking skills
- Ability to work well with children and adults
- Flexibility
- Time
- Ability to commit to a one–year training program and additional years of touring
While the Museum does not require a background in art history or studio art, some knowledge of art and/or art–making techniques is helpful.
In general, the Docent Council follows the school calendar, meeting on Mondays beginning in September and ending in June. During the first year, docents-in-training meet from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Mondays. Each docent-in-training is allowed a maximum of three excused absences during the training year. Since the program follows the school year, docent education sessions do not meet over Thanksgiving, winter recess, or spring break. Other holidays that fall on Mondays are also observed (i.e. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, and Memorial Day).
In addition to the Monday education sessions, docents-in-training will need to observe tours; spend time in the galleries looking at works of art; conduct and present research about museum learning, the Portland Art Museum's permanent collection, and general art history; and participate in group discussions.
In addition to the maximum of three excused absences during the training year, other considerations include:
- Required membership to the Portland Art Museum
- Annual Docent Council dues ($50 scholarships available)
- Cost of exhibition catalogues or books (not always required but recommended for certain exhibitions; one copy is always made available in the Crumpacker Library)
- Cost of parking downtown or use of public transportation
Membership in the Docent Council is a two-step process that includes submitting an application and completing an interview.
Please note: All docent positions are currently filled, but the Museum will establish a new docent class on an as-needed basis. Please continue to check this page for information on the next recruitment cycle.
There are many types of volunteer opportunities at the Portland Art Museum. In addition to the Docent Council, there are several other Art Councils that welcome your involvement, especially if you have interest in a particular area of art. For other volunteer positions (i.e. Guest Services, Rental Sales Gallery, etc.) please visit the Museum's volunteer page.