Docent Program

Even if you are a seasoned docent, the Museum of Glass docent program will be different from any other museum experience that you may have had!  The Museum of Glass is an ever-changing environment, so the excitement never ends.  Our exhibitions are all temporary, so the art never gets stagnant and our docents get many chances each year to learn about new artists, their work and process.  We also strive to make our tours interactive and fun, not just the typical lecture tours you may find at other art museums.

Docents support the Museum’s commitment to providing all visitors (students, seniors, adults and children) with a positive, engaging experience and an opportunity to find personal relevance and meaning in contemporary art.  All docents are trained and have the opportunity to participate in workshops to learn presentation skills, art history, about contemporary art and the museum world, science of art, and the glass making process.  There are also training sessions for each new exhibit about the included work and the artists featured.  Docents often get the opportunity to meet the artists in an exhibition or of an installation, too.

Docents play many different roles at the Museum of Glass.  Many educational spaces are staffed with docents to present tours or information specific to that area.  During the training period, docents may choose the area or areas in which they would like to work.

Docents in the Gallery

Gallery Tours vary as exhibitions change, and are offered to school groups, adult tour groups and are scheduled daily for the general public.  Some tours might include theatrical elements performed by professional actors alongside the gallery docents. 

Docents in the Grand Hall

Some docents act as greeters and help the visitor services staff.  These docents help with visitor questions, concerns, needs and tour facilitation. 

Docents Outside

Tours of the outdoor installations, including the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, are offered daily.  These docents need to be able to walk easily up the stairs and ramps outside.

Docents in the Studio

Each month a new artist is invited to work in the Studio and participate in the interpretation of a current exhibition.  In the Studio, groups of participants can make art themselves or get a close-up look at an artist in action.  Docents here help guide the visitor’s art experience and help the artist with whatever they might need.

The Docent Association and Docent Council

Every docent is a member of the Museum of Glass Docent Association, with a governing body called the Docent Council.  Any docent in the Association can run for a seat on the Council.

Once a month the Museum of Glass Docent Council meets, for about an hour, to discuss current issues, update on upcoming exhibitions, discuss education plans and plan field trips.  Right now the Docent Council meets on the second Thursday of each month at 5 pm in the MOG Board Room.  This time and date is subject to change based on the availability of the council members.

There are also separate committees who are part of the council: Education Committee, Communications Committee, Docent Advocate Committee and Docent of the Year Committee.  One Council member will be on each committee, but they need help from others too.  So, if you’re not a council member, but would like to help on a committee, that’s an option too.

Each year there is an election for new members of the council, though any docent at the Museum is welcome to attend at any time.  If you’d like to come and try it out before running for a seat, we welcome you!

Docent of the Year Award

Each year, the Docent of the Year Committee chooses one person who has gone above and beyond for the Museum and the docent program.  The recipient of this prestigious award is chosen and announced at the annual Docent Holiday Party in December, and their name is added to a plaque.

Fun with the Museum of Glass Docents

All work and no play is no way to live!  The Museum of Glass Docents have several social activities each year.  Besides two or three parties and recognition events, docents often go on field trips to visit other museums and events.  The docent program is an excellent way to meet a stellar group of friends.

MOG Docents Blog

To see what the docents are up to, learn more about glass and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the Museum, check out Bits of Frit, The MOG Docent Blog & Newsletter.

Questions?

For even more information or to sign up, you can contact Ryan Branchini, 253.284.4729 or education@museumofglass.org.

If becoming a MOG docent is not a good fit, you might consider becoming a Volunteer.