GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME
Even if you are a seasoned docent, you'll find the our docent program different from other museum experiences you may have had! The Museum of Glass is an ever-changing environment, so the excitement never ends. Our exhibitions change regularly, so the art never gets stagnant and our docents get many opportunities to learn about new artists, their work and processes. We 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 enhance their presentation skills and learn about art history, contemporary art and the museum world, science of art, and the glass making process. We offer a detailed training sessions for each new exhibition, and our docents often get the opportunity to meet the artists and ask them questions in person.
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.
- Gallery Tours — lead tours for adult groups, students and the general public
- Grand Hall — serve as greeters and assist Visitor Services staff
- Outdoor Tours — lead turs of the outdoor art installations, including the Chihuly Bridge of Glass
- Education Studio — assist visitors and school groups with a hands-on art project
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. Elections for Council positions are held on an annual basis.
Once a month the Museum of Glass Docent Council meets for about an hour to discuss current issues, updates on upcoming exhibitions, education plans and plans for field trips. Currently 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 support the council: Education, Communications, Docent Advocate and Docent of the Year. One Council member serves on each committee along with other members of the Docent Association.
Docent of the Year Award
Each year, the Docent of the Year Committee chooses one person who has gone above and beyond in support of the Museum and the docent program. The recipient of this prestigious award is chosen and announced 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! Our 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.