The Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill is accepting applications for volunteer docents, with training beginning later this fall.
Docents serve as educators and ambassadors for the Parrish, sharing with visitors information on the museum’s history, architecture and exhibitions. Volunteers are asked to commit to eight months of training and two years of service, with a minimum of 35 volunteer hours per year.
Training begins with a series of introductory presentations from Parrish curators and educators on the museum’s history, building and collection, and on tour styles and techniques. Docents-in-training will shadow experienced docents, who will mentor them both in groups and individually as they draft tours of the Parrish permanent collection.
“Throughout their tenure, docents attend education sessions and workshops at the museum in order to remain knowledgeable and conversant on the permanent collection, changing special exhibitions, and strategies for effective gallery teaching,” the Parrish stated. “In addition, docents are offered many learning opportunities throughout the year, including lectures by museum curators, visiting scholars and artists.”
Among other benefits, docents receive unlimited free museum admission, and may lead private tours for friends and family admitted at no charge.
To apply, visit parrishart.org/docentprogram. The deadline is September 30 and training begins in late November.