Docent

I applied for the docent program at the North Carolina Museum of Art and was selected. It is a year long program of training and I won't be giving tours until next May or fall.

For those of you who are not familiar with a docent, the word comes from a Latin word that means to teach, and that is what docents do at museums around the country. Docents are specially trained volunteers who share their knowledge with a wide range of museum visitors on a regular basis. Their largest audience are school groups and they work closely with the education department and curators.

They are usually "retired, older" demographic. They are a hard-core group and my memories of them at the Freer/Sackler recalls they are sort of the "high maintenance prima dona" volunteers. I know, so perfect for me!

I start my training September and I am thrilled God has provided me this opportunity. It is a HIGH committment situation. Its kinda like a part-time job with no pay but lots of homework :)

I went in for my interview today, I walked the back hallways of the museum and it was like spending time with an old friend. I confess, I DO love the museum culture and all the workings it takes to put an exhibition together.

I love art and with the re-opening of NCMA, its an exciting time to become a part of this "new class." With the re-opening of the new building, NCMA has put itself significantly on the national stage.

So here's the best irony of all. The staff that interviewed me liked that I had tons of museum experience and knowledge, BUT what they LOVED was my small group experience with 7th grade girls!!! Tell me God doesn't have a sense of humor.