Docent and volunteer opportunities

Volunteers help make the diverse Museum programs available to the public and assist in the Education Department or in many Museum programs. Call 243-2050 or email for details.

Advisory Board
Members advise the Museum's director in the areas of collections, strategic planning, architeccture for the new facility, and fund raising and provide essential financial support.

Docent Program
Docents design tours for groups, from pre-school children to seniors, and plan the annual Writer's Eye competition. Last year, the Museum is celebrating the 31st anniversary of its docent programs. Docent volunteers, both community members and University students, are trained in the inquiry method and other museum education techniques, and give tours to schools, adult groups, and University classes throughout the year.

The docent program consists of community docents and U.Va. student docents. After an initial training period, docents have on-going monthly training with curators, guest speakers and education staff regarding special exhibitions and the permanent collection. As a group, docents occasionally take field trips to other museums. Some docents also attend regional and national docent education conferences.

To apply to be a community or U.Va. student docent, please email the Education Department or call 434.243.2050.

Docent Training Courses

Interested in providing tours to Museum visitors? Become a Museum docent! The Museum’s required 10-week training course aims to develop visual literacy, including observational skills and knowledge of the elements of art through investigation of the Museum’s collections and current exhibitions. Participants develop public speaking skills, learn techniques for facilitating tours, and acquire knowledge of docent-led programs such as Writer’s Eye and Early Visions. Participants complete a qualifying tour at the end of the course. Courses for both U.Va. students and community members are offered in the spring from 2–5 pm, in the the Museum. For an application form, please contact the Museum’s Education Department, 434.243.2050.

Community Docent Training Course
Thursdays, January 29 – April 2

U.Va. Student Docent Training Course
Tuesdays, January 27 – April 7 (no class March 3)

Volunteer Board
Members run our trip programs, host dinners, serve refreshments, build memberships, and plan special events.

Gallery Guild
Members serve as ambassadors and receptionists in the Museum for two hours or more every month.

Student Internships/Volunteer Opportunities
Fourth-year students are eligible to become UIP interns at the Museum and receive academic credit for their part-time work. Students of all academic interests and years may also volunteer in many departments in the Museum. Call 434.243.2050 or email for details.

Art Print Workshop
Co-sponsored by the Piedmont Council of the Arts, this workshop offers training for parents interested in bringing art prints into elementary school classrooms to promote visual literacy. For more information and to RSVP for this annual training program, please call 434.243.2050 or email.