Community Docent Program

The U.Va. Art Museum's volunteer docents give engaging and interactive tours to a variety of school groups and community organizations from across the central Virginia region. They also assist with the Museum's special programs, including the annual Writer's Eye competition, and the Eyes on Art program for individuals with Alzheimer's.

Community members who are accepted into the program are required to complete the Museum's 10-week Docent Training Course. Participants in the course develop observational skills and knowledge of the elements of art through investigation of the Museum's collections and current exhibitions, learn public speaking skills and techniques for facilitating tours, and complete a qualifying tour at the end of the course. Applications are reviewed by the Museum's docent coordinator.

Spring 2013

Docent Training Course
February 1 - April 19, 2013
Fridays, 9am - 12pm

Application deadline for Spring 2013
Friday, January 4, 2013

Information sessions for Fall 2013 Docent Program
Dates TBD

Fall 2013

Docent Training Course
September 11 - November 13, 2013
Wednesdays, 2-5pm

Application deadline for Fall 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013

Application for Docent Training Course (pdf) >

Continuing education for community docents

After their initial training period, docents receive on-going education from curators, guest speakers, and education staff on 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.

In spring 2013, Community Docent Education meetings will be held on Wednesdays from 9:30-11:30 am.

For information on Student Docent Education meetings, see >

Docent Council meetings

In spring 2013, the community docent council will meet from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm on Wednesdays; dates TBD.