THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 18, 1996 TAG: 9602160047
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TERESA ANNAS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
YOU DON'T NEED an art background to be a docent - or, volunteer tour guide - at The Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk.
But, if chosen, you will be extensively trained in exchange for a commitment of volunteer hours.
At 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Chrysler, which boasts one of the state's top museum education departments, is hosting a reception for prospective docents.
Those interested will learn about the free art history training given by curators, visiting artists and scholars.
The next training session is set for September through December. Afterward, guides will devote three mornings a month to museum tours.
The minimum time commitment after training is two years. Yet docent tenures have averaged a decade, with many guides continuing 15 years and longer in the program, said museum educator Lynn Priest.
Docents receive ongoing training, too.
The museum maintains a roster of about 100 docents, but currently has openings for 30 positions.
Reservations are not required to attend the reception, which takes place in the museum's education offices.
For more information, call 664-6268. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
SCOTT WOLFF/The Chrysler Museum of Art
A Chrysler Museum docent works with young visitors. The museum has
openings for 30 of the volunteer educators.
by CNB