You are invited to join the EPMA Docent Program! The next training class will begin in September 2012.
Docents are trained volunteers who lead interactive, educational tours at the Museum. No artistic background is needed to become a docent, just an interest in art and willingness to talk to children and adults about art. A training program about artists, art history, and museum collections is offered every other fall. Docents in training are asked to attend at least 75 percent of the training sessions, give practice tours, and observe established docents in mentoring sessions.
Upon becoming an established docent, you are asked to attend monthly meetings and scheduled trainings for temporary exhibitions, as well as lead a minimum of four tours per month during the academic year (September-June).
Most tours at EPMA are local elementary school 4th grade classes, with some additional adult group tours throughout the year. Tour groups typically range in size from 10-20 people, and are approximately 45 minutes in length. Tours are mostly held Tuesdays-Fridays, 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. On occasion, special tours will be available on weekends or Thursday evenings.
Docent Benefits
Opportunities to gain and share information about art and art history
Meet others interested in art
Meet curators and artists
Use of EPMA library books, videos, & catalogs
Free membership to the Museum
Subscription to Museum Newsletter and other mailings
Access to training materials, articles on art history and teaching tips
Advance notice of Museum programs and new exhibitions
Discounts in the Museum Store
Invitation to annual appreciation brunch and holiday potluck social
Subjects covered in Docent Classes
Visual Vocabulary & Art Terms
Mexican Colonial/Spanish Viceroyal & Retablos
El Paso Artists, Texas Regional, Taos & Santa Fe
American Modernism
Early American Art, American Impressionists, Luminist, Westward Expansion
French Impressionism
Art Nouveau & Art Deco
Expressionism, Cubism, Dada, and Surrealism
Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Minimalism
Italian Late Medieval, Early Renaissance, Siena
Italian High Renaissance, Mannerism
The Kress Collection: symbolism & interpretation
Sculpture & Contemporary Art Movements
For more information and to apply, please call the Education Department at 915-532-1707, extension 23.
