What is a Community Docent? And why on earth haven’t you considered becoming one?

A “docent” is a fancy term derived from Latin to describe a person who acts as a teacher or guide in a museum or zoo. We added “Community” to the front because we believe that is the heart of the matter. We are seeking individuals from our diverse local community who are passionate about giving back. For us, community always comes first.

Community Docents are vital to the Chrysler Museum of Art’s Public Engagement and Learning Department (PEL). PEL is where exciting things happen! We lead school children and adults on adventures, which some call tours, through the Museum. We share fascinating stories—some true, some maybe not—but most of all, we stir up conversation, curiosity, and imagination.

What makes you so special?

We have a hunch, that you are the kind of person who wants to make a difference, a person excited about learning, and a person who is eager to share their knowledge. We are looking for Community Docents who reflect our visitors. Fun fact—about 52 percent of our visitors are from Hampton Roads, but the other 48 percent are from around the globe. That’s why it’s so important that we have Community Docents who are from here, there, and everywhere!

Do you like to dance?

Even if you have two left feet, don’t worry – we’re not talking about dance floors here. Think of “dance” as a metaphor for “dialogue.” Anyone can dance on their own, but it’s more fun to join the Electric Slide or Boot Scootin’ Boogie at your cousin’s wedding with a fun-loving group! We need leaders who can follow and followers who can lead. Our goal is to create a thriving team of lifelong learners, and communication is key. So let’s dance!

What’s your best feature?

Community Docents need to have a sense of who they are and feel comfortable in their skin. We can help with your communication skills and fill you in on the facts and figures about art and its history, but making people smile and telling stories is a big part of the gig—and those qualities are hard to teach. The best Community Docents tend to go with the flow, have a genuine interest in community service, and are undeniably curious about art and culture. And of course, respect for their fellow Community Docents, Museum staff, and, most of all, the public is a must. So, what’s your standout quality?

Want to hear a secret about the Chrysler Museum?

It’s just a building. Yes, it’s an amazing piece of architecture with superb examples of art from all over the world, but it’s only a building with things in it. People make it special—the people who visit it, the people who work there, and especially the people who share its stories: the Community Docents.

If we popped the question, would you say yes?

If you don’t care about the question, this program is for you! We want people who are open to the possibilities and willing to take risks. We need dependable, fun-loving people who can commit to:

• A full and fun range of training (on visual thinking strategies, effective tour techniques, childhood development, the Chrysler Museum’s encyclopedic collection, and its wider art-historical context);
• Giving and receiving constructive feedback;
• The thrill of touring all types of people—but particularly K-12 students;
• Diving into self-guided learning; and
• Participating in a series of meetings (one-on-ones, team, and internal and external community meetings).

What’s in it for you?
After all this, you might ask yourself, “What are they offering me?” Among other things, we are offering belonging and personal growth. You will be part of a dynamic group that brings art and people together in ways that delight, inform, and inspire—building community and feeling a sense of joy that’s unmatched and always surprising.

Want to learn more?

To learn more, please contact us! Ruth Sanchez, our Docent Administrative Coordinator, looks forward to hearing from you. Ruth can be reached at 757-333-6269 or rsanchez@chrysler.org.

2024 Community Docent Application and Training Schedule:  

• Open House (In-person): Tuesday, October 3 at 10 a.m. at the Chrysler Museum
• Open House (Virtual): Wednesday, October 11 at 6 p.m. on Zoom
• Applications Accepted: October 3 – 25, 2023
• Applicant Interviews: October 9 – November 1, 2023
• Applicant Notifications: By November 15, 2024
• Training (Class ): January 2024 – June 2024
• Training (Independent Study): January 2024 – TBD