Summertime is upon us and what better way to spend it than meeting other interesting people, learning about art and becoming a docent.

In response to huge demand for guided tours from local schools and community, the Education Department of the Museum has recruited a new group of docents. Starting on June 2nd through September 2nd, 2009, they began their training program.

The program consists of three modules: Principles and Elements of Design, Art History and Gallery Teaching. With a hands-on approach to Principles and Elements of Design taught by Jennifer Ishimatsu, students learn about fundamentals of design, various artistic media and techniques. Students have an opportunity to unleash their own creativity through art projects involving drawing, mixed media, clay and printmaking. The next step is Art History. Colin Robertson provides a wealth of knowledge about the last two hundred years of historical events influencing trend-breaking artistic movements and shaping the art world of today. Students eagerly engage in stimulating discussions about artists and their works. The open format of the module allows participants to share their observations and ponder over the meaning of art.

And last, but not least, is the Gallery Training. Colin Robertson explains the role and responsibility of docents in the art education. He discusses different learning styles, group management techniques, nuts and bolts of a tour design and gallery experience. Again, the open structure of this module allows interesting debates. The program offers first hand information about museum events. It is free of charge and the group meets twice a week for two hours. But the training doesn't end there. As future docents, they will be engaged in frequent educational sessions about the current and upcoming exhibitions, art on display and also meeting visiting artists. Most importantly though, they will be able to help museum visitors, no matter how young or old, expand their visual experiences and appreciation of art. If you are interested in becoming a docent please contact Colin Robertson at colin.robertson@nevadaart.org for more details.