CAREER & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Docents
Docents are the Museum’s trained volunteer educators who work with the public to enhance the visitor experience through formal guided tours and informal one-on-one conversations. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about icons, Eastern Christian culture, and art history while working closely with a dedicated volunteer group.
Call for Docents
The Icon Museum and Study Center seeks enthusiastic and knowledgeable individuals to join our team of volunteers. Docents play a vital role in the Museum’s mission to illuminate the art of the sacred icon by sharing the history, beauty, and significance of icons and Eastern Christian art with our visitors.
Responsibilities
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- Participate in monthly training meetings to gain knowledge of the collection and Eastern Christian art and culture and develop effective public speaking skillsets
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- Provide visitors with an informative and welcoming experience by answering questions and having engaging conversations. Docents are asked to volunteer for two shifts per month during museum hours (Thursday – Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm)
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- Conduct interactive and thought-provoking tours for individual visitors and groups, highlighting the history, symbolism, and artistic merit of the Museum’s collection
Qualifications
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- Passion for art, history, and culture, particularly icons and Eastern Christianity
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- Flexibility and adaptability to accommodate varying visitor needs and interests
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- Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
Benefits
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- Deepen your knowledge of icons and Eastern Christian art
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- Contribute to the educational mission of the Museum
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- Become part of a dedicated and supportive docent community
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- Enjoy free museum membership and access to a network of over 1,300 museums
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- The Icon Museum and Study Center is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors and volunteers. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
If you are interested in sharing your passion for icons and Eastern Christian art with others, we invite you to join our docent team. Please submit your resume and cover letter to Laura Garrity-Arquitt.
The real strength of our Museum is the team of docents who lead our tours every day. They spend endless hours studying the history and meaning of the icons and the stories that go with each of them. They point out the hidden symbols found on each icon. Our docents provide our visitors with direct contact and answers to their questions. We couldn’t get along without our docents. Thanks to each of you for your time and enthusiasm for our Museum.
Gordon B. Lankton, Founder
Being a museum docent has been a unique way to engage in conversation with other people about important topics that aren’t five-o’clock news headlines. The outreach to neighbors in and around Clinton is something to be excited about, offering families the opportunity to expand their conversations around the dinner table.
Beth Woodruff, Docent
The team of docents plays a crucial role in achieving our educational goals at the Icon Museum and Study Center. Docents serve as gallery teachers, tour leaders, and as visitor support service, explaining the history, beauty, timeless importance, and hidden surprises of icons and Eastern Christian art.
Justin Willson, Curator
Docents are an essential part of our Museum family. They profoundly enrich our visitors’ experiences and help them understand the world of icons. Without our docents, the Museum would lose part of its soul!
Simon Morsink, Executive Director