Museum recruits tour guides

Navigating a three-story museum might seem like a daunting task but, the IU Art Museum’s new training program will give students the opportunity to become docents, or volunteer tour guide, and direct people through the mazes of art.

The art museum is starting a program open to students interested in becoming docents, taking place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9, 16 and 23.

“It’s open to anyone who is interested in the arts or in being a tour guide,” said Edward Maxedon, the museum’s curator of education. “They will be taught tour techniques, art history and gallery techniques.”

Students do not need an artistic background to participate.

“You do not have to major in art,” said sophomore Esther Uduehi, an IU Art Museum docent. “I am a bio-chem and math major.”

The museum offers tours to groups ranging anywhere from preschoolers to senior citizens.

“I enjoy it because it is not just for college students,” Uduehi said. “You get to learn about amazing works around the world and inspire children to get interested in art.”

Each year, the museum tries to grow its tour program. Students interested in becoming docents can go to the art mwuseum from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 22, or every other Monday following that date.

“It is totally volunteer,” Maxedon said.

Every Saturday at 2 p.m., the museum offers a free tour led by the museum’s docents, said Emily Powell, IU Art Museum’s manager of external affairs. The first Saturday of each month features a special theme, while the other Saturdays focus on the permanent collections.