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[tiny L_TAMstacked_rgb.jpg] [docent photo IMG_6740_small.jpg]Love Art? Teach and Learn as a Volunteer Tour Guide at TAM Tacoma, WA - Tacoma Art Museum is accepting applications for outgoing, art-loving volunteers to train as tour guides (docents). Share your passion for arts education with students and adults in this interesting, vital role. Docents lead conversation-based tours to inspire creative thinking and empower visitors to draw personal meaning from original works of art. New docent orientation will be held the second week of September; applications are due by August 31. Mona Hahn, TAM's 2014 Volunteer of the Year, shares about the docent's impact on students. "I really enjoy having conversations with kids who may not have had an opportunity to come to the museum if it wasn't for this program. Children are so open to talking about art. It is great to see." Hahn has led school tours since last September. TAM seeks tour guides who are comfortable speaking in front of groups, interested in working with youth, and willing to dedicate time for tours, research, and training. Many of TAM's docents teach hands-on art lessons for K-12 groups, too, following the student tours. Docents contribute their time and talent in a variety of ways. TAM's tour guides enjoy ongoing training related to new exhibitions, led by curators and scholars. The museum's education staff also coach docents in how to look closely at works of art for interesting details, spark dialogue and spur creativity among visitors, and how to facilitate educational art activities. Along with the satisfaction of inspiring visitors, learning is a big perk for docents. Sue Stibbe began leading tours at TAM four decades ago. She says, "After a very long time in the docent program, I still find it exciting and stimulating to add to my art history education and share our exhibitions with visitors. You are continually learning and supplementing your knowledge as a docent." Volunteer Judi Keyser points out that the learning goes both ways: "I learn and see something new each time I go to TAM, not only from the training, but also from our visitors, each of whom has a unique perspective on the art they are experiencing." Does this sound like a match for your interests? Please review the benefits and requirements, and submit an application at TAM's website (www.TacomaArtMuseum.org/support/volunteer-info/<http://www.TacomaArtMuseum.org/support/volunteer-info/>). Questions can be directed to Volunteer@TacomaArtMuseum.org<mailto:Volunteer@TacomaArtMuseum.org>. # # # About Tacoma Art Museum Celebrating 80 years of service and as a center for cultural enrichment and inspiration, TAM's mission is connecting people through art. The museum accomplishes this through thoughtful exhibitions, exciting events, dynamic programming, and free community events. The museum is an anchor in the city's downtown, and holds a collection of more than 4,500 works emphasizing the art and artists of the Northwest and broader western region. HOURS - Tuesdays-Sundays 10 am-5 pm. Third Thursdays 10 am-8 pm. ADMISSION - Adult $14; Student (6-17), Military, Senior (65+) $12; Family $35 (2 adults and up to 4 children under 18). Children 5 and under free. Third Thursdays free from 5-8 pm. Members always free. CONTACT - 253-272-4258, http://www.TacomaArtMuseum.org