The Parrish Art Museum, the oldest cultural institution on Long Island’s East End, is currently looking for community members to participate in its Docent program. While there are no requisites in public speaking or art for application, the Museum is looking for volunteer ambassadors that will excite and educate visitors about the Water Mill-based Museum and its programming. Docents support the Parrish’s Education Department and their mission of captivating museumgoers with the East End’s creative process and the artistic legacy.
“Sharing information about the Parrish history, building, and exhibitions, docents guide visitors toward a personal connection with works of art,” said Education Director Cara Conklin-Wingfield. “They create an inviting and interactive environment that stimulates a deeper appreciation and understanding of art.”
If chosen for the program, docents must commit to at least three years of volunteer service. Through the eight months of training and two years of volunteer service, docents are asked to uphold the program’s two primary principles: training and touring. In the training period, docents will be educated on the Parrish Art Museum’s foundation, building and collections, alongside recommendations for tour styles and techniques. The end goal for each docent-in-training is guiding children and adults alike in an educational and enjoyable experience of the Museum and its collections. Once the three years is up, docents can choose to continue their service on a yearly basis.
Potential docents are asked to apply for the program by Friday, September 30th.
The Parrish Art Museum is located at 279 Montauk Highway in Water Mill. For more information on the Parrish Art Museum’s Docent Program or to download and review the docent handbook and application, please visit parrishart.org.