Art Gallery seeks volunteers for school tour program

KELOWNA – The Kelowna Art Gallery is currently recruiting volunteer docents (tour guides) for their 2016/17 School Tour program.

These volunteers lead and assist with taking students on exhibition tours, hosting discussions about what they’ve seen, and facilitating hands-on art activities. Interested applicants should enjoy a creative atmosphere, stimulating surroundings, and working with children.

“Becoming a volunteer docent at the Gallery was one of the most rewarding new adventures I undertook last year,” volunteer Marguerite Berry said. “Not only did I learn more about art, but I shared and experienced it along with hundreds of local students. The children continually surprised me by making the most remarkable observations and by creating their own extraordinary works of art.”

The Gallery’s School Tour program welcomes over 6,000 students from schools throughout the Central Okanagan each year. For many students, this visit is their first experience in an art gallery.

All docents receive full instruction on the art in each exhibition and advance training about working with students in a gallery setting. As volunteers they receive free memberships to the Gallery, along with many other perks. Docents are asked to make a weekly daytime commitment of two hours per week, from September to June.

New and returning volunteers are asked to submit an application form to the Kelowna Art Gallery no later than Monday, Sept. 12. Application forms are available online or in person at the gallery. For more information please call the gallery at 250-762-2226.

The Kelowna Art Gallery is located at 1315 Water Street, in the heart of the Cultural District in downtown Kelowna.

For hours of operation, or more information about programs available or current exhibitions, visit the Kelowna Art Gallery website.