The Daily Bulletin Archive

The Burchfield Penney Art Center is looking for enthusiastic, committed volunteers to participate in its upcoming docent training. Docents are museum volunteers trained as teaching guides who bridge the viewer and the artwork, igniting conversation and curiosity. Tours of all kinds are conducted—school groups, adults, seniors, and social organizations. Docents lead more than 15,000 visitors through the galleries each year.

We are seeking community members who collectively reflect a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Well-trained docent volunteers are one of our most valuable assets. No formal training or experience is required to apply. Candidates should simply be enthusiastic, dedicated lifelong learners who want to tell meaningful, engaging stories.

The center celebrates artwork connected to the culturally diverse communities of Buffalo and Western New York. To forge closer ties with the city we serve, we are seeking members of the community who together reflect this wide range of perspectives and experiences. To help us expand accessibility, we particularly encourage bilingual candidates to apply.

Docents-in-training must attend 15 two-and-a-half-hour sessions on Wednesdays. Upon completion, docents are required to commit to the program for a full year, providing at least two tours monthly. Docents are also encouraged to attend lectures and other educational programming presented by the Burchfield Penney and other area museums.

The application deadline is Wednesday, February 2. More information, including the application form, is available online. Please contact Mary Kozub, education program manager, (716) 878-3156, with questions.