Art Talk Lecture Series
Artists, historians, curators, and critics illuminate ideas and methods in contemporary art, generally in association with openings of new exhibitions.
Gallery Talk Lecture Series
Gallery Talks are informal, 30-minute presentations in the galleries. Content experts from various fields share their perspectives on a selection of works in current exhibitions.
Seminars and Panel Discussions
Seminars and panel discussions offer the public an opportunity to take part in in-depth discussions on an exhibition. Panelists may include curators, historians, and participating artists. Seminars are taught by area artists and scholars; equivalency clock hours are often available through the Department of Public Instruction to teachers who register.
Internships
Graduate and undergraduate student internships are available through the Education Department for students wanting to gain experience in museum education. Students studying art, art history, art education, and community-based education may enhance their academic experience by participation in the administration and delivery of public programming for the museum.
Learning Centers
Learning Centers provide visitors with an opportunity to view documentary films and videos or examine publications about an artist or an exhibition. For some exhibitions, an interactive activity and reading area is organized for young audiences.
Docent Training Course
September 23-December 16, 2008
Tuesdays, 1-3:30 pm
Volunteer docents at MMoCA contribute time, energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge to help visitors gain insight into art. Docents are a vital part of the museum’s education and outreach efforts. They explain processes, themes, and ideas related to works of art, and involve tour group members in lively interactions with works on view.
The twelve-week docent training course includes grounding in twentieth- and twenty-first-century art history; art materials and processes; behind-the-scenes museum operations; the school environment; gallery techniques; and more. There is no tuition fee; however, there is a modest fee for training materials and docents must be members of the museum. Docents are required to make a two-year commitment.
In recognition of their service to the museum, docents receive benefits such as private exhibition orientations with artists and curators and a 20 percent discount at the award-winning Museum Store. Docents also provide cultural enrichment to community members in a dynamic visual and social environment.
Qualifications for the docent program include strong interpersonal skills, enthusiasm for art and for people, open-mindedness, flexibility, a desire to learn, and an ability to organize a series of points in a logical and engaging fashion. To apply, contact Sheri Castelnuovo, curator of education, at 608.257.0158 x 227 or sheri@mmoca.org.
