Docents prepare background information on Museum exhibitions and acquisitions for the use of docents who tour and give lectures. All that is needed is an interest in and commitment to our program. Few of our docents have a degree in art. The training program lasts 18 months. From September through May during the first year, Museum staff and docents lead the trainees in the study of the history of art, museum education, the elements of art and Phoenix Art Museum's Collection.
Trainees develop speaking skills, attend workshops and complete research papers.
The following September, class members become apprentices. They perfect their skills in the various areas of docent service. In early spring, they graduate and join the hundreds of docents already serving Phoenix Art Museum. Apprentices attend Friday morning continuing education lectures and receive in-depth instruction in the areas of service given by docents. After becoming a docent, a minimum of 100 hours of service a year is required.