Since I retired almost thirteen years ago, I’ve been a bit lost. Blogging has helped so much with my aimlessness, but I really do miss teaching. I get some of that every spring when I do a mini retreat at my church and when I teach a class for special needs adults. But, I yearn for a bit more. I guess that’s why I always take my SIA and Songful Style posts a little farther than just fashion. There have been times I’ve even thought about changing the blog from fashion to just a short blog about every day things. Trust me, though, my every day things are really mundane! You’d soon tune out.
So, this happened…
A few years ago, before Covid, I had asked a docent at Newfields (AKA Indianapolis Museum of Art) how one became a docent. Her answer was through attrition. In other words, someone had to quit or die! She also said neither of those happened very often. So, I kinda just forgot about that. But, a few weeks ago, I received an email asking if I’d be interested in being a docent. Now, before you get too excited, this was just an enquiry sent to many people, not me specifically. There were two informational sessions, and I went to the second one.
Training…
I was one of probably 30-40 people, and that was the second session! I am pretty sure they said they’d only be selecting 12 people. They also said they were down several more than that number of docents due to Covid and other things. So, I may have misheard. We had to sign up for interviews; mine is next week. I think they are going to interview people in groups rather than individually. The training used to take 45 or so sessions. They’ve reduced that to several Saturdays from January through May. That seems rather strange to me. The presenters (who included three veteran docents) said the earlier docent trainings which haven’t happened for more than five years were very intense. So, I’m guessing these sessions will be even more intense.
A little more…
During the training, future docents would be expected to be present at ALL training sessions as well as some virtual meetings. The future docents (from now on FD) would also be assigned a mentor docent (MD). FDs would be trained about the entire museum campus which includes the Lilly House as well as the various galleries in the museum. There would also be homework and presentations. The final presentation is to lead a tour (you select the attendees) on a gallery walk/talk of your own choosing. Then, there’s a probationary period of a year to really get the “job” learned and done right.
Excited…
I’m very excited about the prospect of being a docent. I think it’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was a little girl. I remember being on Mackinac Island and wanting to be tour guide. Every time I go somewhere, I think, “I could do that.” The thing is my extroverted introvertism! If the interviews were one on one, I’d do pretty well. But, if there are additional people being interviewed, I just know I will kinda blend into the background rather than standing out. I did have to fill out an online application so maybe some of my sparkling (hahaha) personality shown through! I just wish I knew what to expect. I haven’t interviewed for a job since 1992!
What to wear…
I’ve already mentioned I usually dress up when we go to Newfields. I do that for a couple of reasons. One of them is it’s an occasion for me these days. Another is I’ve got these clothes so I need to wear them. A third, and probably the most important is I think dressing up in fun and even kinda quirky outfits for a trip to the art museum is what one should do. OK, that’s more than a couple of reasons, but you know me…always a maximalist! The reason I’m overthinking this is the docents who were presenting were dressed in pants and rather basic tops. They didn’t stand out in any way. Maybe, that’s what one should do. After all, it’s the art, not the docent, who is important. Another reason is most of the potential docents were dressed the same way. Oh, the agony!
The outfit…
As you can see, I did dress up and a little bit quirky. I think this is the third appearance of the Clara Sunwoo V-Neck Cross Back Jumpsuit on the blog. But, it’s not the third time I’ve worn it. I love how you can dress it up and then make it casual just with a few changes. I added an orange tee from Old Navy, I think. Next came the Anemone cardigan from Gudrun Sjödén as well as one of her scarves. I liked how the orange in the tee and the green of the scarf perfectly complimented the colors in the cardigan. I also thought I looked rather artsy!
The Lewk!
If you’ve been around, you’ll recognize my L’Artiste Suzette boots. You might be able to find these on resale sites, but I don’t link to those in case they’re not legit. I know the chunky boots aren’t trending anymore, but I will always love these boots. They are comfortable, worn in, and a little bit edgy. I added a pair of John Hardy Classic Chain earrings. Again, these don’t appear to be around anymore. It’s a shame because they’re a nice pair of slightly dressy hoops.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I’m trying not to get my hopes up for this docent gig. But, I think it would be such a good fit for me. I love art; I love to talk; and I love to learn! It’s just so me! So, can we talk? Have you ever considered being a docent or a tour guide? Have you been a docent or tour guide? Should I dress way, way up (like for a professional job interview), or should I go with artsy and quirky? Or, should I just be super casual and wear jeans? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
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I think you should be you for the interview, what you say should be what’s important. Make them look behind the clothes (but not literally, please ;-)).
I have never considered anything like that myself. I was so glad when I was finally allowed to get out of doing the library tours at the beginning of the semester. I hated for students to shuffle along as if they had absolutely no interest in the tour although they signed up for it. Now I just have to do the support chat in our English online introductions 3 – 4 times at the beginning of each semester and that’s hard enough.
Cat
https://catswire.blogspot.com/
Thanks, Cat! I will try really hard to be myself…the extroverted part and not the introverted one. I actually love to talk so I think I’ll be OK depending on if there’s another person being interviewed at the same time and whether or not that person is a person who will steal the limelight!
I like this outfit Marsha: sharp, smart, interesting – and suits you.
For your future interviews, wear clothes that you feel comfortable and confident in. Don’t go too high/formal – it will separate you too much from your colleagues… but… don’t hide/lose your flair! (Those comfy boots will be most welcome when you’re showing folks around!)
Good luck!
Mary
Thank you, Mary! I really love this jumpsuit and wish they made it in some other colors (and added pockets). I’m going to be trying out looks all weekend long! You know, they honestly didn’t really see me so I just may wear this again!
How wonderful and what a great thing to aim for. I’d say be yourself and ‘yourself’ is someone who dresses with style. But obviously be comfortable with the look on the days you have to attend and be interviewed.
Wow, what an amazing job – btw I had to look up the meaning of the word as we call them ‘guides’ here. I always say retirement is the time you fulfil your dreams and develop a side of you that you couldn’t when at work. Anyway, go for it Marsha and see where it leads.
Good luck!
PennyX
Thank you so much, Penny! I am going to try hard to be myself, but sometimes that self is very shy and introverted! I’ve got to put on my armor…clothing-type armor! I’m really beginning to get hopeful about this, Penny! I hope it happens!
This sounds exciting! Good luck to you. I think what you have picked out is perfect; I wouldn’t go too casual for a job interview anyway and I think having a little artistic flair is a good thing particularly working at an art museum.
Thank you, Joanne! I love the way you think. I wouldn’t ever wear jeans to an interview, but I wasn’t sure if that was de rigueur these days.
Marsha, I am so excited for you! Wow, I had no idea the intense training and even selection process a docent goes through – I hope it pays well. Gheesh! Talk about a labor of love. This sounds like the perfect job for you and I think you would be amazing. You are a gifted educator and have such a pleasant demeanor, I think you’d be a favorite!
I’ll be praying for you as you go through this process!
xo,
Kellyann
Thank you so much, Kellyann! I am really excited just about the possibility. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do…the only pay is I have to keep my membership current…hahaha! I’ll let you all know as soon as I do…well, maybe a few days later!
Sounds like a great opportunity. Good luck.
Thanks so much, Rosie! I’m quite excited about it!
How exciting is this! And how good of you to purchase that job. I’m like you, one on one I’m fine. But I blend into the wallpaper when there are others. But it’s your dream so let them know who you are!!
Thank you, Nancy! I hope I can do that…not blend into the wallpaper! I will try really hard to let them know that I’m smart, articulate, and even know a bit about art thanks to SIA!
What an exciting opportunity. I’m sending positive thoughts your way, but I’m pretty sure you are going to crush it! I think you should show off your style. Show YOU, not who you think they want you to be. Good luck!!
Thanks so much, Beth! That is really good advice! I’m going to come up with some possibilities this weekend and see what makes me feel best and most confident!
I think they will be lucky to have you! Both my husband and I have been Docents in many museums and park settings during our time as NPS volunteers. I have to say, the training offered/required is extensive! We were given a binder the side of a New York phone book and told to get it read before our next shift, which happened to be the next day, LOL! Enjoy every moment of this new journey!
Wow!!! One whole day to learn? That’s really something. I was just so surprised when they said the training used to be 46 sessions and was very intensive. But, now, they’ve shortened the number of sessions and added things to the museum. I hope I can keep up. I am hopeful, but I’m trying to be realistic if they did say 12 openings.
Thanks, Melynda!
My fingers are very crossed for you! What a great fit this seems to be! I greatly enjoy your SIA background information and think it would be wonderful hearing your enthusiasm for an artwork during a live presentation!
I would enjoy being one of your tourists, but would absolutely not prefer to return to the tour guide role (I used to do it for my job and HATED every minute of it; primarily because the tours were usually give to highly technical people…and I was not remotely one of them. So. Much. Stress.
But YOU would be fabulous… no matter what you wear. I happen to love the artistry of the outfit you selected, but I also get that there might be a recommended uniform (even though I don’t think your choice would detract from your role but would, instead, subtly underscore your qualifications for it!!!
I need to re-read my comments before sending! I also need to close my parentheses!!!
Hahaha!!! I sometimes forget to close my parentheses and then wonder what the heck I meant. But, you know what really bugs me? Asterisks! I hate it when something has an asterisk, and you can’t find the partner asterisk to find out what the first asterisk meant!
Thanks, Em! I don’t have a huge background in art, but I love to learn (it’s why I started blogging). I think guiding technical people would be almost impossible for me as I’m so not technical. My husband is an engineer, and when he starts to talk about this and that, my eyes just glaze over! Sometimes, he’ll ask if I was listening, and I can repeat what he said almost word for word. But, that doesn’t mean I understand any of it!
I am going to put together some practice outfits this weekend and see what works…you know…throw it at the wall and see what sticks!
Oh I think you’d be perfect docent!! But you’re right about the outfits that i see the docents wear at the art museum and around the botanical gardens. They are very plain and nondescript.
But it could just be the type of people.
Is that the only place that has docents near you? Cuz, seriously, you would be perfect for it.
And that sweater is absolutely fabulous.
Xoxo
Jodie
Hmmm…there are other museums. I could look into them. I’m just so familiar with Newfields. Of course, maybe I could be a race car driver because we have the NHRA (drag racing) and Indy 500 track within just a few miles of us! I bet there are museums there, but I’d be in way over my head. Of course, I’d learn a lot, too! I know we’ve had docents at Newfields that were very well-dressed…like Junior League well-dressed so I’m not really sure. I’m betting dress code will be discussed at some point!
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Jodie!
I’ve always thought being a tour guide would be fun. When I travel I appreciate having a knowledgeable guide. I think you will be excel at the position and I hope you will get to wear your quirky clothes. I think a guide should stand out, not shrink into the background.
Thank you so much, Aletha! I’m just hoping to make it through the interview which they said it not really an interview! I’m trying to keep my hopes under control!
What an exciting opportunity Marsha! I will pray that your interview goes well. I couldn’t think of anyone more suited for the job. I adore this look and how you dressed it up with this gorgeous cardigan!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you so much, Kathrine! I’m really hopeful, but I know there are limited spots. So, I will be sad but not entirely surprised if I’m not selected. I am going to practice outfits in my closet this weekend.
I have no advice for preparing/dressing for the docent process, but I think it’s really exciting and you’d be great at it! I love the print mixing and generally “arty” vibe of this outfit.
Thanks, Sally! I’m hoping I get into this group. They did say they’d have another group starting around this time next year. But, a whole year? Anyway, I’m going to play in my closet and see what happens. I think I may wear the jumpsuit again and just change out the cardigan and accessories.
What a wonderful opportunity! I used to work in our university archives and I loved being able to tell the story of the artifacts we housed there. And a friend of mine was a docent at the Swetland Homestead in Pennsylvania. I used to take my kids there all the time, especially during the holiday season, because they’d dress in period costumes and give tours. To this day, my kids still tell people they grew up at the Swetland.
I think the outfit you’re wearing or something equally as business quirky would be appropriate. I wouldn’t go too overboard, but a neutral paired with a colorful sweater or jacket would be amazing.
Thank you, Daenel! Oh, I would love to dress in a period costume and give a talk. Unfortunately, they don’t do that here. But, what fun that would be! I do think I will wear the jumpsuit with a different cardigan and scarf…maybe some more accessories. I’m trying not to get my hopes up, though!
This is such a great outfit! I love your cardigan and styling! I’m so excited for you and this opportunity! I think your interview outfit should be a mix of professional and artsy to show your personality. And I know you’ll do great in the group interview. This sounds like something you are passionate about, and you will shine!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you, Jill! Your words are giving me more confidence. I keep going back to that outfit because I think it’s so me. But, I have a couple other possibilities. I’m trying not to get my hopes up too high, though!
I’ll be keeping all of my fingers crossed for you! This sounds like such a perfect opportunity. I think you would be so good at it!
Thanks, Laura! I’m trying hard not to get my hopes up too high!