Docents…
Traditionally, docents are guides at museums, zoos, parks, etc. They usually have lots of information and tell you what they know about a specific piece of art, animal, or plant. It’s lots of facts and figures. At the Indianapolis Museum of Art (AKA Newfields), that particular definition has fallen by the wayside. Today, the docents act as facilitators, for lack of a better word. They create conversations instead of just spilling the facts.
My training…
As many of you know, I applied to be a docent back in December (read about it here). During the interview, we (there were two of us) learned we shouldn’t worry (wink, wink) about getting into the program. We began our training on January 18th and will go until May 17th. We meet every other Saturday for two and a half hours. That was what I thought I had signed up for. But, in addition to that, we have lectures one to two times a month about various aspects of art as well as specific periods of art. We also have virtual meetings to discuss those lectures and ask questions of the professors delivering the lectures.
Not complaining…
That sounds like I’m complaining about the amount of time I’m putting into this new adventure. I’m not. I’m actually kinda thrilled about getting out of the house, going to the museum, and meeting new people. The lectures are fascinating as I only took two art classes in college. Those were very basic and were more about how to teach art should we have to do that. In fact, I’m so not complaining because my mentor told me she had to attend class every Wednesday morning for three hours for an entire year! She’s been a docent for over 25 years and is so personable and helpful. That condensing of the material worries me a bit because we aren’t getting near the education she got. I do think, when I decide where I’m going to concentrate, I will have to do my own additional research and study. But, then y’all know I love to do that!
My first mentor meeting…
I have to admit I was a little nervous about meeting my mentor, Barbara, for the first time. In fact, I’m intimidated by all of them because they are so knowledgeable and gracious and genteel…all the things I’m not! Anyway, one of the first questions I asked her was what I could wear. I was so afraid she’d say I had to wear all black so I would blend into the background and let the art shine. On the contrary, Barbara said what I was wearing was perfect! I told her that was a relief because I loved to dress up. She said she could tell that I was a rather colorful dresser! I haven’t done photos of that outfit, but I really should. Barbara said she thought it was better to dress up a bit to show how much you valued the visual.
The outfit…
In today’s outfit (which isn’t the one I wore to meet Barbara), I’m wearing the Neela dress from Gudrun Sjödén. In general, I seem to like the jersey dresses best, but every once in a while, I find a woven dress I like just as much. This is one of three in this colorway I might have bought. I added a cranberry (I think) slip to it to bring out more of that color from the print. If I had a teal slip, I might have worn that. It wasn’t particularly cold the day we took these photos so I didn’t need a scarf. Unfortunately, I don’t really have one that works with this dress. I’m going to have to comb through my scarves and come up with something!
The Lewk!
Yes, these are my Leighton boots once again. I can’t help it. They are just that comfortable and cute and soft! These are the Ocean color which is very dark navy/teal color. I am trying to figure out how old this necklace is. I couldn’t read the imprint on it, but I think it’s from Coldwater Creek (brick and mortar). I know there was a time period when these multi-strand bead necklaces were all the rage. I’m so glad I kept this one because it’s perfect with this dress. I have a couple more, but I don’t remember now what colors they are. Then, I added several stretch bracelets from Allie & Bess as well as the long wrap bracelet from Stella & Dot. The earrings are from last summer and came from J Jill.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I imagine you’re all wondering when I’m going to say anything about my presentation, right? After running through it with my mentor and the other two women in our group, I went home exasperated and fuming. I was a little upset with the one woman who had stopped me and then told me I was doing it all wrong. Well, when I read the directions, she was mostly right. We weren’t supposed to give as much information as I’d done. The focus was on open-ended questions. So, I rewrote it. Then, on Saturday, just before we were to start giving them, the lead docent said they wanted us to relax and just have fun with the presentation. Well, that kinda changes everything, right? Anyway, when your last name starts with a B, you get to go close to first. We were divided into four groups, and my last name was first. I did my presentation and got really good feedback from the person leading our group (who happens to be the Associate Curator of European Art). I think I’m gonna love this new gig! So, can we talk? Have you ever been on a docent-guided tour? What did they wear (curious minds want to know)? How do you feel about tours that are just fact filled vs. those that actively involve the people? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
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This sounds really interesting and quite cool Marsha! What an experience and I’m so impressed you’re doing it. Never even thought about this as a job, don’t know why! I wish you luck and all good wishes for it my friend xx Jacqui
Thank you so much, Jacqui! I am very happy and excited to be training for this. I’m really amazed at the knowledge everyone has. I hope I can get to that level some day!
It all sounds like an interesting new adventure for you Marsha.
Thank you, Rosie! I am really happy to have been able to do this!
Marsha, I love the way you have styled this super fun dress! And I am so excited for you on this new adventure. It sounds like so much fun! I wish we had museums near me but the closest ones are about an hour away. I look forward to hearing more stories about your docent gig!
Shelbee
Thank you, Shelbee! I love this dress (and the other two in the same colorway). I have always loved museums and to think I can be a part of one is amazing to me. I am really beyond excited! I’m sure I’ll have more to tell in the future!
I love a good docent tour! Just went on a really good one with my textile group, viewing the Diane von Furstenberg show at the Skirball. She told us lots of juicy details about dresses on display.
On the other hand, in another part of the museum, there was an intriguing room full of very large tree cross-sections with text burned into them. The docent lurking there was doing that “open-ended leading to discussion” thing you mention (this was not a tour, she was standing around and pouncing on people). She was very annoying, we couldn’t shake her! She kept nagging us with questions like we were in a class and participation was part of our grade! Haha.
Another docent experience that went well was at an exhibition at LA County Museum. The signage at that one was horrible and the docent made sense of it all. Phew!
I am fortunate here in LA, so many museums.
BTW, that dress is gorgeous. Love Gudrun’s stuff, mostly beyond my budget, alas. Suggest a dark teal scarf, the color matching the little squares.
Thanks, Anne! I shall be on the lookout for a teal scarf! I usually buy them when they offer a discount, but sometimes, I do pounce when I can tell it will sell out. You are lucky to have lots of museums though I’m sure there are more I’m not aware of in Indianapolis. Well, there’s one on basketball that I don’t care to go back to…went with one of the grandkids on a field trip. I like the open-ended thing, but we will have scheduled tours. I wonder if she was doing a gallery talk and just couldn’t get anyone to talk to her. It sounds like she may have been new or cranky or both!
I love that you are allowed to wear what you want. I think it’s more meaningful when the docents have a personality to their outfits. And trust me, we’ve been to lots of docent talks.
I will say that I like both ways they present…both giving the facts and trying to get a discussion going. It’s fun either way.
Good for you for doing this,
XOXO
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! We actually have been taught a couple of different ways of doing the talks. And, I think we can choose to specialize in a certain era or gallery. It’s just so exciting! I can’t help myself sometimes!
I love the colorful dress and the accessories, Marsha. Good luck with the docent position. I have a feeling you are going to love it!
Thanks, Christie! I have honestly wanted to be something like a docent since I was 9 or 10 years old. This is kinda a dream come true!
I’m so happy you are enjoying your docent training and your presentation went well! I’m sure I’ve been on a docent guided tour at some point but I can’t really remember what they wore. I love your dress! This entire look is really cute!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you, Jill! It’s so nice to be learning something new. I mean, learning to blog is a steep learning curve, but this is more like college, you know?
How exciting this new adventure is! I’m sure you do very well as you are very dedicated. And no matter what you will be wearing, you will make a impression!
Thanks, Nancy! You are too kind! Let’s face it, I have all kinds of clothes so I don’t have to worry anymore. I was just afraid I was going to have to wear a Newfields tee and a pair of black pants!
I’m happy to hear that the docent position will give you the freedom to dress in your authentic style; I think that will make such a difference in how you interact with patrons (as opposed to feeling like you’re in a uniform). Anne’s comment about not being able to shake that one docent cracked me up. That’s a good example of what not to do, right? If your Style Imitating Art research is any indication, I think you’ll be great at learning about art and artists and communicating/discussing it with people! I hear you that there is a lot to learn, and there will be challenges/frustrations on the road as well as wonderful experiences. I look forward to hearing more about it. Oh yeah…and your outfit! Super cute! I like the teal scarf suggestion, and I think a gauzy white one might be a nice option too.
Thanks, Sally! I had to chuckle at Anne’s comment, too. We will have scheduled tours unless we’re doing a gallery talk. I’m not 100% sure what those are yet. I’m so excited to be actively learning again. I am pretty sure I’ve got something. Well, I know I’ve got a gauzy white one!
I didn’t realize how much time was involved. That is amazing! You are going to be such a good docent!
Thanks, Laura! My mentor told me she felt like she had earned an art degree. That must have been a big commitment for people who were working. I am really enjoying learning again.
What an exiting new adventure! I have a feeling it’s going to be so much fun and enriching! You will be one of the most stylish docents out there.
Thank you, Lisa! I don’t know…there are a couple of women who wear some really cool things! The men, though, seem to be much more casual…at least, in the training.
This is a great update Marsha, I was wondering how you were getting on with it all. Good on you for getting positive feedback on your presentation too but I can imagine you were nervous. Your outfit is lovely, could you wear the dress without the slip when the weather is warmer? It looks like a good length. Love that you asked the question about what to wear!!
Thanks, Debbie! I am loving all the lectures because I really don’t know that much about art as a subject. I was nervous until the head docent told us to just have fun with it. I was also glad I got the Assistant Curator because he’s just so easy to talk to. Yes, this dress is cotton and can easily be worn without the slip. I think it’s a good transition piece for those times between spring and summer and summer and fall. I had to ask about what to wear because I really didn’t want to have to wear a “uniform.”
So glad you gave an update on your training Marsha . I am sure you will be an excellent docent and provide lots of entertaining information. I have been on many guided tours , both in Australia and overseas and they have varied greatly. I must admit to preferring those that gave information on the exhibits . Good for you that you can decide what to wear.
Thanks, Jill! I will definitely be adding information because I think people want that as much as they want to be interacting with the art and each other. And, yes, I was so glad I didn’t have to have a “uniform.”
I hadn’t heard of a docent before actually! But it’s wonderful you are enjoying your new role, and that you get to wear whatever you are comfortable in. So much easier to be confident that way I find! I hope you continue to enjoy your training!
Thanks, Mica! I hadn’t really even thought about the confidence factor. But, you’re so right. When you’re dressed in something you like, you do feel more confident. I have enjoyed learning so much new information!
SO glad your presentation went well! It really does sound like such a fun opportunity.
Thanks, Joanne! I wish I’d gotten to go a little later so everyone would have been in the flow, but I also got it over with early and could relax!
I love the “colorful dresser” comment from your mentor… she already seems to know you well! While your docent position sounds like a big commitment it does, indeed, sound exciting! Lots to stimulate the brain! Good for you for taking on the challenge! Thanks forsharing about the presentation, too! Sounds like you were flexible and adjusted, as needed… just like a good teacher would do!
Thanks, Laura! I thought it was fun that she realized that, too! I’m really excited about this as it’s just another form of teaching which I’ve missed so much.
How fun! I’m so happy you’ve gotten this opportunity. I think I told you a friend of mine was a docent at an historic home in Pennsylvania, and she loved it. I used to take my kids to the home during the holidays for tours and such. I didn’t realize that the training was so intensive. I should’ve known… I used to work in an archives.
Love the outfit. The layers are so pretty together. It’s awesome that you’re encouraged to wear all the pretty and bright things.
Thanks, Daenel! I was so afraid I’d have to be in all black or wear a Newfield tee and black pants. I’ve gone to a few historic homes here and love the docent talks. I don’t mind if they just talk and give me information. I’m weird that way, I guess!
I hadn’t heard the word “docent” in this sense before – “Dozent” used in German (although it comes from the same Latin word of course) means lecturers at universities, colleges, and such.
I have had guided tours at museums or castles some of which were really good while others were a drag. That doesn’t always have to do with the docent, though, often it has to do with the group itself. How big is it, how mixed is it (age for example, but also existing knowledge), are people interested or did someone take them there and they really aren’t, do you have one person taking over, do you have to keep waiting for parts of the group …
I think you are going to have a lot of fun with it because you enjoy the learning and the teaching.
Thanks, Cat! That’s exactly what I experienced last summer in Ireland and Scotland. I’m one of those who likes to be at the front of the group because I’m so short. It’s hard to hear or even see when everyone else is towering over you and is in front of you. I am really loving the training…learning new things and getting ready for another presentation, I’m sure.