Become a Docent

The Burchfield Penney Art Center is Looking for Museum Docents!

Do you love art? Are you curious by nature? Do you enjoy meeting new people and sharing ideas? If so, we invite you to consider becoming a museum docent at the Burchfield Penney Art Center.

Being a docent is much more than giving tours; it's an opportunity to become part of a vibrant community of lifelong learners who help make art meaningful and accessible for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're introducing a child to their first museum experience, engaging adults in thoughtful conversations about art, welcoming people with diverse abilities, or creating inclusive experiences for our neurodivergent community, every interaction has the power to inspire, connect, and enrich lives.

Our docents are the welcoming face of the Art Center and play an essential role in every aspect of community engagement. They lead interactive gallery tours, help develop educational programs and workshops, facilitate hands-on art experiences, support special events, and continually discover new ways to connect people with art and one another. No two tours are ever the same, and every volunteer brings unique talents, perspectives, and experiences to the program.

You don't need to be an art historian to become a docent. We provide comprehensive training, ongoing learning opportunities, and the support of an enthusiastic team of fellow volunteers who share a passion for art, education, and community.
If you're looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity that will challenge your mind, spark your creativity, foster lasting friendships, and make a genuine difference in the lives of others, we'd love to welcome you to our docent family.
Come discover the joy of sharing the stories of Charles E. Burchfield and Western New York artists with others—and help us keep their legacy alive and thriving.

We hope you’ll join us!
For information or to schedule an interview, contact Mary Marino Kozub at kozubmm@buffalostat.edu.

Online Docent Application

Apply to join the 2026 Docent Training Class by filling out the following questionnaire by the deadline of Tuesday, September 1st. Simply hit the "Submit" button when you're finished filling out the form. We'll be in touch as soon as possible to set up a meeting with staff and fellow docents to review your application. For more information, email Mary Kozub at kozubmm@buffalostate.edu.

1. Name

Please provide a valid 1. name

2. Your Email Address

Please provide a valid 2. your email address

3. Your Phone Number

Please provide a valid 3. your phone number

4. Emergency Contact

Please enter the full name, the relationship to you, and phone number of your emergency contact.

Please provide a valid 4. emergency contact

5. Are you currently a member of the Burchfield Penney Art Center?

Please provide a valid 5. are you currently a member of the burchfield penney art center?

5. What would you like to accomplish as a docent?

Please provide a valid 5. what would you like to accomplish as a docent?

6. What are your expectations regarding docent training?

Please provide a valid 6. what are your expectations regarding docent training?

7. Do you speak another language, know sign language, or have any other skill that would be beneficial as a docent?

Please provide a valid 7. do you speak another language, know sign language, or have any other skill that would be beneficial as a docent?

8. Have you ever served as a docent in any other organization? If so, please elaborate:

Please provide a valid 8. have you ever served as a docent in any other organization? if so, please elaborate:

9. How did you hear about our docent program?

Please provide a valid 9. how did you hear about our docent program?

10. Are you available Mondays, 9:30 a.m. to Noon?

Please provide a valid 10. are you available mondays, 9:30 a.m. to noon?

In your own words, describe what the word “museum” means to you.

Please provide a valid in your own words, describe what the word “museum” means to you.

FAQs

What is a museum docent?
A docent is a trained volunteer guide and educator. The word “docent” comes from the Latin docere, meaning “to teach.” Docents use their knowledge, curiosity, and diverse experiences to enrich visitors’ experiences through engaging, interactive learning in the galleries.

What are the prerequisites?
You don’t need to be an art expert—just someone who loves art, people, and learning. Successful docents are curious, enthusiastic, good listeners, and enjoy sharing ideas with others.

What is the process for becoming a docent?
Prospective docents complete an application and meet with staff and current docents for an introduction to the program and expectations. Selected candidates are invited to participate in training.

What is required of a docent?
We encourage docents to become members of the Burchfield Penney Art Center and enjoy full membership benefits. A docent-in-training completes 25 training sessions from September through April. After training, docents commit to two years of service and typically lead two tours per month. Docents are encouraged to participate in museum programs, lectures, and regional museum offerings.

What does docent training involve?
Training is a hands-on, multi-part program that includes:

An introduction to the Burchfield Penney Art Center, Charles E. Burchfield, Charles Rand Penney, regional art and artists, current exhibitions, and the beautiful Gwathmey, Segal and Associates building we’re housed in
Techniques for engaging visitors through conversation, questioning, and interpretation
Strategies for working with a wide range of audiences
Guided observation, shadowing, and practice tours leading to independent tour facilitation

Why should I consider becoming a docent?
Because your voice matters. Docents play a vital role in shaping meaningful museum experiences for visitors. In return, you’ll gain lifelong learning opportunities, meaningful connections with fellow docents and staff, and the joy of sharing art with your community.