Art Docent Program seeks volunteers

Polson’s Art Docent Program is a volunteer-based art history program that allows students at Linderman Elementary to become immersed in art through classroom instruction. According to the program’s coordinator, Edna Lemm, art docents are the “backbone” of the program.

Docent means “someone who promotes learning.” In this program, a docent is a volunteer who is trained to present art-related information and lessons in the classroom.

“This is a fun way to volunteer in your child’s classroom, but it is not limited to parents alone,” Lemm says. “If you enjoy working with children and being creative – or know someone who does – this is a great opportunity.”

The program requires no background in art, she adds, just an interest in, or appreciation for, art.

Docents will attend four workshops during the course of the year where they will practice an art history-related lesson and learn how to present the lesson in a classroom. They will then coordinate with the teacher they are assigned to and set up a time and day, within a two-month period, to do the lesson.

Docents are expected to present four lessons during the school year.

“We are hoping to have two or three docents in each class this year,” Lemm said.

Those who are interested in the program are encouraged to attend an informational meeting (with homemade dessert) at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, in the foyer of the Linderman gym. Lemm asks that potential docents sign up for the session by Sept. 12 by emailing her at mepitchforks@gmail.com with their name, email address, phone number and name of their child’s classroom teacher, or class they are interested in. 

Display of student artwork created during last year's Art Docent Program at Linderman Elementary in Polson. Students were emulating the styles of DG House (bear)and Evans Flammond Sr. (tipi).(Courtesy photo)