(CANCELLED) CERTIFIED INTERPRETIVE GUIDE (CIG) SKILLS FOR DOCENTS

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures implements Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) theory and skills when creating interpretation and training volunteer docents. Participants in this workshop will 1) learn about the CIG program offered through the National Association for Interpretation, 2) discover how T/m volunteer docents are trained to use CIG skills in interpretive visitor interactions, and 3) have the opportunity to apply CIG theory and skills to an existing program at their home institutions.

ENGAGING MUSEUM VISITORS IN DIFFICULT TOPICS AT THE TRUMAN LIBRARY (This workshop is FULL)

At the newly renovated Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, visitors experience the eventful and triumphant life of America’s 33rd president. The cinematic experience covers some of the most dramatic chapters of world history from the ending of World War II to the beginning of the Cold War. Each day, Library docents guide visitors and school groups through the perilous situations that Truman faced. Library docents will discuss how they present these topics and tailor their tours for different age demographics during a tour of the $29-million museum transformation.

TOUR TECHNIQUES FOR TARGETED AUDIENCE

Different groups have different needs. A tour designed for a Cub Scout group won’t necessarily satisfy a tour for art lovers or a military group. This workshop will explore how to adapt tours so the needs of distinct groups are met. We’ll also examine teaching techniques that create active learning tour experiences including object-based learning, inquiry-based learning and variations on traditional art-based Visual Thinking Strategies that make it a perfect tool for teaching in a historical museum. Learn from the National WWI Museum and Memorial Education staff and hear from volunteers who utilize these techniques with a wide variety of audiences.

LISTENING WITH YOUR EYES

Located in Olathe, Kansas, visiting the Museum of Deaf History, Arts and Culture is truly a unique experience. This is the only Deaf Museum in the US not affiliated with an educational institution. During this hands-on workshop you will have the opportunity to learn a bit about the rich history and culture of a community within our community. You will also visit the Chuck Baird Art Gallery which focuses on De’VIA (Deaf View Image Art) viewing artwork by Deaf artists from across the country. De’VIA is an art genre that expresses elements of Deaf culture and experiences. Interpreters will be provided for a portion of this workshop, though you may surprise yourself with how much you can hear through your eyes!

HOW TO INTERPRET WHEN THE SUBJECT IS UNPREDICTABLE

All docents are highly trained volunteers who educate the public by engaging visitors at their respective institutions. But what if that institution is a zoo and the subject presents unpredictable situations such as: animal sleeping/hiding, animal off-exhibit, animal doing something distracting, such as mating or chucking poo? Kansas City Zoo docents have seen it all and will share how to “docent” when the subject may present numerous challenges that are out of our control. You will visit different animal exhibits that will demonstrate these challenges. After the workshop, you’re free to wander the zoo to experience all our wonderful animals.

ENRICHING EARLY CHILDHOOD TOURS

Discover how educators at the Nerman Museum engage young visitors and preK-3 students with innovative art appreciation activities, incorporating hands-on items, picture books, and movement, to teach visual literacy. With pedagogy from the Smithsonian’s Early Enrichment Center, our docents connect multisensory teaching techniques with our critically acclaimed outdoor sculpture collection and temporary exhibitions. Join us for a walking tour of the museum galleries and Oppenheimer Sculpture Park.

CAPTIVATING CROSS-CULTURAL DIALOGUES 

The Nerman Museum has made an extraordinary, decade-long commitment to building a major collection of contemporary Native American art with works by over 100 artists. Learn how our docents foster dialogue in critical multiculturalism. The framework includes teaching with reproductions from 19th century American art history to illuminate several commonly held stereotypes and myths about Native American culture. Join us for a walking tour of the museum galleries and adjacent campus hallways with Collection Focus Areas.

STRATEGIES FOR WELCOMING EVERYONE (This workshop is FULL)

Accessibility. We all talk about it, but how do we make it happen? Join staff and docents in the galleries at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to experience the strategies that bring works of art alive for guests of all ages and abilities. Together we’ll explore best practices which create inclusive, meaningful and enjoyable museum visits. Person-first language, guided-touch techniques, memory engaging activities and effective verbal descriptions will be our focus as we engage with the art.

CREATIVE RESEARCH COLLABORATIONS

The Spencer Art Reference Library has a long history of providing access to the latest scholarship in the arts for Nelson-Atkins staff, volunteers and the Kansas City region.

The collaboration between the Spencer Art Reference Library and the docent program has helped support and elevate the program. This partnership has included research assistance for both tours and personal edification, access to rare objects, study group presentations, docent-led tours for the public, as well as research education for a multi-year project for the creation of docent object files.

DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE? (This workshop is FULL)

What we see in art often reflects who we are - our personal life experiences. Our guests view art through their own life lens. Where someone sees beauty, another may see trauma, oppression or exclusion. How do we model openness and a commitment to listening? How do we facilitate uncomfortable conversations? How do we see, and honor, what others see?