As you all know, the docent schedule is changing... slightly.
Why are we doing this and turning your volunteer schedules upside down?! We are trying to streamline the scheduling process, and make the shift times more consistent. We want to have a backup system for times when someone needs to cancel (i.e. two docents on the busier shifts).
On weekends and Third Thursdays, TAM now has tours that are scheduled for specific times and advertised as such, so we (meaning ME) need to really make sure that a docent is available to give those tours. I don't know whether visitors will be lined up for these tours, but the important thing is that a docent is ready and willing to give the tours.
The museum's expectation is that tours should be between 30 to 45 minutes, but it is your responsibility as a docent to decide what length of time is appropriate for the group, be it shorter or longer.
It is also the docents' responsibility (lucky bunch!) to decide what tour they are giving at the scheduled times (i.e. Zero Karat tour, general museum tour, etc). Please read your audience to determine what type of tour they would be most interested in.
Our goal is to have two docents scheduled for every shift that includes a "scheduled and advertised" tour. The reason for this is so that if a docent needs to cancel, there will always be another docent scheduled, and this will make life easier for all of us. (No need to send a mass email; No need to read a mass email, and all its replies.)
Shifts will be scheduled in 4 hour blocks. This is a little longer than in the past, but you have the leeway to show up a little later or leave a little earlier, because you know what the traffic flow is like on your days. I don't expect you to stand in the galleries for 4 hours straight -- please take a break at the cafe, or wherever you want. And I would also like to encourage you to take a break in the Art Resource Center and do some independent study!
(A) and (B) after a docent's name below represents whether they docent in week A or week B.
Saturdays:
- Saturday tours are scheduled for 11:00 and 1:00.
- Two docents will be scheduled between 10:00 and 2:00.
- Current Docents: Penny Grellier (A) and Barbara Reisman (B)
- Need 2 more docents on Saturdays, 10-2.
Sundays:
- Sunday tours are scheduled for 1:00 and 3:00.
- Two docents will be scheduled from 12:00 to 4:00.
- Current Docents: Sanjeev Narang (A) (not to be confused with the other Sanjeevs) and Deborah Cornett (B)
- Need 2 more docents on Sundays, 12-4.
Third Thursdays:
Third Thursday tours are scheduled for 11:00, 1:00, 5:00 and 7:00.
This day's shifts do present some overlaps of 4 people, but I am assuming that not everyone arrives and leaves promptly on time. The 1:00 tour is intended for the morning's docents but you can give it to the afternoon docents (Karin or Dick, or others) if you arrange it.
- Two docents will be scheduled from 10:00 to 2:00.
- Current Docents: Cass Brotherton (A) and Biz Lund (B)
- Need 2 more docents on Third Thursdays, 10-2.
- Two docents will be scheduled from 1:00 to 5:00.
- Current Docents: Dick Sears (A) and Karin Morris (B)
- Need 2 more docents on Third Thursdays, 1-5.
- Two docents will be scheduled from 4:00 to 8:00.
- Current Docents: Cheryl Kincaid and Bev Bright
- None needed - these two docents do every Third Thursday.
Every Other Day:
There are no scheduled tours.
Usually, there will be one docent from 10:00 to 2:00, and another docent from 1:00 to 5:00.
We expect Third Thursdays and weekends to be our busiest days, so let me know if you can cover any of the above shifts, or if you would like to switch to a busier shift.
Thanks for your attention.
Heide Fernandez-Llamazares
Docent Coordinator
TACOMA ART MUSEUM
1701 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, Washington 98402
T: 253.272.4258 x3016
F: 253.627.1898
www.TacomaArtMuseum.org
Become a Member Today!
