Exhibition Interpreters
If you love art, learning, and people, become an Exhibition Interpreter and get involved behind the scenes at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art!
Annually, more than 5,000 K-12 students and hundreds of life-long learners experience a visit to the JSMA, in large part because of our most dedicated volunteer group, Exhibition Interpreters (EIs). An EI engages visitors of all ages and backgrounds in an active exploration of artworks from a wide range of cultures and time periods through leading tours, visiting schools, and activities that build community.
The museum’s philosophy for providing tours is focused on inquiry-based discussion and dialogue with our visitors. We are one of many museums across the country trained to provide tours integrating Visual Thinking Strategies.
Exhibition Interpreter Benefits
- Continuing education on the JSMA collections and special exhibitions
- Be intellectually stimulated in an atmosphere that values human creativity and spirit
- Be a part of a community of art advocates
- Empower visitors to discover the world around them through art and culture
- FREE year-long membership to the JSMA
- A 10% discount in the Museum Store
- Annual EI appreciation luncheon and social activities
- Visit out-of-town museums on field trips
Training Expectations
- Attend training sessions from September-December.
- Learn tour techniques in Visual Thing Strategies and inquiry based discussion
- Shadow experienced EIs to witness firsthand how to give a tour.
- Receive occasional tour feedback from fellow EIs and JSMA staff.
- Once training is complete, ongoing education continues for all EIs on the first and third Tuesdays of each month
Touring Expectations
After completion of training, the EI will give three tours each month for approximately nine hours a month.
- School tours are offered Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings from 9:15 – 11:15 a.m. and 11:30 - 1:30 p.m. School and adult tours may be scheduled at other times depending on availability. EIs lead a small group of students (6-8) through the museum. Most EI led tours are for students in grades 2-12.
- Public tours are offered the first Friday and first Saturday of every month at 1 p.m. and during events like opening receptions and family days.
- Private tours are scheduled 4 weeks in advance and vary depending on the request.