Volunteer Opportunities

The Polk Museum of Art offers the opportunity to join the community in support of our mission through three volunteer auxiliaries with membership totaling more than 350 volunteers contributing more than 12,000 hours of service annually.

The Contemporaries group is aimed to meet the needs of young professionals in Polk County and surrounding areas. Through social, educational and volunteer opportunities, the Contemporaries network with their peers in an atmosphere geared toward increasing their awareness and appreciation of art. In addition to monthly meetings and various other activities, the Contemporaries are charged with hosting the Mayfaire Saturday Night street dance and the annual Blues Bash party and with assisting in the preparation for The Gala.

The Docent Corps mission is "to enable visitors of all ages and abilities to discover, understand and enjoy the Museum’s collections and exhibitions through tours of the highest quality ..." As educational ambassadors to the public, the Docents conduct interpretive tours for all ages, serving as teachers and hosts to Museum visitors.

All docents complete a ten-week art history course and participate in eight tour strategy workshops annually. They conduct at least two tours per month, and are the guides responsible for leading all Polk County fifth-graders and other organized tour groups through the Museum.

The Friends volunteer activities include assisting with children’s education programs, staffing the library and Museum Shop, providing support during Mayfaire-by-the-Lake and assisting special events. The Friends also coordinate all Museum bulk mailings and traditionally organize at least one educational outing each year.