“While I was teaching, I often saw students ‘come alive’ through art. In college, years before that, I had personally experienced the same thing. After retiring from teaching, I heard about the docent program at the Albright-Knox and was all in. I wanted to help students feel that same kind of excitement. Well, I do hope that I am of some help to the students, but it turns out that I am the one who is benefiting the most. After each tour I give, I go home feeling simply thrilled to have had an art experience with the wonderful students who participate in the programs offered by the Albright-Knox.”
– Kit Howard, Docent, 2011–present
“Becoming a docent was most certainly a surprise to me. I barely had any education in art. I was a history major, with a Master’s in social science and a post-grad study in homeopathy. You may wonder what that has to do with art. I will tell you: Everything. After taking a tour in 2006, I became aware of the relevance of history, philosophy, poetry, social and cultural studies, math, science, and technology to the art canon. I learned about the Albright-Knox’s docent training program and a whole new world opened up to me. I am a lifelong learner and, with every new exhibition, I learn something new. I especially like contemporary art because it addresses the issues and ideas of the world we are living in today, and it never ceases to amaze me how creative, curious, and innovative artists can be. In touring with groups, nothing is more satisfying than to see a participant have an ‘ah-ha’ moment, or see something new for the very first time. Their unique observations teach me something new every time I have a tour, whether it be from a preschooler or a very senior citizen. Art is for everyone.” – Kate Soudant, Docent, 2007–present
“I have always been interested in art and eager to learn more about the artists, their intentions, their friends, their development, and their place in the times they were living. What a great opportunity it is to be able to walk with groups and look at the pieces, share different perspectives, and engage viewers from first graders to senior citizens. Some connections are made through dance, others through games, and usually wonderful stories and poems emerge as we journey through the museum. What could be more fun?” – Allan Hayes, Docent, 2015–present