By Kelli Urry
Katie Brooks likes to talk.
As a tour guide, also known as a docent, Brooks can and does speak for hours about art.
The humanities major from Mesa, Arizona eventually hopes to lead tours through world-renowned museums like the Louvre in Paris, France. But for now, she?s getting her practice on campus.
The museum has a staff of more than 50 docents, ready to give tours of the art and exhibits on display anytime the museum is open. Some docents are members of the community and others are BYU students.
?We have a lot of people interested in giving tours.? Brooks said. ?People just don?t realize they?re available.?
Head curator, Cheryll May, said she thinks students at BYU take advantage of the art museum than students at any other university campus.
?We had over 1,500 people at our Black and White party, but at the same time we feel like we have barely scratched the surface,? May said. ?Students have a world class art museum just a few steps away.?
Brooks said feeling inexperienced with art might be a factor in keeping people from visiting the museum.
?Museums are intellectual,? Brooks said. ?They?re a realm of higher learning. You have to have some previous knowledge to work in one, so people think they have to know something about art to walk in a museum.?
Unlike tour guides, viewers don?t need any prior training to enjoy the art at the museum.
Prospective tour guides must take a semester of a visual arts class on campus to qualify for the position.
?Docent?s don?t memorize a script,? May said. ?We want a docent to share his or her excitement and passion for art work,? May said.
Because the Museum is open until 9 p.m. on Monday, Brooks encourages students to take a tour as a family home evening activity.
?It?s a wonderful way to enlighten our minds,? Brooks said. ?We can be learning everyday, and discover other truths we have not yet realized, it?s a good way to look beyond Provo.?
Tours are available anytime the museum is open. They can be scheduled a week in advance by calling 422-1140.