“I have learned to look more deeply at objects myself, and become patient with others as they experience art.”—Phoebe Kline, SAAM Docent Every day, the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s nearly 100 volunteer docents share their love of American art with the public. Whether giving highlights tours of the collection, engaging students on school visits, bringing art and joy to senior learners on outreach visits, or connecting with classrooms across the country through distance learning programs, these passionate volunteers are knowledgeable ambassadors, skillful teachers, and masterful storytellers. Phoebe Kline became a docent in 1974 and this year we celebrate 50 years of her dedication to the role.
Your gift to SAAM helps support our docents like Phoebe and all the work they do to bring the art to life.
Kline spoke with SAAM and shared her favorite artworks, standout memories, and the best part of being a docent as she reached this monumental achievement. “Of course, the opportunity to continually learn is a given,” Kline said. “But here at SAAM, we’ve been fortunate to have had professionals who consider us colleagues and recognize our value as the public face of the museum. It’s been a gift to know and work with curators, installation folks, and administration over the years.”
Docents like Phoebe Kline are a vital part of the interconnected education work that happens behind the scenes and in the galleries at SAAM. Your donation helps support our mission and connects you to the bigger picture we are creating together—to make American art available to all. |
