As the date for the University of Oregon Museum of Art reopening draws closer, the rejuvenated tour guide program for the museum is preparing for the public.
The Exhibition Interpreters, which includes 45 members ranging from retired librarians and teachers to University students, underwent changes five years ago under the leadership of Lisa Abia-Smith, director of education for the museum. Abia-Smith said the program changes were made to coincide with the expansion of the museum.
“We needed a more effective program — a program that was able to adapt to the needs of the audience — the new building helped facilitate these changes,” Abia-Smith said.
Other members described the joys of working in a museum.
“It’s like coming home for me,” said guide Nancy Fletcher. “My parents used to own an art museum, and this is a great chance to return to one.”
The art museum, closed for renovations since September 2000, is expected to reopen in October 2004. According to the museum Web site, http://uoma.uoregon.edu/, the $12.72 million cost of renovation was funded in part by the state of Oregon, which gave $6.36 million in state service bonds. Additional funding for the project came from nearly 750 private donors.
Formerly 32,000 square feet, the museum is now more than 63,000 square feet. This enlargement enhances the display area for the museum’s exhibits including some 12,500 pieces from the American and Regional Art Gallery, the Changing Exhibits Gallery, the European Art Gallery, the Chinese Art Gallery, the Japanese Art Gallery and the Korean Art Gallery.
“The renovations give visitors an opportunity to see more of the collection,” said Allison Kramer, one of the few student Exhibition Interpreters.
Abia-Smith said one of the biggest improvements is the new Educational Suite and Interactive Discovery Center. The suite provides visitors with an opportunity to engage in hands-on interactive activities.
For Exhibition Interpreters, the increase in space means more required knowledge. Guides are expected to know about all galleries at the museum and are required to participate in a yearlong program that includes training in the elements of art, art history and the museum’s collection.
“Our guides will be learning how to give an effective tour for a 3 year old, a 20 year old and an 80 year old,” Abia-Smith said. “We wanted people who would embrace the new direction of the museum; we wanted people who want to learn and share.”
“Our target audience is children, but really the program will be beneficial to everybody,” Abia-Smith said.
In addition to attending training sessions, Interpreters are required to complete research, reading assignments, observe other guides and attend continuing education lectures.
The amount of education required is part of the reason the museum asks for a two-year commitment requiring a minimum of 40 hours of service per year, museum marketing Coordinator and spokeswoman Katie Sporles said.
“The purpose of this education is not to overwhelm people with facts but to enrich their experience at the museum,” Sporles said.
The Exhibition Interpreters will be available at an open house event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 8 at the art museum.