Volunteer reading to children in art galleries

There are many ways to volunteer at the Des Moines Art Center throughout the year. General roles include greeting visitors, event support, and promotion.

If you are interested in volunteering and would like to receive information on upcoming volunteer opportunities, please fill out the volunteer form below.

VOLUNTEER

Join a Member Group

Advisory Committee

The Art Center’s Print Club member group has been active since 1981. Event programming for the group is designed by dedicated volunteers; they are known as Advisory Committee members. They are selected to share knowledge and deepen the membership experience for others.

Member group Advisory Committees volunteers must be current members of the Art Center. They must also be an active member of Print Club. Appointees typically make one- to two-year commitments.

Children sitting on the floor in an art gallery raising their hands in response to a question by the docent speaking in front of them.

Des Moines Art Center docents are a group of dedicated volunteers who welcome and guide thousands of visitors annually.

A “docent” is a knowledgeable guide that leads tours of the museum and the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Volunteer docents share their love of art with others in a purposeful way; they help bring art to life for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. With a spirit of openness and collaboration, docents promote curiosity, critical observation, and empathetic thinking through dialogue and shared meaning-making experiences.

BECOME A DOCENT