Volunteers and Docents
Heartbeat of the Museum
"Absolutely No Smoking" by Peter Szarmach
VISIT US
130 King William Street
San Antonio, TX 78204
Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 3pm
Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Admission is always free!
The heartbeat of the Art League + Museum is its volunteers. Each day, volunteers guide visitors through the Museum, hang new exhibits, care for the grounds, communicate our mission to the media, and manage our finances. We couldn't live without them, and we invite you to join in the effort.
Become a docent
Becoming a docent at the San Antonio Art League + Museum is one of the most rewarding ways to connect with your community while immersing yourself in art, history, and culture. As a docent, you'll spend your days inside a beautifully restored historic house in the heart of King William, sharing the stories of the Davis Collection and SAAL+M's rotating exhibitions with visitors from San Antonio and around the world.
Many docents describe a sense of wonder and community that comes from welcoming guests and watching visitors discover something new. Here’s what a few of our docents have told us about their experience:
"To really get involved with the Art League – become a docent! Better yet, invite your spouse or partner to become a docent, too. The two of you can spend a pleasant five-hour day, residing in a lovely historic house, getting to view the newest exhibits, welcoming visitors from in town, out-of-state, and out of the country."
Marcia Roberts, who shares her docent duties with husband Len
"When I drive up to the SAAL+M on my docent days, I feel a sense of wonder. The museum invites discovery by visitors and volunteers. Surrounded by the beauty of the art and history of the league, I feel a sense of intense community and appreciation for the opportunity to share the wealth of the experience with visitors, fellow docents, and League volunteers."
Ilna Colemere, SAAL+M Docent and Historian
"The best part of being a docent at SAAL+M is the chance to talk with our visitors about the current exhibit and, of course, the history behind the Davis Collection. Many of our visitors are tourists, so most are also interested in the King William District, and it's always great to have the walking tour brochure handy to give them a guide to the highlights of the area.
Peter Szarmach, Photographer and SAAL+M Docent
As a docent, you’ll play a meaningful part in preserving and growing the oldest art museum in San Antonio. And it’s not an overwhelming commitment. Most docents work one or two days a month during museum open hours (Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10am to 3pm) and choose the days of the week that work best for them.
Design Your Own Volunteer Experience
Not every volunteer wants to be a docent — and at SAAL+M, you don't have to. Our museum runs on the varied talents of people who show up in all kinds of ways, whether that's a steady hand during exhibit installation and deinstallation, a green thumb in the sculpture garden and museum grounds, a creative eye behind our social media presence, or a welcoming face at special events. Wherever your skills and interests lie, there's a place for you here.
Submit a volunteer form and we’ll work with you to determine how to best use your skills and provide you with an enjoyable and rewarding experience.