Museum Education

Explore the visual arts in the Center’s rich learning environment through a docent-led tour, workshop, lecture, or art activity focused on our museum exhibitions. Our tours go in-depth on the themes, techniques, and history that surround a work of art, while utilizing Visual Thinking Strategies to encourage audience participation and discovery. Engage with established artists and artists of tomorrow whose work proudly hangs on our Student Gallery Wall. K-12 and adult field trips can be arranged to meet the needs of any classroom and group. In conjunction with museum tours, visual and performing arts standards-based, hands-on activities can be designed to your specifications.

Museum Tours

We welcome all adult, school, and community groups to tour the museum and are now offering tours to K-12 school groups free of charge!

Please complete a tour request form to request a self-guided tour at least one week in advance, or a docent-led group tour at least two weeks in advance. Please note that advance notice is required for all adult and student groups of ten or more, and for any third-party guided tours, regardless of size.

Resources for Educators

The Center Museum’s permanent collection is an educational resource spanning contemporary art of the Californias. The museum’s collection database and videos on the Center’s Youtube channel provide artist and specialist interviews, and Collection Lesson Plans (Grades 6-8) and Museum Studies Lesson Plans (College level) cater to different age groups and educational levels. These resources leverage the artworks in the collection to inspire engaging and interactive learning experiences. All resources are available in both English and Spanish.

Funding provided by Specified General Fund for the Museum Grant Program under the California Cultural and Historic Endowment.

Emerging Artist Gallery

At the Center, we are committed to partnering with the community and future artists. Our Emerging Artist Gallery is an exhibition space in the museum dedicated to showcasing the work of local students.

If you are an educator interested in becoming involved in this program, please email museum@artcenter.org.

Museum Docent Program

Share your love of the arts with the community!

Docents facilitate discovery and drive the development of a deeper understanding of art and its relevance in our daily lives. Learn how to ask questions that spark curiosity, plan age-appropriate tours, and empower others to tell their own stories through visual art.

If you’re interested in sharing your enthusiasm for contemporary art and culture with our diverse audience and facilitating connections through guided tours and conversations, contact us to learn more about becoming a docent and its benefits.