Docent-guided Visits

MoNA offers classes and youth groups 50-minute tours of its exhibitions. Tours are designed to deepen students' experience of art, enhance visual literacy, and develop lifelong viewing skills.

For grades 1- 8:
Docents use guided observation techniques and lively discussion to develop critical thinking and communication skills as students learn about Northwest art. Typically students will look in depth and discuss 4-5 artworks specifically selected for young viewers. The visit will also often include a writing or drawing project.

Docent-guided visits directly support:

• Washington State Learning Goal #3: Think analytically, logically and creatively, and integrate experience and knowledge to form reasoned judgments and solve problems.
• Washington State EALRS: Communications 1,2,3 and Arts 1,3,4.

For high school and college students:
Docents are flexible and will work with you to plan a Museum visit that suits your group and your special interests. Docents are trained in Northwest art history, visual arts vocabulary and design elements. They are prepared to share specific information about the Museum, its permanent collection and the special exhibitions as well as to lead group discussions.

Self-guided Groups

You are welcome to self-guide your class in the Museum. However, you must preview the exhibition and provide a structured learning experience for your group. Reservations are required and the same admission fees and chaperone ratios apply. Contact the Education Director to discuss your plans before bringing your group.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

• Find out which exhibition best meets your students' needs. Check this year's Exhibition Schedule
• Preview the exhibition
  Request an Educator Admission Pass so that you can preview the exhibition, discuss the tour focus with your docent and effectively prepare your students for their visit. Request Pass from lisay@museumofnwart.org
• Schedule a tour
  Tours are available Tuesday - Friday, 9am - 4 pm. The schedule fills rapidly, so make your reservation as far in advance as possible. A minimum of two weeks is required. To schedule a tour contact the Education Department at 360-466-4446 ext. 115 or lisay@museumofnwart.org
• Confirmation
  A confirmation letter will be sent to you within one week of your request. About one week before your tour, the docent assigned to your group will contact you to discuss a specific plan for your visit.

Group size
The Museum can accommodate only one class (maximum 35 students) at a time. Groups larger than 15 will be assigned 2 docents.

Accessibility
The Museum is accessible to all visitors. Please notify us of any special needs or concerns when you schedule your visit.

Chaperones
1st - 3rd Grade: 1 adult/6 students
4th Grade - High School: 1 adult/10 students

Admission
Elementary - High School students: $1.50/student
College students: $2 with ID
Teachers and chaperones: free

Bus funding
Limited funding is available to offset transportation costs for regional public schools. To apply for 50% reimbursement of your costs, please inquire when you schedule your visit or download the application form. Download Bus Funding Request form

Lunch
There are no lunch facilities available at the Museum. However, Pioneer Park on the south side of La Conner has both open and covered picnic areas.

Parking
Free parking for cars and vans is available in the garage below the Museum. Entrance to the garage is from 2nd Street. A staircase at the back of the garage leads up to 1st Street and the entrance to the Museum.

Buses can drop off/pick up students at the corner of 1st Street and Washington, one short block from the Museum. (Buses should come into town on Morris St., turn left onto 1st Street, and left again onto Washington Street.) Buses must park in the public parking lot at the La Conner Marina while students are in the Museum. Entrance is at the corner of State and 2nd Streets. ($2/day at the cash box.)

Directions to MoNA

To find out more or to schedule a tour: Contact the Education Department at 360-466-4446 ext. 115, or lisay@museumofnwart.org