Volunteer teen art guides

Teen Art Guide

Teen Art Guide

Teen Art Guides (TAGs) are a group of creative and, dedicated high school juniors and seniors who love art, have an interest in museums, and want to gain experience in event planning and community engagement.

They volunteer in a variety of ways at the McNay, from facilitating Education programs, to participating in Special Events and fundraisers, all while earning community service hours. If you are interested in becoming a Teen Art Guide, read the details below. Applications are due June 31, 2023. If you have any questions pertaining to the Teen Art Guide program, please email teens@mcnayart.org or call 210.805.1767.

Teen Art Guide FAQs

student gathering

Are You Eligible?

student gathering

Interested in becoming a Teen Art Guide at the McNay? We would love to have you! Peep the requirements below to make sure you qualify and have the necessary availability.

To apply for the Teen Art Guide program, you must:

  • Be a current sophomore or junior in the San Antonio area.
  • Have reliable transportation to and from the McNay.
  • Be available to volunteer on Thursday nights and/or the weekends.
  • Be available to volunteer at some summer events, including Summer Art Camp.
teen activities

Perks

teen activities

All Teen Art Guides enjoy a mentored experience in a museum setting to include behind the scenes access to programs and special exhibitions, one-on-one time with curators and other Museum staff, personal and professional development, and opportunities to participate in exclusive events such as fundraisers, galas, and exhibition openings.

Benefits of being a Teen Art Guide include:

  • Receive a $200 stipend at the end of each semester upon completion of program requirements.
  • Free admission to the McNay.
  • Complimentary membership to the Museum.
  • Museum Store discount.
  • Learning how to engage in conversations about art..
  • Insider access to conversations with staff on a wide variety of Museum careers
  • Opportunities to participate in event planning, including College Night, Teen Night, and Teen Takeovers
  • Opportunities to meet local artists and participate in workshops for free
  • Hands-on artmaking opportunities
  • Custom Teen Art Guide T-shirt
student working with art supplies

Commitments

student working with art supplies

As a Teen Art Guide, you should be excited to learn and talk about works of art, as well as be committed to making the McNay a safe space for all visitors. There are a variety of ways to participate as a Teen Art Guide: volunteer at Museum programs, participate in offsite events like Chalk it Up, join the Teen Takeover Committee to plan teen programs at the McNay, and more! Although you can always volunteer as much as you like as a Teen Art Guide, there is a minimum level of participation required.

To maintain your status as a Teen Art Guide, you must at a minimum:

  • Sign a pledge of commitment to TAG program and Museum policies.
  • Volunteer at two (2) events each month, including summer.
  • Attend two (2) meetings each semester, including summer.
  • Help plan and promote Teen Night, as well as volunteer at the event.
  • Maintain a courteous, respectful attitude towards yourself, other Teen Art Guides, McNay staff, and Museum visitors.
student doing chalk art

How to Apply

student doing chalk art

Teen Art Guide candidates apply at the end of their sophomore or junior year to participate in the program during junior or senior year. Applications for the 2023-2024 season are now open.

Applicants MUST complete the following:

  • Submit an application by June 31, 2023
  • Complete a Group Interview with McNay staff (Via Zoom)
  • Provide one (1) academic or professional reference

Should you be accepted into the TAG program, you must attend an orientation in July. If you have any questions pertaining to the Teen Art Guide program, please email teens@mcnayart.org or call 210-805-1767.