I was a Children's docent (loved it, left it, will return again)

After college and while I was working on the Pacific Coast Stock Exchange Options floor, I applied, was accepted and trained in the SF MOMA's Children's docent program.  MOMA was living at the Veterans War Memorial Building then; there was a lot of marble and grandeur.

It was quite a privilege and responsibility.
It took a large time commitment and a small financial investment, which sometimes put me on the spot, because my colleagues were all either retired or enjoyed 6 figure incomes w/no kids.  I was fresh out of school. So when MOMA members held charity auctions,  instead of the glamourous spa services or vacation packages, I would hesitantly donate  my own photography work, mounted and framed.  (I was always secretly thrilled when they received bids).

More importantly, as a docent, I had a wonderful time with the kids.  Since grade school, I've always been involved with children in some educational capacity, and becoming a docent was a perfect marriage of art history, creative expression, and mentorship.  I found myself being inspired and enlighted by the simple unbiased interpretations of younger eyes.  I encourage everyone to visit a museum or gallery with a child and listen to their thoughts.  Try not to over think or complicate the art.  Because in my opinion, that can really dilute the enjoyment it may have been meant for.

This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the opening celebration kicked off mid January with tons of events, speakers and parties!  While all the exhibits offer contemplation, I was most interested in The View From Here, which encompasses California photography and includes the history of SF MOMA collecting photography, and Artists in Focus, which included a room of Diane Arbus images.



While studying photography, I made trips to the Fraenkel Gallery for inspiration. For more than 20 years, Fraenkel Gallery has been the most important resource of photography on the West Coast.  Not surprisingly, Jeffrey Fraenkel was included as one of the 75 passionate people from the Bay Area's creative community to speak during the opening weekend and I was in town to attend.  Jeffrey spoke briefly of his relationship with and continuing admiration for Diane Arbus, including insights on A Young Brooklyn Family, currently on view at  SF MOMA.  A special treat for me.  Meanwhile, my father found more interesting things on the roof garden.


The parties are over but SF MOMA will offer special shows and programs all year.  I highly encourage a visit, and another. and another!
http://www.sfmoma.org/themes/anniversary
http://www.sfmoma.org/pages/participate_docent
http://www.fraenkelgallery.com/
http://www.artprojectsforkids.org/
3/22/10 JUST FOUND THIS VERY WONDERFUL GROUP: http://www.thebigartpeople.co.uk/