Use the Museum Collection in Your Coursework

Students at Colby College are encouraged to make use of the Museum and its collection in their coursework. Senior thesis projects, term papers, student-organized exhibitions, presentations, and studio art projects may all be based upon works in the museum collection.

The Mirken Curator of Education is available to assist with these projects.

Student Docent Program

Student docents participate in six docent training sessions, conduct independent research on works in the Museum collection, offer gallery tours to museum visitors, and present a gallery lecture accompanied by a short paper. Student docents, who must register for ART 211, receive two non-graded credit hours upon completion of this course.

Student Docent Lectures

The Colby College Museum of Art sponsors a series of lectures by Colby students who are part of the museum’s docent program. The Student Docent Gallery Lecture Series provides an opportunity for students to present findings of their scholarly research and for patrons to learn more about works in the museum’s collection. The series is open to the public and free of charge, and all talks begin in the Museum lobby.

Check the Events Schedule for upcoming lectures.

Museum Internships

The Museum hires three student interns each semester, and three over the summer. Museum interns work closely with the registrar, curators, and preparator, gaining invaluable hands-on experience handling works of art, managing the Museum collection, writing promotional and didactic texts, conducting research, and learning the ropes of a museum profession.

To apply for an internship, submit a resume and cover letter to the Administrative Secretary to the Director .

Use the Teaching Gallery

Apply Online for an Exhibition

The Museum’s Teaching Gallery comprises more than 1,000 square feet of exhibition space that can be used by Colby faculty and students wishing to curate exhibitions related to their coursework. The Teaching Gallery is available as the museum’s exhibition schedule allows.

Use the Online Form to apply for an exhibition in the Teaching Gallery.

Reserving a Space in the Museum for a Class or Meeting

Reserve a Space

Colby students and faculty can reserve a space in the museum galleries for a class or meeting related to the collection or exhibitions.

Use the Online Form to reserve a space in the Museum.

Write Curriculum

Juniors or seniors who register for a three- or four-credit hour independent study course in Education have the opportunity to write museum-based lesson plans for school children. Students will learn the ins and outs of curriculum writing and gain a valuable publication credit. For more information contact the Mirken Curator of Education .