Surrey Art Gallery Invites Art Lovers to Become Volunteer Guides

Surrey Art Gallery is actively seeking individuals passionate about art to join its team as volunteer tour guides. No prior experience is necessary; the gallery welcomes art enthusiasts who wish to lead school groups through contemporary art exhibitions on weekdays. This initiative aims to enhance students’ creative thinking, cultural literacy, and critical analysis of art.

Evelyn Zaklan, a docent at the gallery for 27 years, emphasizes the rewarding nature of this role. She highlights the opportunity to engage with children, deepen knowledge of contemporary art, and build valuable social connections. “There’s always something new and exciting happening at the gallery,” Zaklan stated. “We are constantly learning through ongoing training, workshops, meeting artists and curators, and working alongside each other.”

The next training program for new docents begins on January 15, 2026. Johanna Lasner, the gallery’s volunteer programmer, notes that new guides will receive comprehensive support. This includes a study program focused on contemporary art, educational theories, and effective touring methods. New docents will also have the chance to observe and assist senior docents during tours before leading their own.

Interested individuals can find more information on the gallery’s website by visiting the Volunteering at the Gallery page or by emailing [email protected].

Established in 1975 at 13750 88 Ave, Surrey Art Gallery is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Recognized as an award-winning venue, the gallery showcases contemporary art from local, national, and international artists, including works in digital and audio formats.

Currently, the gallery features an exhibition titled Kinesthesia: Body as Form, which runs until December 14. This unique showcase explores the intersection of visual art and dance, highlighting various artistic practices that celebrate the human body’s diverse forms of movement. Artists involved in Kinesthesia include groups such as All Bodies Dance and ĀNANDAM dance theatre, as well as individual creators like Justine A. Chambers, Brendan Fernandes, and Sarah Nash Wong.

This initiative not only fosters community engagement but also develops skills in art education, making it an enriching experience for both the volunteers and the students they guide. The Surrey Art Gallery continues to be a pivotal hub for contemporary art and education in the region.