Surrey Art Gallery Invites Art Enthusiasts to Become Volunteer Guides

The Surrey Art Gallery is actively seeking individuals to join its team of volunteer tour guides, with training set to commence on January 15, 2026. This opportunity is open to anyone with a passion for art, as no prior experience is necessary. The gallery is particularly interested in engaging art lovers who can lead school groups through its contemporary art exhibitions during weekdays.

Volunteer guides, also known as docents, play a crucial role in enhancing the educational experience for students. At the Bear Creek Park gallery, they facilitate discussions and hands-on activities designed to foster critical thinking, cultural literacy, and creative expression related to art.

Evelyn Zaklan, a docent with 27 years of experience at the Surrey Art Gallery, emphasizes the rewarding nature of the role. “There’s always something new and exciting happening at the gallery,” Zaklan stated. She notes that volunteers not only work with children but also have the opportunity to expand their own knowledge of contemporary art, build social connections, and develop skills in art education.

The gallery’s volunteer programmer, Johanna Lasner, highlights that new docents will receive comprehensive training. This includes a structured program that covers contemporary art, educational theory, and tour methods. New volunteers will also have the chance to observe and assist experienced docents during tours before leading their own, ensuring they are well-prepared for the role.

For those interested in volunteering, further information is available on the gallery’s website under the Volunteering at the Gallery page, or by contacting [email protected].

Established in 1975 at 13750 88 Ave., the Surrey Art Gallery is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It has garnered recognition as an award-winning venue for contemporary art, showcasing works by local, national, and international artists, including various forms of digital and audio art.

This fall, the gallery features the exhibition Kinesthesia: Body as Form, running until December 14. This eclectic showcase brings together artists and groups whose practices examine the human body’s movement and presence in space. The exhibition includes a variety of artistic mediums, such as sculpture, painting, textiles, photography, film, and virtual reality.

Participating artists in Kinesthesia include notable names like All Bodies Dance, ĀNANDAM dance theatre, Justine A. Chambers, and Brendan Fernandes, among others. This exhibition promises to be a vibrant exploration of the intersection between visual art and movement, making it a significant event in the gallery’s anniversary celebrations.

The Surrey Art Gallery continues to invite community members to engage with art and education, fostering a deeper understanding of contemporary artistic expression.