New Summer Teen Volunteer Program at The Ringling

April 4, 2025 | Sarasota

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (The Ringling) is pleased to announce its inaugural Teen Guide Program that will give 16- to 18-year-olds the opportunity to learn public speaking, develop leadership skills, and dive into art history. Applications for the program are due by May 15, 2025.  

The Teen Guide Training Program is a summer intensive beginning July 8 running across four weeks through July, with sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The program includes in-gallery learning, art history lessons, and hands-on teaching activities, culminating in a group-led gallery activity presentation. Once accepted, the program is free, however, students should have their own transportation to and from the museum. 

“The investment required is time, energy, and enthusiasm,” says Jane Harris—who has nearly two decades of experience in art education, specializing in printmaking and art history—head of the guide training program. Students not only earn volunteer hours they also gain invaluable experience in a museum setting. 

Through tours, conversations, and interactive activities, Teen Guides help make The Ringling collections accessible and engaging for all visitors, providing a fresh perspective on the artworks and artifacts displayed. The program serves teens with or without knowledge about art history. The training program is tailored for high school students and covers everything needed for teens to interact confidently and knowledgeably with museum visitors. 

Harris has dedicated her career to fostering artistic talents and community engagement and has expanded various volunteer and teen programs throughout Sarasota. This will be the first teen guide program for The Ringling. 

“Jane has brought a fresh and innovative approach to tours at The Ringling, training and empowering volunteer guides to engage deeply with museum collections, guide visitors to reflect and create meaning, and ensure all visitors belong at the museum,” says Katie Nickel, EdD, Head of Educational Programs at The Ringling. “By bringing teen guides into the already rich tapestry of volunteer guides, Jane is invigorating the already thriving program and continuing her dedication that all people belong at The Ringling.” 

You can find out more information on ringling.org.