About Our Docent Programs
The Magic of Modern Art Vision—A World Where Everyone Everywhere Experiences the Magic and Wonder of Modern and Contemporary Art.
How It All Began
After these successes, she realized she had to write a book. Of course, she made new discoveries along the way. The resulting book, The Magic of Modern Art—How to Love Modern & Contemporary Art, was published in 2022.
Who We Are
With additional training through programs at Landmark Worldwide, one of the foremost educational organizations in the world, Robyn is a seasoned workshop, seminar. and event leader. She has been nominated as a keynote speaker for the Texas Association of Museums conference.
Our team members include professionals in art and other fields: Bob Adams, Rick Allred, MFA, Cynthia Cooper, MFA, Becky Hendrick, MFA, Vincent Falsetta, MFA, Otto Fox, MA, John Handley, PhD, Rubi Holder, Barb Holland, Joshua Kight, MFA, Antonio Manega, Diploma of Grafica, Art and Printing”Aloma Marquis, MFA, Renee McGivern, Mark Ramon, Rohitash Rao, BA, Anthony Schmitt, Corrina Sephora, MFA, Meryl Sher, BS, Brian Schnurr, BS, Lorraine Telford, R.N., M.N. Sally Weber, MFA, Carol Winkler, PhD, Jamele Wright, Sr., and Michele Parish Zuniga, BA, to name a few.
Lectures, workshops and trainings. We provide live and Zoom trainings for docents and staff to deliver Magic of Modern Art Tours. We create and deliver workshops, talks and interactive presentations, both for the public and in-house staff and volunteers
The foundational resource for our work is the book, The Magic of Modern Art—How to Love Modern & Contemporary Art. It is available as a support for your docents and staff as well as for your museum visitors to purchase from your store. You can learn more about it here.
Everything we offer is customizable to the particular needs of your organization. Ask us how we can support your museum here.
– We all possess a natural, intrinsic affinity for all types of art.
– The key to unlocking the magic that modern and contemporary art can offer is to fully experience the art for oneself.
– Developing the ability to fully experience the art may require guidance and practice.
– When people don’t experience an affinity for modern and contemporary art (or any art for that matter), it’s usually because they have preconceived notions (counterproductive beliefs) that prevent them from appreciating the art.
– Dispelling such preconceived notions brings about a deepening and broadening of one’s appreciation for modern and contemporary art.
– Liking and appreciating art are distinct, although they often overlap. Anyone can learn to appreciate art that they don’t like.
– Our training is conducted through discussions, presentations, gallery tours, exercises, and games.
– We start out our docent training with a discussion about modern and contemporary art. We explore the nature of this art, the value of it, and where the members of the group find themselves in relationship to it.
– During this discussion, any aspects (styles, genres, etc.) of modern and contemporary art that the docents find challenging are revealed. They uncover their own preconceived notions (counterproductive beliefs) which underlie any issues or challenges they have with the art.
– We distinguish 33 counterproductive beliefs and discuss effective ways to dispel each one. Not only do the docents find themselves much more open to appreciating the art during this dispelling process, but they also become clear about the value of dispelling counterproductive beliefs for their tour guests.
Specifics of the Magic of Modern Art Tour
– The last section of the training is about the specifics of the Magic of Modern Art Tour.
– We believe that it’s essential for docents to have a breakthrough in their own ability to experience the magic of modern and contemporary art in order to effectively open up this magic for their guests. Therefore, before training them to deliver The Magic of Modern Tour, we take them through the tour.
– In this tour, they spend some time in front of a work of art they find particularly unappealing. We deliver prompts that encourage them to really see the art and especially to notice their own responses to it. What emerges is a breakthrough in their appreciation for the art.
– Once this has been accomplished, the docents are ready to be trained to deliver the Magic of Modern Art Tour. They practice delivering the tour for one another one section at a time.
– The result: Your docents are adept at providing guests with a life-changing art experience.
Your Docents
– Are adept at conducting The Magic of Modern Art Tour such that the guests are able to immerse themselves in the art and experience it fully.
– Are facile with dispelling counterproductive beliefs as they interact with their guests.
– Have a new level of confidence in their ability to field any and all questions and comments that the museum visitor may throw at them about modern and contemporary art.
– Experience a greatly enhanced affinity for modern and contemporary art for themselves.
Your Visitors
– Have an experience where they see contemporary and modern art differently, as if for the first time.
– Have a permanent shift in their ability to appreciate modern and contemporary art.
– Are likely to share this experience with their family and friends.
– Are likely to elevate their level of attendance and participation in all your museum’s offerings.
Your Museum
– Gets a docent tour that applies to every art exhibition.
– Can draw more visitors through advertising The Magic of Modern Art Tour and what it has to offer.- Has a new tour that can be used exclusively or in conjunction with your current approach.
– Can potentially reduce the amount of time and money spent on ongoing docent training.
– Can prepare new docents to be ready to conduct tours in less time.
– Receives an added resource to your museum’s gift shop by offering our book, The Magic of Modern Art, to museum visitors.
"Robyn went to great lengths to help our docents grow in their understanding of modern art, highlighting the pure enjoyment of being present with the art. Robyn helped make our museum shine!"
-Wade Weber
Director of Education, Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West
"Have you ever visited a modern art museum and felt out of your league, struggling to comprehend the artwork on display? If so, you’re not alone. The Magic of Modern Art by Robyn Jamison offers a new and unique method of looking at art that can benefit anyone seeking a deeper art-viewing experience. Jamison has developed a highly engaging docent training program that differs from traditional art history. In her new methodology, she takes docents through a step-by-step process of dispelling counterproductive beliefs that keep museum guests from fully experiencing the art. The program helps eliminate the distracting head-chatter that often leads to simply dismissing a work of art. Her results are tremendous and lead viewers to exciting breakthroughs, something that is truly wonderful to see."
-John Handley
PhD, Museum Director and Curator
"As the curator of the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Robyn Jamison to present the exhibition of, and associated programming for, “The Magic of Modern Art” in the spring of 2024. This exhibition, inspired by Robyn’s book, The Magic of Modern Art, offered guests a remarkable opportunity to explore, examine, and appreciate the expansive world of modern and contemporary art in an accessible and educational manner. The exhibition encouraged viewers of all backgrounds to set aside preconceptions and engage with the selected artworks openly. Moreover, the experience was enhanced by Robyn's “Magic of Modern Art Tour,” which guided guests through a process of personal exploration and discovery through “being” with the art. Together, the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art and Robyn Jamison created a well-received exhibition and program that made modern and contemporary art more approachable and relevant to those in our communities."
-Madeline Beck, curator of the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art
Docent Training Participants
"This was a very positive experience conducted by an excellent communicator."
"I gained a better understanding of how to present contemporary art."
"Learning how to deliver the tour was so good!"
"Losing the fear of negative reactions from guests was so freeing!"
"I found wider perspectives in viewing modern art."
"I discovered that it is ok to invite guests to take time with the art."
"It is so good to know people have roadblocks to appreciating art."
"Thank you for employing this wonderful speaker!"
"Robyn has a great manner with people. So positive & supportive. "
"This training was a real eye opener. Thank you so much."
Magic of Modern Art Tour Participants
"I now realize how important it is to give the art a chance."
Scottsdale, Arizona
"I feel more free to interpret modern art for myself comfortably."
Scottsdale, Arizona
"I was fortunate enough to experience a personal Magic of Modern Art Tour recently with Robyn at the McNay in San Antonio. Robyn's Art Tours are an invitation for non-artists to deeply engage with Modern and Contemporary work. Robyn never lectures. She invites participants to slow down and fully explore just a few pieces. Through a series of questions, Robyn enables tour participants to notice the artists' media, methods, and composition. Participants quickly become more confident, as Robyn becomes a co-discoverer of the works. Pieces that seemed intimidating or irrelevant at the start of the tour become cherished friends as the tour unfolds. Robyn's Art Tours are a fascinating and unforgettable way to step into the world of Modern art."
Donna F., Wimberley Texas
"I recently had the pleasure of participating in a truly unique and enriching contemporary art experience led by the talented artist and author Robyn Jamison at the Blanton Museum in Austin, Texas, on May 16, 2024. This event offered a profound exploration of art, encouraging us to engage deeply with the pieces on display.
The session began with each of us selecting a painting we initially did not like. We spent ten minutes simply "being with it," allowing ourselves to discover what emotions or thoughts the artwork provoked. This exercise was eye-opening and challenged our preconceived notions about art. It was fascinating to hear the diverse perspectives and insights from the group of eight participants as we shared our discoveries. This collective discussion highlighted how art can evoke a wide range of responses, enriching our understanding and appreciation of it.
Next, we chose a painting we particularly liked and again spent several minutes in contemplative observation. This time, we were given six minutes to immerse ourselves in the artwork and uncover what resonated with us. This part of the experience was equally enlightening, as it deepened our connection to the piece and allowed us to articulate why it appealed to us on a personal level.
Robyn Jamison’s guidance was exceptional throughout the experience. Her ability to facilitate meaningful discussions and create an open, welcoming atmosphere made the event both fun and intellectually stimulating. The focused approach of examining only two works of contemporary art allowed for a depth of discovery that is often missed in larger tours or exhibits.
Overall, this event was a wonderful blend of introspection, discussion, and appreciation of contemporary art. I left with a newfound appreciation for the complexities and emotional power of art, as well as the realization that sometimes the pieces that initially challenge us can become the most rewarding to explore. I highly recommend any opportunity to participate in a similar experience with Robyn Jamison—it is an opportunity not to be missed.”
Lisa Powell-Gould, Austin, Texas
"Thank you to Robyn for the opportunity to expand ways to engage with modern art in the community of others seeking the same.
I appreciated Robyn’s quiet presence as we sat with our chosen piece of art. Her thoughtful suggestions/comments guided my own pathway to understanding the art piece on several unexpected levels.
Like many meaningful experiences, I have pondered the visit to the Blanton Museum of Art quite a few times since my visit. I am still trying to think about the transferable skills of observing, integrating my responses to what is presented to me before rushing to make any conclusions. I am asking myself how this can apply to encountering a situation or person I would prefer to dismiss. Have to let that thought percolate for a while.”
J.W., Austin, Texas
Docent Training Production Assistant
"I recently had the distinct privilege of assisting Robyn Jamison with a 2 day docent training program in Scottsdale,AZ. Prior to experiencing Robyn's program, I would not have described myself as a lover of modern art. However, her training program gave me an abundance of tools as well as some hands-on experience which completely changed the way I look at modern art. I now have a completely new access to appreciating modern art. Not long after that I was able to use my new perspective to change how my partner experienced modern art as well."
