Charles H. MacNider Art Museum will begin its next beginner docent class on Jan. 9.

The class will meet 12-1 p.m. every other Wednesday from January 9 through April 3.  Topics include art history, the museum’s American art collection and instruction on facilitating tours. The class is free to those wishing to become new museum docents.

Docents are volunteers who give guided tours to thousands of museum visitors each year. With a small paid staff, the museum relies on docents to give tours for school children, kids clubs such as 4-H and Boy and Girl Scouts, as well as adult groups and bus tours.

Those wishing to attend and become a new docent should call the museum at 641-421-3666. No prior knowledge of art is necessary.  If you are not able to attend the classes but wish to become a docent, please contact the museum to make alternate arrangements.