Teen Art Guide
Teen Art Guide
Teen Art Guides (TAGs) are a group of creative and, dedicated high school juniors and seniors who love art, have an interest in museums, and want to gain experience in event planning and community engagement.
TAGs volunteer in a variety of ways at the McNay from assisting with Education programs to participating in Special Events and fundraisers, all while earning community service hours. If you are interested in becoming a Teen Art Guide, read the details below. Applications open on March 20, 2026 and are due June 17, 2026. If you have any questions pertaining to the Teen Art Guide program, please email education@mcnayart.org or call 210.805.1767.
Interested in becoming a Teen Art Guide at the McNay? We would love to have you! See the requirements below to make sure you qualify and have the necessary availability.
To apply for the Teen Art Guide program, you must:
- Be a current sophomore or junior in the San Antonio area.
- Have reliable transportation to and from the McNay.
- Be available to volunteer on Thursday nights and/or the weekends.
- Be available to volunteer at some summer events, including Summer Art Camp.
-
Be available to volunteer at 2 events each month during the TAG year (August 2026 – August 2027).
All Teen Art Guides enjoy a mentored experience in a museum setting to include behind the scenes access to programs and special exhibitions, one-on-one time with curators and other Museum staff, personal and professional development, and opportunities to participate in exclusive events such as fundraisers, galas, and community events.
Benefits of being a Teen Art Guide include:
- Free admission to the McNay
- Complimentary membership to the Museum
- Museum Store discount
- Learning how to engage in conversations about art
- Insider access to conversations with staff on a wide variety of Museum careers
- Opportunities to participate in event planning such as Teen Night.
- Opportunities to meet local artists and participate in workshops for free
- Hands-on artmaking opportunities
- Custom Teen Art Guide T-shirt
As a Teen Art Guide, you should be excited to learn and talk about works of art and be committed to making the McNay a safe space for all visitors. There is a minimum level of participation required.
To maintain your status as a Teen Art Guide, you must at a minimum:
- Sign a pledge of commitment to TAG program and Museum policies
- Volunteer at two (2) events each month, including summer
- Attend one (1) meeting each semester, including summer
- Help plan and promote Teen Night, as well as volunteer at the event
- Maintain a courteous, respectful attitude towards yourself, other Teen Art Guides, McNay staff, and Museum visitors
Teen Art Guide candidates apply at the end of their sophomore or junior year to participate in the program during junior or senior year. Applications for the 2026-2027 season are now closed. Check back later for more information.
Applicants MUST complete the following:
- Apply by the application deadline
- Complete a Group Interview with McNay Education Department (in-person)
- Provide one academic or professional reference
Should you be accepted into the TAG program, you must attend an orientation on Sunday, August 30, 2026. If you have any questions pertaining to the Teen Art Guide program, please email education@mcnayart.org or call 210.805.1767.
Teen Art Guide FAQs
Are You Eligible?
Interested in becoming a Teen Art Guide at the McNay? We would love to have you! See the requirements below to make sure you qualify and have the necessary availability.
To apply for the Teen Art Guide program, you must:
- Be a current sophomore or junior in the San Antonio area.
- Have reliable transportation to and from the McNay.
- Be available to volunteer on Thursday nights and/or the weekends.
- Be available to volunteer at some summer events, including Summer Art Camp.
-
Be available to volunteer at 2 events each month during the TAG year (August 2026 – August 2027).
Perks
All Teen Art Guides enjoy a mentored experience in a museum setting to include behind the scenes access to programs and special exhibitions, one-on-one time with curators and other Museum staff, personal and professional development, and opportunities to participate in exclusive events such as fundraisers, galas, and community events.
Benefits of being a Teen Art Guide include:
- Free admission to the McNay
- Complimentary membership to the Museum
- Museum Store discount
- Learning how to engage in conversations about art
- Insider access to conversations with staff on a wide variety of Museum careers
- Opportunities to participate in event planning such as Teen Night.
- Opportunities to meet local artists and participate in workshops for free
- Hands-on artmaking opportunities
- Custom Teen Art Guide T-shirt
Commitments
As a Teen Art Guide, you should be excited to learn and talk about works of art and be committed to making the McNay a safe space for all visitors. There is a minimum level of participation required.
To maintain your status as a Teen Art Guide, you must at a minimum:
- Sign a pledge of commitment to TAG program and Museum policies
- Volunteer at two (2) events each month, including summer
- Attend one (1) meeting each semester, including summer
- Help plan and promote Teen Night, as well as volunteer at the event
- Maintain a courteous, respectful attitude towards yourself, other Teen Art Guides, McNay staff, and Museum visitors
How to Apply
Teen Art Guide candidates apply at the end of their sophomore or junior year to participate in the program during junior or senior year. Applications for the 2026-2027 season are now closed. Check back later for more information.
Applicants MUST complete the following:
- Apply by the application deadline
- Complete a Group Interview with McNay Education Department (in-person)
- Provide one academic or professional reference
Should you be accepted into the TAG program, you must attend an orientation on Sunday, August 30, 2026. If you have any questions pertaining to the Teen Art Guide program, please email education@mcnayart.org or call 210.805.1767.
