Work of Art Instructor/Tailored Day Floater

JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Work of Art Program

Position: Tailored Day Services Art Instructor

Responsible to: Gallery Manager

Position Description: Provide customized art instruction Work of Art Studios TDS participants and microenterprise support to increase artistic skill development and expression, increase the marketability of their art, maximize art sales potential, and live an inclusive life.

Duties & Responsibilities:

A. Lesson Planning and Studio Preparation

1. Prepare clearly written lesson plans, with goals and objectives.

2. Encourage self-advocacy within the studio.

3. Help artists expand their individual artistic and expressive talents.

4. Develop new curriculum to keep artists invigorated.

5. Focus on artistic techniques, which make artists more successful in their art endeavors.

6. Make requests for supplies to Gallery Manager via purchase orders.

7. Keep work area clean, orderly, safe and accessible to all participants.

B. Specific Art Studios—Minimum Requirements

1. Ceramics

a. Teach participants methods of slab construction.

b. Teach participants coil construction.

c. Teach participants to use ceramic tools.

d. Teach participants use of throwing wheel.

e. Teach participants the benefits of collaborative work environments as well as individual self-development.

f. Know how to use a kiln and maintain it.

2. Painting/Drawing

a. Teach participants to mix color.

b. Teach participants to get supplies.

c. Teach participants to wash brushes.

d. Teach participants to use washes and opaque colors.

e. Teach participants to use contrasting and complimentary colors.

f. Teach participants to use a variety of media including watercolor, acrylic paint, ink, oil sticks, etc.

g. Teach participant to use various paint application methods.

h. Teach participants to use pencil, ink, graphite sticks, colored pencils, oil pastels, etc.

i. Teach participants the use of shading, methods (i.e. blending, scrub and smudge, and cross hatch pointillism).

j. Teach participant the use of simple perspective.

k. Teach participant to render from objects, photographs, and still lives.

l. Explore abstract and figurative manner.

m. Teach participant to apply line - use of bold, thin, and implied lines.

n. Critique work in positive manner.

o. Teach participants to clean up after lessons.

3. Performing Arts 

a. Creatively use performing arts to help participants to express feelings and ideas (for example, singing, playing and instrument, improvisation, theater games, skits, costumes, props and makeup, etc.)

b. Use performing arts as a means to bring participants personal satisfaction

c. Use self-critiquing and peer-critiquing in a positive manner after each participation.

d. Introduce participants to a variety of instruments such as piano, percussion, drums, tambourine, props, etc.

e. Teach participants to exercise to music as a stress reduction technique.

f. Work with participants to make videos as a way to enhance their self-esteem.

g. Coordinate participant performances with other staff members.

h. Offer direction to participants as they practice performances.

i. Teach participants to use props, make-up etc. for their performances.

j. Familiarity in the use of stereo, sound equipment, and computerized music synthesizer as a way to enhance performances.

4. Digital Arts

a. Teach participants how to properly turn on/off computer.

b. Teach participants how to navigate the web and various programs; Word, Publisher, Adobe Creative Suite programs, Chrome, various art techniques and other computer programs.

c. Teach participants how to save documents to hard drive, thumb drive, internet programs and social media.

d. Teach participants how to scan, edit and print documents.

e. Work with participants to create a Southside Unlimited Newsletter on a quarterly basis, and work to create other newsletters with available funding or direction.

f. Work with the participants to create postcards, posters and flyers for featured artists, gallery and fundraising events.

g. Teach participants how to create short stories, poetry and more.

h. Critique work in a positive manner.

i. Have basic IT knowledge to troubleshoot with the computers, server, and internet.

j. Maintain computers and computer studio with updated software as needed.

5. Printmaking

a. Teach participants to mix color inks.

b. Teach participants to get supplies and set up printmaking station.

c. Teach participants to wash tools (brushes, plexi-glass, rubber brayers etc.)

d. Teach participants to use a variety of techniques in printmaking (carving, proofing, registering, creating stencils, etc.)

e. Teach participants safety method when carving linoleum/rubber blocks.

f. Teach participants to apply ink with the brayer/roller onto carved surface.

g. Teach participants to use pressure when applying ink onto paper.

h. Teach participants to render from objects, photographs, reference, and still lives.

i. Teach participants how to use negative and positive space.

j. Teach participants how to print multi-colors and gradients.

k. Teach participants how to print on different surfaces (paper, watercolor paper, cloth, etc.)

l. Critique work in a positive manner.

m. Teach participants to clean up after lessons.

6. Mixed Media

a. Teach participants a variety of media including, but not limited to mosaic, jewelry making, collage, upcycled art, and wire sculpture along with basic drawing and painting techniques.

b. Teach participants safe use of equipment

c. Explore different types of mosaics with participants.

d. Teach participants how to break, cut and nip glass and ceramic pieces to create shapes that fit together smoothly.

e. Teach participants about different methods of gluing mosaics and how to properly apply each method.

f. Teach participants how to mix, apply and clean grout.

g. Teach participants the basic principles of bead work including loom beading, bead stitches (peyote, brick, square, etc.), and bead stringing.

h. Work with participants to learn the name and purpose of each tool used in jewelry making.

i. Teach participants different methods of finishing their beadwork including using crimps, bead tips, and cones.

j. Explore and teach different types of collage to participants.

k. Introduce a variety of mixed media projects to participants.

l. Critique work in positive manner.

m. Teach participants to clean up after lessons.

6. Fiber Arts

a. Teach participants a variety of Fiber Art media including knitting, crocheting, sewing, needle felting, and weaving.

b. Teach participants safe use of equipment.

c. Explore different types of Fiber Art Techniques with participants.

d. Teach participants how to cast their knitting projects on and off of both knitting needles and the loom.

e. Teach participants a variety of knitting stitches including the stockinet and garter stitch.

f. Teach participants basic crocheting stitches including how to chain stitch, single crochet and double crochet.

g. Teach participants how to effectively mix and use color in their Fiber Arts work.

h. Teach participants how to sew by hand and with the sewing machine.

i. Teach participants the basics of creating and using patterns.

j. Teach participants how to hold and use needle felting needles and how to use finger guards safely.

k. Teach participants how to set up weaving looms and remove woven items from loom.

l. Teach participants a variety of weaving techniques.

m. Critique work in positive manner.

n. Teach participants to clean up after lessons.

B. Client Coordinator Duties 

1. Designates time for support and technical assistance with other staff and participants for:

a. ISP development, coordination, facilitation of meeting, and filing/sending out ISPs.

b. Participant File Quality Assurance.

2. Coordinate, review and support for ISPs, & Files.

a. Makes sure all Individual Service Plans (ISPs) are done in a timely manner within the birthday month of each participant you are coordinating for ensuring the ID Team is present (participant, ACRC Service Coordinator, Home Provider, possible conservator, SSAC staff, etc.)

b. Makes sure that goals are consistent with what the participant is currently doing in studio. As well, makes sure that the participant and their team form the goals.

c. Coordinates the process of all 30 day evaluations and Semi Annual Reviews.

d. Makes sure that all reports are grammatically correct and proofread.

e. Maintain the participant’s current goal(s) on the daily reports.

f. Facilitate ISP meetings.

g. Use self-advocacy skills and model to staff so all can use these skills during meetings.

h. Review, maintain, and adapt reporting processes to fit the participant (Person Centered Planning).

3. Ensure all participant files have required documents: File all documents in participant files and on the server as instructed by Gallery Manager.

4. Maintain charting and recording of: Client Coordinator list, Participant Data Sheet, ISP schedule, etc.

5. Bring any problems to the attention of the Gallery Manager.

C. Support and Training to Participants

1. Intervene in crisis situations by assessing the emergency and prioritizing participant needs.

2. Timely recording of participant I.D. notes, daily goals, incident reports, etc.

3. Provide on-going communication about participant progress Resource Assistant and/or Gallery Manager.

4. Provide all assistance with commissioned art development, production, and placement.

5. Perform other various duties as requested by Gallery Manager and/or Program Supervisor.

D. Community Relations

1. Educate the general public about the talents and abilities of people with developmental challenges.

2. Network as needed with participant support systems.

3. Network with other professionals in the art field.

E. Professional Training and Development

1. Attend First Aid with CPR Seminars as required by agency.

2. Attend scheduled agency in-service departments.

3. Attend agency staff retreats.

4. Attend scheduled community trainings as required by Department Director.

5. Keep aware of training conferences which will improve Art Instructor skill level and make timely requests for attendance to Department Director.

F. Desired Personality Traits for Art Instructor Applicants

1. Flexibility to tolerate an environment that changes often as a result of changing participant needs.

2. Ability to creatively think of ways that participants can find success from their efforts.

3. Commitment to respect the participants.

4. Ability to be organized and systematic in doing several different tasks in a relatively short period of time.

5. Ability to work in a non-supervised environment when necessary.

6. Ability to communicate clearly in writing.

7. Ability to act calmly in an emergency situation.

8. Demonstration of a good sense of humor.

9. Ability to work independently and desire to be a supportive team member with other department staff.

G. Applicant Requirements

1. BA or MA degree in the Art, Music, Performing Arts, or related field.

2. Highly skilled artist preferred (may substitute skill level for education).

3. Professionally recognized practicing artist

4. Proficiencies in ceramics, painting, drawing, music, or theater/acting (for whichever instructor position applies).

5. Versed in Fine Art, Art History, Performing Art or related experiences.

6. Previous teaching experience preferred.

7. Previous experience with people who have developmental challenges preferred.

8. Effective verbal and written communication skills required.

9. All applicants must be free of substance abuse.