The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts
323 Franklin Road Highlands, North Carolina 28741
The Bascom: A Center for The Visual Arts (Highlands, NC) seeks a Ceramics Artist-Educator to provide individual and group classes to people of all ages and abilities. With a focus on introductory level courses, the artist/educator will offer between 6-8 per week with some variance depending on demand and season, in addition to maintaining the studio space so it is classroom ready and helping with glazing and firing processes. The ideal candidate will have the ability to design a curriculum for both children and beginning adults. Ceramics training required, education background or experience preferred. Candidates who have a desire to make a difference in a growing organization, and who are prepared to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment are encouraged to apply.
Title: Ceramics Artist-Educator
Reports to: Director of Ceramics
Classification: Full-time, non-exempt
Schedule: Typically 5 days a week, Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm
Responsibilities
Teaching
• Plan and propose classes and curriculum for the ceramics program (youth and beginning adults) to the Director of Ceramics;
• Provide descriptions of offerings to the Director of Ceramics who will submit to the Marketing staff;
• Take photos and document studio activity, classes, workshops, etc for Bascom promotional purposes;
• Determine a schedule of offerings that reflects current demand, and that helps build opportunities for new or expanded audiences, especially families with young children;
• Teach classes as assigned by the Director of Ceramics;
• Identify and track materials and equipment necessary for the delivery of the ceramics curriculum.
Classroom preparation and maintenance
• Maintain studio space and equipment that pertains to ceramics education;
• Trimming, Glazing, Finishing, and shipping of student work as part of the private class format, loading/unloading kilns, mixing glaze, studio upkeep, and other duties as assigned for studio maintenance and general operating.
Studio community and environment
• Engage with students, studio members, and visitors to present the opportunities of the studio and classroom programs;
• Support a positive and upbeat environment in the studio while also helping users follow proper protocols regarding clay processing and safety;
• As needed, handle ceramics studio sales to the public;
• As assigned, Studio manager when needed;
Special Projects
• As assigned, help support Ceramics programs, such as artist talks, Soda Kiln activities, and the Bascom Clay Symposium;
• According to time availability, design and make Bascom-branded pottery for retail sale
• Special teaching or demonstration opportunities may be available during the off-season, according to the talents and interests of the employee.
Other Responsibilities
All Bascom employees are ambassadors of the organization, and as such should expect to welcome the public and our constituents. In addition, The Bascom staff is a small team. All employees are expected to participate in weekly staff meetings and other official staff/Bascom functions.
Qualifications/Skills
• College degree, preference for a BFA or Arts Education background
• Post graduate education is desired
• Experience in the production of a body of ceramic art work, demonstrated in an artist portfolio, preferred; alternatively experience in ceramic arts and in the development of arts education including ceramics as demonstrable in curriculum plans.
• Demonstrated experience working independently as well as working successfully as a team member
• Ability to communicate with diverse audiences in a professional manner
• Demonstrated experience in successfully multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment
Opportunities
The Artist-educator may work on their own projects in the ceramics studio on their own time. In addition to a dedicated studio space, a monthly allowance of 2 bags of clay, and glaze, and kiln space as available, is provided.
The Artist-educator with sufficient accomplishment may have opportunities to sell work at the Studio and in The Bascom’s retail space and may contribute work to the two annual Pottery Shows/Sales (60/40 commission split artist/Bascom).
This is a full-time, salaried position with a range of $35,000-$42,000 depending on experience. The Bascom provides a generous PTO policy, as well as short-term and long-term disability. Health Insurance premiums are reimbursed at a rate of 6% of base salary.
Application Process
Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Please submit the following materials:
• Cover letter describing your interest in the position and what you can contribute
• Artist Statement (less than 300 words) OR Education Philosophy (less than 300 words)
• 5-10 high resolution images representative of your recent art work (may include educational projects)
• Resume
• List of three professional references
Submit application package to: Karin Peterson, Executive Director, kpeterson@thebascom.org.
To learn more about the organization, visit thebascom.org. Please, no phone inquiries.