Art Instructor Photo & Narrative Arts

Job Description

Job Description

Title : Art Instructor- Photo & Narrative Art

Reports to : Program Supervisor

Department : ECF Art Center

Location : ECF Art Center Whittier, Third floor (with elevator access)

FLSA Status : Non-Exempt

Compensation : $18 - $20 / hr

Program Hours : Monday Friday, 8 : 00am-3 : 30pm; Some evening and weekend work may be required

Supervisory Responsibility : None

Position Summary

Under supervision of the Program Supervisor, the Photo & Narrative Art Instructor will assist, guide and facilitate studio art practices to artists (adults with varying degrees of learning, behavioral, emotional, and intellectual disabilities) in order to provide professional development and integrating artists into the local art community as working professional artists.

This can include but is not limited to art instruction in the following art mediums; film and digital photography, transfer techniques, mixed media art practices, drawing, painting, book making, paper sculpture, photo emulsion lifts, cyanotype, collage, creative writing, and sewing.

Darkroom experience is not required for this position. Art Instruction will occur in several media of artistic expression in conjunction with artists individual art goals (ISP).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Implement individual artistic goals, referring to artist’s ISP (Individual Service Plan). Ensure artists’ safety during operating hours of the Art Center, while on the premises, and out in the community.

Assist artists in maintaining progress and attendance notes on a monthly basis and participate in meetings and other in-studio services as assigned.

Give instruction in the proper use of materials, care, and protection of artwork, production of saleable art, and help artists to become proficient in developing their individual voice and style as an artist.

Ensure the safe use of equipment, including basic safety measures to be used when working with various tools, machines, equipment and materials, safe lifting procedures, etc.

Create any protocols needed for increased safety.

• Set up / prepare equipment to be used on a daily basis and maintain equipment. Organize artists’ portfolios by properly labeling and storing artwork in the appropriate areas.
• Participate in staff meetings to identify and implement artistic, educational, psychological and social objectives for each artist.

Take into account addressing the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse artists. Implement services and support in accordance with Lanterman Act and Person-Centered Thinking Practices.

Follow appropriate protocol and policies in assisting artists during any incidents or seizures. Employ NCI procedures as needed to assist persons who are exhibiting aggressive behavior.

Follow ECF guidelines for reporting medical emergencies, suspected abuse or neglect and unusual incidents to case management staff and supervisory staff.

Assist artists with personal hygiene needs including illness and incidents of incontinence, as necessary.

Be available to help promote the Art Centers during work hours for visitors and guests. This includes, but is not limited to, informing the public of the Art Center mission and services when the public is touring Art Center studio, answering questions during events, or inquiring about how they can support the program.

Support Art Center events and programs through distribution of materials and information to all interested parties.

Staff and supervise special exhibits featuring ECF artists’ work at various locations and times. Assist in organizing art shows and events which may include matting, framing, and installation and tear down of shows.

Greet the public and assist artists with presenting and discussing their work with the public.

Other Duties

• Comply with ECF’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program, Safety and Medical Emergency Procedures. Ensure safe use and operation of tools and / or equipment.
• Comply with ECF policies and procedures, including mandated reporting requirements.
• Observe regular, on-site work hours. Regular and reliable attendance is required for this position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education / Licenses / Certifications : Bachelor’s degree and demonstrable Photo and Mixed Media techniques.

Experience : Six months in any combination of the following : studio work, teaching (including undergrad TA positions), work on public and private art projects, art installations, work in art museums, or any other directly related experience.

Knowledge / Abilities / Skills :

• Knowledge in one art specialty area and photo / narrative arts.
• Skills necessary to assist artist in carrying out their art practice and art goals may include but not limited to : teaching, facilitating, guiding, encouraging, listening, advocating.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to teach adult artists.
• Availability to teach all artists in the Art Center.

Requirements

• Portfolio of completed work.
• Pass a DOJ background investigation.
• Provide evidence of a negative TB test initially and every three years thereafter.
• Obtain and maintain NCI, First Aid and CPR certification.
• Ability to use public transportation or personal vehicle to transport artists for community outings.
• Proof of auto insurance and insurable driving record if using own vehicle for business purposes.

Work Environment

This is a program for adults who have varying degrees of learning, behavioral, emotional, and developmental disabilities.

Employee may encounter artists who are in crisis, exhibiting emotional / psychological distress or behaving in an aggressive manner.

ECF Art Center Whittier is located on the third floor of a shared building; use of stairs may be required in an emergency.

Exposure to odors from acrylic paints, oil base paints, and cleaning and mixing solutions; and from instructors and artists interacting in an open space.

Environment may include frequent interruptions, loud noise, varying indoor temperature, and drafts. Exposure to changes in temperature and weather conditions when travelling to art exhibits, other ECF sites, etc.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job.

• Mobility to circulate among artists for approximately 80% of work shift.
• Teach visual art and demonstrate techniques.
• Communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Regularly push, pull, and lift up to 60 lbs. with assistance.
• Ability to push artists in wheelchairs, if needed.
• Occasionally required to travel to various sites within Los Angeles County.
30+ days ago