job posting: Assistant/Associate Professor of Craft/Material Studies — Specialization in Clay

VCUarts Department of Craft/Material Studies (https://arts.vcu.edu/craft/) seeks a colleague for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of either Assistant or Associate Professor with a specialization in clay. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic teacher, creative colleague, broad thinker and artist who will want to contribute to the progressive spirit of an established material studies program. The faculty member will teach specialized courses in clay that include handbuilding and large-scale construction. An understanding of and the ability to incorporate both analogue and digital practices in teaching and research methods is preferred. Our new colleague will be well versed in material knowledge and object-based practices and will offer students a framework through which important critical theories and historical craft knowledge can be emphasized and studied. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to pedagogical projects and coursework that support an inclusive, diverse, and accessible experience for all students. Additional interdisciplinary opportunities are available for an engaged colleague, including advanced studios, foundations, and graduate seminars.

More details HERE.

Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Fall Fund Drive

“Hey Red Clay Rambler fans, the leaves are falling here in the U.S. so it’s time for our Fall fund drive. Our goal for the month of November is to raise $12,000 to support our production costs. Throughout the year I receive emails from fans who talk about how this podcast helps them connect with other artists around the world. One recent listener said, “I appreciate all the voices you give a platform to, especially amazing women like Naomi Clement.” Giving voice to the many generations of ceramics artists that are working today is my mission and I need your help to accomplish it. You can get involved by making a donation through the Pay Pal donation portal above or by making a monthly pledge at patreon.com/redclayrambler.” – Ben Carter

On a personal note I want to encourage you to consider supporting Ben and all his work. As someone who understands the hours that are put into projects like this, I know it comes with sacrifices. Image above is from a visit Ben had in Saskatchewan in 2015 with artists Paula Cooley, Ken Wilkinson and Judy Tryon. I’ve had the honor of being interviewed by Ben a few times and sitting on the side lines while he has meet with and engaged with our community. Over the years of listening to Ben’s podcast I have found that his interviews inspire creativity and innovation, and also strengthen his listeners’ engagement with over-arching issues within our field, including the complex issues around making in contemporary culture, diversity in our field or sustainability. From the personal to the political and everything in between, his interviews draw out conversations that we all should be contemplating in our studio practices. Through the longevity of this podcast, he has created an oral history of contemporary clay that is unparalleled elsewhere. Tales of a Red Clay Rambler will be a resource for numerous future generations of makers, collectors, researchers and ceramic enthusiasts.  – Carole

 

residency opportunity: The Crows Nest (Australia)

Creative Spaces in collaboration with Sunshine Coast Council is excited to launch The Crows Nest Artist in Residence. Perched atop the Maroochy Sailing Club, the Crows Nest is a small space with views out across Maroochy River towards Mt Coolum. Situated on beautiful Chambers Island, accessed via a footbridge, this new creative studio could be yours, free for up to three months.

The space would suit writers, digital and fine artists and creatives with a lighter footprint. It can accommodate one person looking for inspiration and solitude or a collective of two looking to collaborate in paradise.

To apply, email [email protected] with the following:

  •  A brief description of your practice
  •  Links to examples of your work

And answer:

  • Where do you currently practice?
  • What is your connection to the Sunshine Coast?
  • Why would you like access to The Crows Nest and what ideas would you like to explore here?
  • How long (up to three months) would you intend to base yourself here?
  • Do you have preferred timing?

EOI open year-round. Successful applicants will be notified.

A steering committee will convene quarterly to select residents.

In exchange for this space, you may be asked to contribute to a public outcome such as workshops, open studio, exhibition or interview.

Find more info HERE.

job postings @ Clay Art Center

Clay Art Center is Hiring!

Program and Sales Assistant

35 hours/week, Tuesday – Saturday
Pay: $30,000 – 33,000

Clay Art Center seeks a Program and Sales Assistant to work in our vibrant non-profit ceramic art organization in Port Chester, New York. We are looking for a person with excellent people skills to operate the front desk with the day to day tasks of sales and student registration. Be the first person that our customers/students see and hear on a daily basis. This position requires individuals to be detail-oriented, organized, and possess excellent people skills. Must have a working knowledge of applications including Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Salesforce (database management) and website management. Language proficiency in Spanish is a plus.

Details of the job:

Programs – Responsible for registering students and managing student activities for all educational programs
● Manage student class and workshop registration
● Update and maintain class, party, and private instruction schedules
● Process, deliver and manage student credit logs for payment of supplies
● Assist in coordination of private instruction sessions and clay parties
● Manage classroom tools and office supply ordering and inventory

Communications – Responsible for timely communications with students & visitors via email/phone & in person.
● Answer phones and greet visitors, guests, or customers in a professional manner daily
● General customer care, including giving tours of facility when needed
● Update website for classes, programs, and other pages

Gallery Shop Management
● Handle gallery and shop sales
● Maintain upkeep of display in shop
● Attend gallery openings and events as needed

Exhibitions
● Assist Exhibitions Manager with exhibition related programs

Benefits: Health Insurance, vacation and sick days, opportunity to take a free ceramics class.

Application instructions: Please send resume and cover letter with the subject line Program and Sales Assistant to [email protected]. No phone calls please.

Posted October 31, 2019

Program Director

Full-time
Salary: $45,000-60,000

Do you love clay? Do you believe everyone deserves access to the arts?

Clay Art Center, a nationally recognized non-profit center for the advancement and practice of the ceramic arts, seeks a dynamic educator and program administrator to lead Clay Art Center’s Programs. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will be responsible for managing onsite adult and youth education and work in partnership with area schools, community centers and organizations to provide access to the ceramic arts for the community’s economically disadvantaged youth, teens and older adults, and for those with special needs. The Program Director also oversees special projects such as mosaics and youth symposia. The Program Director is responsible for each program’s content, budget, and growth.

Specific responsibilities include:

Program Development:
• Direct, expand and deepen existing community arts and youth programs and develop new partnerships.
• Develop, implement and grow adult educational programs, including one-time and weekly classes, private lessons, independent study and clay parties
• Hire and supervise community arts and youth/summer camp instructors. Provide opportunities to develop teaching skills.
• Hire and manage instructors, and produce teacher contracts each session. Conduct 3 teacher meetings per year
• Manage the scholarship program for summer camp and youth classes.

Education Programming:
• Curate and coordinate a calendar of workshops, collaborating with Exhibitions Manager; implement workshops
• Oversee enrollment and manage communications to address low enrollment and ensure student prospects are being attended to in a timely manner
• Ensure classrooms are adequately equipped to fulfill needs of program, working with Studio Manager to address short and long term needs;
• Help organize public and private events specific to students and members

Marketing and Evaluation:
• Prepare content for class brochures and other print media by working with other Clay Art Center staff
• Oversee and maintain educational and community content on website
• Analyze metrics and evaluate the impact of programming quarterly

Personnel:
• Supervise part-time Community Liaison and full-time Program Assistant
• Supervise and mentor Community Arts Fellow and Community Arts Assistant(s), who provide technical and administrative support.
• Be accountable and report to the ED
• General customer care, including returning phone calls and emails daily and developing relationships with students, teachers, student prospects and visitors.
• Attend gallery openings and events as needed

Financial:
• Develop budget for programming
• Maintain controls to meet fiscal year income and expense budget targets
• Manage credit log system
• Manage instructor hourly payroll on a bi-monthly basis.

Qualifications:
• 4 years of experience in community-based arts programming, adult education, k-12 education or arts administration.
• A deep knowledge of ceramics.
• Ability to teach and develop programming for a wide spectrum of audiences and ages.
• Access to reliable transportation.

Benefits: Health Insurance, vacation and sick days, opportunity to take a free ceramics class.

Application instructions: Please send resume and cover letter with the subject line Program Director to [email protected]. No calls please.

Posted November 1, 2019

www.clayartcenter.org