Visual Arts Faculty

This position is an excellent opportunity for a talented and versatile visual artist and teaching artist to contribute to an innovative, award-winning arts organization that is changing the lives of people across our local community. 

 

Under the direction of CATA Program Directors, the Visual Arts Faculty designs and teaches visual arts workshops for CATA artists with developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism, and brain injuries in CATA studios, special education classrooms, day programs, and program partners throughout Berkshire and Columbia counties. Workshops give people with disabilities across a spectrum of ability and age the opportunity to explore painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, sculpture/tactile arts, fiber, photography, and more, tailored to specific needs and interests of each group. CATA programs in the visual arts may also include opportunities for more advanced explorations of an artform based on individual goals, interests, and passions. 

 

The position is 24 hours/week with benefits, with an expectation of work hours three days a week from 9:00am-5:00pm.  Some additional evenings and weekends may occasionally be required with advance notice. Reports to CATA Program Directors.

 

Under the direction of Program Directors: develop, plan, and teach compelling, highly participatory group workshop series in the visual arts that nurture the creativity of CATA artists with disabilities in alignment with CATA’s strategic goals, using adaptive, inclusive techniques to engage participants across a wide spectrum of ability and to encourage participants to explore and experiment in a wide range of visual art forms, including painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, sculpture/tactile arts, fiber, photography, and more.

 

As a faculty artist working in the settings of our program partners, represent CATA’s organizational values, including respect for partner staff, leaders, and direct care workers and uphold your role as a CATA ambassador, exercising strong listening and communication skills; communicate clearly to supervisors about successes and challenges and help facilitate their strong relationships with program partners.

 

Develop innovative, successful curricula and assessment tools, under the direction of supervisors: Identify key learning outcomes through written curriculum and project descriptions; tailor projects in response to needs and interests of CATA artists; assist in researching and developing adaptive tools; set clear expectations for workshops and create a sense of belonging; evaluate and assess progress toward goals through feedback provided by supervisors, CATA artists, and program partners. 

 

Support CATA art exhibits and events throughout the year by helping curate, frame, and install exhibits and completing other preparation for art events

 

Facilitate one-on-one workshops in adaptive painting for people with disabilities who require a higher level of support in the creation of their work; devise, research and implement adaptive painting techniques tailored to each individual in one-on-one workshop environments.

 

Actively participate in ongoing professional development, trainings, meetings, and faculty retreats and apply learnings to develop your teaching, under the direction of supervisors. Openly receive performance-based feedback from supervisors, and use feedback to drive growth and improvement.

 

Under guidance of Program Directors, mentor CATA Artists with disabilities: Support artists in exploring arts-related roles including curating and installing exhibits; work with Program Directors to develop curriculum to prepare CATA Artists to take on leadership roles through assistant teaching workshops and/or co-leading public programs; help recruit guest artists including curators and art installers to engage with CATA artists

 

Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

 

Qualifications 

Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Arts Education, or a related field, or equivalent life/work experience.

Working visual artist with a minimum of three years teaching experience in a range of settings.

Knowledge and comfort in a broad range of studio practices including but not limited to: painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, sculpture/tactile arts, fiber, photography, and more.

Excellent time management and communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with other artists and within an organizational structure, reporting to supervisors.

Ability to adapt and modify learning experiences for people of all abilities and ages, exercising empathy, sensitivity, and inclusion to successfully engage a broad age range of participants from elementary school to elder care.

Ability to successfully engage with people who are diverse by race, class, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodivergence, and ability; demonstrate cultural competence and foster inclusion; and commit to deeper learning and professional development in areas including racial and social justice and disability rights. Candidates with previous training in Universal Design for Learning, trauma-informed teaching, and DEI preferred. 

Reliable transportation and willingness to travel throughout Berkshire County, MA and Columbia County, NY with mileage reimbursement.

 

 CATA offers: 

A compensation package including a salary of $33,600 annually for 24 hours/week of work, and excellent benefits including:

Retirement savings program of 401k plan with 4% employer match 

Generous paid vacation (prorated two weeks; increasing to three weeks after second year, plus separate sick time)

Paid holidays including all federal holidays plus extra days including birthday holiday and extra “restorative week” 

Mileage reimbursement for qualifying travel

Dedicated training to develop teaching skills, including trauma-informed teaching, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and Autism-specific training, plus the opportunity to apply for additional funds to support your individual professional development

Invitations to special events and programs

Active participation in a mission driven organization with a positive and inclusive work culture and a strong impact on the community

How To Apply:
Candidates should send a resume and a cover letter that describes how their qualifications and experience match the need. 

Apply here: https://www.applicantpro.com/openings/cataarts/jobs

All inquiries and materials will be confidential. 

Apply by: Position open until filled