Art Teacher Studio Guide

Canvas & Climb; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid planning time for lesson development

Small class sizes

Autonomy to design curriculum

Opportunities for professional growth

Job summary

Canvas & Climb in Los Angeles is seeking a visionary Art Teacher who is also a practicing artist to inspire children ages 3–6. This role involves leading engaging 1-hour classes, designing evolving curricula, and preparing students for exhibitions and showcases.

The ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge of art techniques and child development, along with at least 2 years of teaching experience. A beautifully curated studio space offers the perfect environment for fostering creativity. Opportunities for growth into leadership positions are available.

Qualifications

• Practicing artist or degree/certification in related field required.
• Minimum 2 years teaching art to young children (ages 3–6).
• Strong knowledge of diverse art techniques and materials.

Responsibilities

• Lead 1-hour art classes for children ages 3–6.
• Design evolving curriculum with thematic creativity.
• Prepare students for exhibitions and community showcases.

Skills

Art techniques

Child development

Strong communication

Creativity

Education

Degree in Art Education or equivalent experience

Job description

About Us

Canvas and Climb is a boutique enrichment center in West Los Angeles, dedicated to inspiring creativity, confidence, and skill development in young children. Our programs include Montessori pods, art classes, and rock climbing, all delivered in thoughtfully designed, aesthetically intentional spaces.

We believe children are naturally capable and thrive when offered authentic opportunities to explore, create, and express themselves. Our art program fosters curiosity, imagination, and early mastery of craft, while guiding children to understand their potential. Beyond daily art experiences, we cultivate long-term skills that allow students to showcase their work through exhibitions, community events, and curated art shows.

About the Role

We are seeking a visionary Art Teacher who is also a practicing artist to lead 1‑hour classes for children ages 3–6. This role combines creativity, teaching, and artistic skill to inspire young learners while providing a structured, engaging, and aspirational experience.

The Art Teacher will design evolving curricula with weekly, monthly, and seasonal themes, exposing students to a variety of techniques and materials. You will also create growth pathways for long‑term students, helping them develop their craft and preparing them for opportunities such as in‑studio exhibitions, community showcases, and art shows.

As a founding educator, you will have the autonomy to develop and refine class structures, lesson plans, and thematic programming, ensuring every child experiences creativity in a high‑end, studio‑like environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead 1‑hour art classes for children ages 3–6, balancing skill‑building with creative exploration
• Design evolving curriculum with weekly, monthly, and seasonal themes to sustain engagement
• Introduce diverse artistic techniques (painting, mixed media, drawing, sculpture, etc.)
• Build long‑term skill pathways for students to grow in technique and creative expression
• Prepare students for elevated outcomes: exhibitions, community showcases, and art events
• Maintain a safe, organized, and visually inspiring studio environment
• Observe and adapt lessons to each child’s developmental needs and interests
• Rotate and curate materials to encourage experimentation and engagement
• Communicate thoughtfully with parents about progress, projects, and upcoming showcases
• Take initiative in creating innovative, out‑of‑the‑box lessons

Qualifications

• Practicing artist OR degree/certification in Art Education, Early Childhood Art, or equivalent experience
• Minimum 2 years teaching art to young children, preferably ages 3–6
• Strong knowledge of art techniques, materials, and child development
• Ability to design structured, evolving lessons with thematic creativity
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Highly organized, creative, and self‑directed

Preferred Qualities

• Passion for nurturing creativity and developing young artists
• Patient, observant, and inspiring presence
• Appreciation for high‑quality materials and aesthetically intentional environments
• Visionary approach to teaching, able to innovate and think “outside the easel”
• Desire to help shape and grow a boutique, high‑end enrichment program

Sample 1‑Hour Class Outline

1. Theme: “Exploring Color & Texture”
2. 0–10 min: Circle time / introduction of theme, demonstration of materials and technique
3. 10–35 min: Hands‑on creation: painting, layering, and experimenting with textures
4. 35–45 min: Guided reflection and peer sharing: discuss what they created and observed
5. 45–55 min: Mini skill challenge: apply one new technique to a small project or detail
6. 55–60 min: Clean‑up and closing circle: share highlights, store materials, and preview next week’s theme

This structured but flexible approach allows children to explore, practice, and reflect, while the teacher guides skill development and nurtures long‑term growth.

What We Offer

• A beautifully curated, high‑end studio designed for creativity and skill‑building
• Small class sizes for individualized attention
• Autonomy to design evolving curriculum, techniques, and experiences
• Long‑term growth pathways for students, including exhibitions and community showcases
• Paid planning time for lesson development and materials curation
• Opportunity to grow into a full‑time role and leadership positions within the company