Traveling Glassblowing Instructor and Demonstrator

IKONIC ART PARTY LLC; Palatine (IL); On-site; USD 28,413 - 40,467; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Free uniforms

Help or transport service

Opportunity for advancement

Job summary

IKONIC ART PARTY LLC is looking for a Traveling Glassblowing Instructor to lead hands-on workshops at events across the United States. You will teach beginner-level glassblowing in a dynamic, high-energy environment while ensuring safety and professionalism.

The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of flameworking experience, strong communication skills, and a guest-focused attitude. The job involves physical activity and travel, offering a competitive pay of $25/hour during events.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of borosilicate flameworking experience required.
• Experience with propane/oxygen equipment is preferred.
• Prior teaching or public-facing experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Teach beginner-level borosilicate glassblowing workshops.
• Lead safety orientations before each class.
• Engage the public while performing demonstrations.

Skills

Borosilicate flameworking experience

Torch systems operation

Public-facing experience

Reliability

Team-oriented

Engaging communication

Job description

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Free uniforms
• Help or transport service
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development

Traveling Glassblowing Instructor - Ikonic Glass

Ikonic Glass is a traveling glassblowing company that brings live, hands‑on lampworking workshops to festivals, markets, and events across the country. We teach beginner‑level borosilicate glassblowing to the public – real workshops, real fire, real people experiencing glass for the first time.

We are a small but growing team of artists, teachers, performers, and operators building meaningful public experiences through live events. We are not a pipe company. We are not a bro crew. We care deeply about safety, professionalism, showmanship, and the 20‑minute experience we create for every student who steps up to the torch – or stops to watch.

About this Role

As a Traveling Glassblowing Instructor with Ikonic Glass, you will lead live torch‑based workshops for small groups at fairs and events across the country. You will guide students through their first experience with glass in a fast‑paced, highly public environment that combines teaching, performance, hospitality, and operational teamwork.

This role is repetitive by design. You will teach the same beginner‑level class up to 24 times per day while maintaining strong energy, professionalism, and guest focus from the first class to the last.

You should expect:

• Long days on your feet in outdoor environments
• Frequent interaction with the public
• Repetitive teaching using a structured curriculum
• Travel ranging from single weekends to multi‑week runs
• Physical setup and teardown work, including lifting 40+ lbs
• A team‑oriented environment where reliability and consistency matter

What You'll Do

• Teach beginner‑level borosilicate glassblowing using our structured curriculum
• Lead safety orientations before each class
• Create a safe, encouraging, and memorable experience for every student
• Perform public demonstrations and engage with crowds throughout the event
• Set up and break down the mobile workshop booth and equipment
• Assemble, inspect, and safely operate propane/oxygen systems and torch equipment
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional workspace
• Coordinate class flow and readiness with front‑end staff
• Package and organize completed student pieces for pickup
• Assist with check‑in, checkout, POS responsibilities, and guest support throughout the event
• Track tools, equipment, and consumables using our inventory system
• Travel to events across the U.S. as scheduled

What Makes Someone Great Here

Desired Experience

• Minimum 2 years of borosilicate flameworking experience
• Comfortable working with torch systems, propane/oxygen equipment, and PPE
• Prior teaching, instructional, hospitality, or public‑facing experience preferred
• Event, festival, restaurant, or high‑volume service experience is a strong plus

The Traits That Matter Most

• Reliable – you show up on time and follow through
• Coachable – you can follow systems and take direction well
• Guest‑focused – you bring patience, warmth, and professionalism to every interaction
• Emotionally steady – you stay composed under pressure and high volume
• Team‑oriented – you contribute to the group, not just your own performance
• Engaging and high‑energy – you communicate clearly and connect with people quickly
• Adaptable – you handle changing conditions and unexpected problems calmly
• Safety‑serious – you do not cut corners with fire, tanks, or safety procedures

Restaurant and line‑cook experience translates well to this role. If you have thrived in loud, fast‑paced, repetitive, team‑based environments, you may already have many of the skills this job requires.

This Role Is Probably Not for You If

• You are looking for a quiet studio environment or significant creative autonomy
• You dislike repetitive teaching or structured curriculum
• You are uncomfortable speaking and performing in front of crowds
• You are not open to extended travel or time away from home
• You prefer highly flexible schedules or working independently
• You struggle in physically demanding, fast‑paced environments

Compensation & Benefits

• $25/hour for instruction during events
• Reduced rate for training, onboarding, setup, and teardown
• Lodging provided during travel (hotel, Airbnb, or camping, depending on the event)
• Flight stipend offered when needed
• All required tools, safety equipment, and teaching materials provided
• OSHA and safety training included during onboarding
• Advancement opportunities as the company grows

Employment Details

• Seasonal W2 position with potential for continued or expanded work based on performance
• Onboarding begins: (Date)
• Background check required
• OSHA training required during onboarding
• Must be able to regularly lift and carry 40+ lbs
• Role involves sustained outdoor physical activity in varying weather conditions