Visual Arts Faculty, Full Time Interim position

Community Access to the Arts; Great Barrington (MA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Vacation and sick time

Health stipend toward benefits

Professional development funds

Events and programs invitations

Art supplies provided

Inclusive workplace culture

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

CATA is seeking a talented visual artist and teaching artist to join as Interim Visual Arts Faculty. You will design and teach workshops for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities across Berkshire County, MA and Columbia County, NY, including age-diverse groups and multiple settings.

The role emphasizes adaptive, inclusive teaching and collaboration with Program Directors, partners, and Exhibits teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts or Arts Education (or equivalent life/work experience).
• Excellent time management and communication skills are required.
• Ability to adapt teaching for diverse abilities and ages with empathy and inclusion.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a management structure and report to supervisors.

Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, and teach group workshop series engaging participants across a wide spectrum of abilities.
• Integrate Program Directors' learning outcomes into curricula and adapt tools for accessibility.
• Lead one-on-one adaptive painting workshops for higher-need participants.
• Model organizational values and communicate clearly with partners and supervisors.

Skills

Time management

Communication

Adaptability

Empathy & inclusion

Cultural competence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts or Arts Education

Job description

CATA is seeking a talented, versatile visual artist and teaching artist eager to contribute to an innovative arts organization that is changing the lives of people across our community.

Under the direction of CATA Program Directors, the Resident Visual Arts Faculty designs and teaches visual arts workshops for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism, and brain injuries, giving them opportunities to explore painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, photography, sculpture/tactile arts, and more.

Individuals participating in these workshops include people with disabilities across a wide span of ability and ages, including children, teens, adults, and elders. Most CATA workshops are designed for a specific age group, such as high school students with special needs or adults with autism and developmental disabilities. Faculty teach in CATA studios, special education classrooms, day programs, and other partner sites across Berkshire County, MA and Columbia County, NY.

Schedule:

This interim position begins February 2027 and runs through July 2027. Candidates must be available Monday through Thursday between 9:00am - 5:30pm (with lunch break) and Fridays 9:00 - 1:00 pm. A typical week entails teaching 10-12 workshops, plus meeting and prep time. Local travel is required, with mileage reimbursement. Based on need and availability, there may be an opportunity for a full-time salaried position with benefits.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, plan, and teach compelling group workshop series that nurture the creativity of CATA artists in alignment with our strategic goals, using adaptive, inclusive techniques to engage participants across a wide spectrum of ability in painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, sculpture/tactile arts, photography, and other visual art forms
• Integrate learning outcomes developed by Program Directors into curriculum and workshop experiences; tailor workshops in response to the needs and interests of CATA artists; assist in researching and developing adaptive tools; and assess progress toward goals through feedback provided by supervisors, CATA artists, and partners.
• Lead one-on-one workshops in adaptive painting for people with disabilities who require a higher level of support in the creation of their work, using adaptive painting techniques tailored to individual needs
• As a faculty artist working in CATA partner settings, exercise strong listening and communication skills and model CATA's organizational values, including respect for partner staff, leaders, and direct care workers; communicate clearly to supervisors about successes and challenges to support strong relationships with partners
• Support CATA art exhibits and events by helping curate, frame, and install art exhibits and by working with a team to ensure the success of events
• Actively participate in ongoing professional development, trainings, and meetings, and apply learnings to develop your teaching. Openly receive performance feedback from supervisors, and use feedback to drive growth and improvement
• Mentor and support CATA artists in exploring roles including curating and installing exhibits, assistant teaching workshops, and assisting in public programs; help recruit guest artists including curators and art installers
• 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 within a management structure, reporting to supervisors
• Ability to adapt and modify teaching 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

Compensation

Compensation for this Interim Faculty position is $31.50 per hour for a 36-hour workweek from February through July 2027. Candidates must be available Monday through Thursday between 9:00am - 5:30pm (with lunch break) and Fridays 9:00 - 1:00 pm. For this 27-week position, total payment will be $30,618. Other compensation includes:

• Mileage reimbursement for qualifying travel
• Paid vacation and sick time, plus birthday bonus
• A health stipend of $160/month toward your own benefits
• Paid professional development: Access to CATA-provided trainings in areas such as trauma-informed teaching and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, plus opportunity to apply for additional professional development funds
• Invitations to special events and programs
• CATA supplies all materials for programs and workshops, including general art supplies, props for music, dance, and theater. Faculty may also suggest purchases for equipment, per approval by Program Directors
• Active participation in a mission driven organization with a positive and inclusive work culture and a strong impact on the community
• Opportunity for continued employment and consideration for full-time salaried position with benefits

CATA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates. CATA welcomes people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds, abilities, gender identities, religions, ages, and sexual orientations to apply.