Interim Visual Arts Faculty

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 Interim 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.

• Status: Interim, 36 hours per week
• Dates: February 2027 through July 2027 (27 weeks)
• Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 9:00am - 5:30pm (with lunch break), and Fridays, 9:00am - 1:00pm
• Teaching Load: A typical week entails teaching 10-12 workshops, plus meeting and prep time
• Location: CATA studios and partner sites throughout Berkshire County, MA and Columbia County, NY. Local travel is required, with mileage reimbursement.
• Reports To: CATA Program Directors
• Pay: $31.50 per hour ($30,618 total for the 27-week position)
• Future Opportunity: Based on need and availability, there may be an opportunity for a full-time salaried position with benefits

• Teach inspiring workshops: 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
• Bring curriculum to life: 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 sessions: 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
• Strengthen partnerships: 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
• Bring exhibits and events to life: 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
• Keep growing: 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 CATA artists: 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…