Sculpture and Jewelry Faculty

SCULPTURE AND JEWELRY FACULTY
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is a mission-driven, equal opportunity employer

Updated 2.5.26

The Kirk Newman Art School is one of the leading community-based art schools in the United States and has nurtured the creative passions of tens of thousands of students around the region, state, and beyond annually welcoming more than 3,400 enrollments. Students of all ages engage with our talented and committed faculty as a part of an exciting fine arts curriculum that includes ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, drawing/painting, printmaking, fiber, photography, glass fusing, and enrichment programs.

Working under the Head of 3D Media, Kirk Newman Art School Sculpture and Jewelry faculty serve a wide range of students from across the Kalamazoo region and are responsible for instruction that inspires students  creative process, self-expression, and artistic skill building. Sculpture and Jewelry faculty members are expected to design and deliver high quality instruction in your area(s) of expertise. Sculpture and Jewelry faculty may also work in close collaboration with other faculty, institutional staff, and stakeholders when necessary.

Classes are offered during winter, spring, summer, and fall semesters and may span several weeks or be designed to deliver shorter one-day or multi-day workshop experiences. Faculty work with the Head of 3D Media by season to develop courses that fit curricular needs and the availability of classrooms, studios, and equipment. A dedicated Sculpture Studio is located on the main level of the School that includes metal welding capabilities, a bronze casting foundry, as well as tools and materials for 3D mixed media, clay sculpture, plaster, and small wood pieces.

A dedicated Jewelry and Small Metals Studio is located on the lower level and includes fabrication equipment, vacuum and centrifugal casting, sand blaster, rolling mills, lapidary equipment, small kilns, torches, and other tools. A glass kiln and multipurpose classroom on the main level supports additional 3D mixed media classes and houses tools and equipment for kiln-formed and kiln-fused glass. Courses are generally offered Mondays through Thursdays with daytime and evening options available until 9pm or on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from mornings until mid afternoon.

The School is currently seeking individuals who possess expertise in a wide range of jewelry making and fabrication skills as well as those with figure sculpture, mold making, casting/foundry skills, 3D multimedia, wood carving, paper making, welding and metal fabrication (MIG, TIG, oxy-acetylene, metal working tools) experience. Prior teaching experience is required. Please see the qualifications sections that follow for more information.

• Develop and deliver engaging course descriptions to be submitted in a timely manner to the Head of 3D Media, in collaboration with the School Director and KIA staff, as needed; collaborate with colleagues on course curriculum where necessary.
• Communicate needed equipment, supplies, classroom set-up, or other requests for approval to the Head of 3D Media far in advance of course start dates.
• Develop and deliver course syllabi, lectures, and in-class activities schedules; identify and communicate expected student learning outcomes to enrolled students; and create a welcoming and engaging learning environment for all students.
• Meet all classes regularly and on time as scheduled for the full duration of the class periods and for the entire length of class term.
• Provide prompt feedback to students on projects and serve as a role model and mentor to students, colleagues, institutional staff, and other stakeholders through positive teamwork.
• Problem solve, adapt, or adjust lessons based on students abilities or other needs when required; maintain availability to meet with students outside of class sessions when necessary.
• Adhere and uphold institutional guidelines, work cooperatively, possess excellent communication skills, and demonstrate classroom management skills for all ages and abilities.
• Attend and participate in any School all-faculty meetings and any required training/professional activities; remain up-to-date on innovations, trends, changes, techniques, or other matters within your discipline(s).
• When possible, work in collaboration with the Head of 3D Media, School Director, and KIA staff, to evaluate course effectiveness, opportunities for improvement, and/or opportunities to develop new courses or programs.

This position directly supervises any classroom monitors or volunteers, if provided, in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

Responsibilities include:

relevant training, clearly communicating responsibilities, coaching and mentoring, and maintaining a stable and productive classroom environment.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be flexible and able to…