Gaffer, Glass Programs | Corning Museum of Glass

The Corning Museum of Glass is seeking a Glassmaker (Gaffer) to join the Hot Glass Team for Museum demonstrations and public programming. This is a full-time position for an experienced maker who is comfortable working in front of guests, speaking about the glassmaking process, and enjoys sharing their love of the material.

POSITION SUMMARY
Presents and narrates glassmaking demonstrations at the Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG) and at offsite locations for the Hot Glass Programs team. As a demonstrator, produce appropriate, well-crafted glass objects and provide a world-class experience for all guests. Produce a wide variety of complex glass objects. Demonstrate both furnace-worked and flame-worked glass. As a narrator, provide engaging, informative, and accurate narrations for our guests reflecting strong interpersonal communication and public speaking skills.

Provide proficient skill in assisting both CMoG Gaffers and Guest Artists.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Demonstrator/Narrator

• Produce well-crafted objects to demonstrate traditional and contemporary glassmaking using advanced techniques and at a large scale for all audiences.
• Maintain and expand a varied portfolio of objects and demonstration techniques which meet Museum standards.
• When Gaffing, lead the glassmaking team by clearly communicating what is being made and what is expected of each team member.
• Deliver appropriate demonstrations in terms of duration, audience engagement, and complexity.
• Maintain excellent overall quality standards for all Hot Glass demonstrations.
• Possess excellent skills assisting with proactive attention to the needs of the Museum Gaffers and Guest Artists.
• Simultaneously assist the demonstrator in making glass objects to the demonstrator’s standards while narrating the process.
• Deliver accurate and engaging narration of demonstrations while modifying narrations to address requirements for specific guest groups. Engage audience in an authentic and dynamic voice.
• Actively expand knowledge of the history, craft, technology and art of glass.
• Present furnace work, flamework, glass breaking and other specialty demos to Museum standards
• Work on other offsite programs such as the Mobile Hot Shop and offsite flame working, as needed.
• Create bologna bottles and demonstration support materials
• Actively participate in MADE, the Hot Glass team product line for our Shops. Support and implement initiatives and programs in collaboration with The Shops, The Education and Interpretation Teams, Programs and Events, and Marketing and Communication departments.

General

• Actively and intentionally supports CMOG’s commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
• Comply with all the Museum safety procedures, practices and rules; works to support and promote safety every day.
• Become familiar with the Museum collection, exhibitions, layout, and the Rakow Research Library; works to maintain current knowledge of the collection and exhibitions.
• Meet all Museum standards regarding demeanor, professionalism, appearance, and work ethic while at the Museum and traveling.
• Set up work area, select and prepare blowpipes, blocks, tools and equipment as needed.
• Perform routine housekeeping during and after each demonstration to maintain an orderly appearance of work area and stage.
• Clean, inventory and store hand tools at the end of each day.
• Monitor glass and supplies required for demonstrations.
• Communicate regularly with Supervisor, Manager and Senior Manager at the Museum and when offsite.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in fine arts, glass specialty desired.
• Minimum of ten years of glassmaking experience.
• Must be fluent in English (read, write and speak), foreign languages desired.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, MS Teams and SharePoint.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Respect and exemplify the mission, vision and values of the Corning Museum of Glass in all interactions with colleagues, staff, volunteers and the public.
• Represent the Museum in a professional manner.
• Adhere to all prescribed organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Proficient in both furnace-worked and flame-worked glass
• Excellent presentation and narration skills and…