Blacksmithing Art Instructor

Position: Blacksmithing Art Instructor (Fall Semester)
Job Title: Blacksmithing Art Instructor

Department: Education

Reports to: Glass Studio Programs Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Status: Part-Time, Contract

Compensation: $30.00/teaching hours and $15.00/prep hours

Date: Fall Semester, October 03, 2026 through December 04, 2026; potential renewal for future semesters if all parties agree

Since our founding in 1901, the Toledo Museum of Art has earned a global reputation for the quality of our collection, our innovative and extensive education programs, and our architecturally significant campus.

And thanks to the benevolence of its founders, as well as the continued support of its members, TMA remains a privately endowed, non-profit institution and opens its collection to the public, free of charge.

SUMMARY

The Blacksmithing Art Instructor develops and delivers object-based lessons created from a theme or topic relating to the Museum's collection, exhibitions, or other public offerings. The instructor will work in the Museum's blacksmithing studios and teach classes for teens and adults. Contracts for this position are issued per class each term, dependent upon class enrollment.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

The TMA Blacksmithing Art Instructor performs the following essential duties on site at TMA.

• Presents Studio Art workshops and classes in the subject of blacksmithing and/or welding by:
  • Creates and facilitates lessons based upon themes or topics that are inspired by the Museum's collection, special exhibitions and are responsive to student interests.
  • Prepares and presents gallery and studio activities.
• Participates in self-reflection, training and evaluation processes as scheduled.
• Performs related administrative duties preliminary and/or following studio classes and workshops, including but not limited to submitting lesson plans and supply requests for workshops and classes.
• Provides basic instruction to TMA students, on a pre-arranged basis, to allow them to create projects in the studio and learn the basics.
• Supervises students to guide their efforts and assure safe use of materials and equipment.
• Adhere to all safety practices standard in a blacksmithing and welding studio facility and any additional safety practices implemented by Museum management.
• As a public benefit corporation, the Museum requires every staff member to act as a visitor advocate at all times. This includes acknowledging visitors and striving to make them feel welcome, comfortable and eager to return.
• Other duties as assigned.

RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to the Glass Studio Programs Manager and works closely with the Studio Programs Manager as well as other members of the Education team including the 3D Studio Manger. Works across departments and with other Museum staff as appropriate.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Fine Arts with specialization in blacksmithing or equivalent professional experience.
• Requires 1-3 years' experience teaching.
• Knowledgeable of or willingness to learn about the Museum's collections.

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE, COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

• Creative educator with a passion for art education and demonstrated ability to formulate and implement blacksmithing art lessons.
• Competency with blacksmithing and welding materials and equipment, art education methods, and experience working with teens and adults.
• Willingness to adjust and adapt methods to accommodate emphasis on Museum pedagogy and resources.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and ability to work with people of a wide variety of ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
• Experience, interest, and enthusiasm in working with students in an art museum, classroom or cultural setting.
• Reliability and dependability. Must be able to attend sessions and work flexible hours (weekend and evenings required).
• Basic computer skills: ability to use internet and e-mail; knowledge of Microsoft Office preferred.
• Ability to work evenings.
• Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment screening to include a background check and drug screen.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work takes place in a blacksmithing studio environment with elevated temperatures and on-going exposure to hot forges, welding equipment and other materials requiring careful handling.…