Artist in Residence

Artist in Residence (8-month term)
School Overview

St. John’s School (SJS) is a leading independent, all-gender IB World School in Vancouver, Canada, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP) across Kindergarten to Grade 12. SJS is committed to providing an enriching and rigorous education that nurtures learning competencies, student agency, wellbeing, and a lifelong love of learning.

In the Junior School we offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to all students in Grades JK-5. We offer a holistic programme to all students that consists of experiential opportunities for students to engage in learning in the arts, athletics, outdoor education, leadership roles, and community service.

Position Purpose & Overview
St. John’s School (SJS) is seeking a dynamic and passionate Artist in Residence with a strong background in painting and technical studio practice. This role aims to enrich our students' educational experience by integrating professional-level painting techniques and artistic skill development into our curriculum, fostering creativity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of visual art processes.

The candidate will be working alongside teachers to infuse their artistic perspectives in our existing curriculum. They will enhance student learning through their knowledge of painting methods, materials, and practices, supporting both foundational skill-building and advanced artistic exploration. The Artist in Residence will collaborate, plan, and help deliver this curriculum, as well as work alongside our higher level art students, to assist with their work through a mentoring approach.

The candidate is expected to exemplify excellent professional practice and high standards of their practice. The successful candidate supports student wellbeing, participates in co-curricular commitments of the school, and is reliable in exercising their daily responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Meet with the relevant Heads of Department (MYP/DP), Curriculum Leaders (PYP) and teachers to plan units of work, projects, and lesson activities that align with the school’s visual arts curriculum and painting-based learning goals.

Conduct workshops and classes for students and staff, teaching foundational and advanced painting techniques, including composition, colour theory, mixed media approaches, and contemporary studio practices.

Work with students and teachers in classes from K to 12 on painting and visual art student projects. These projects are owned by the students/school. Supplies for these projects are provided by the school and will be planned with the teachers, Curriculum Leaders (PYP) and Heads of Department (MYP/DP).

Develop and create original artworks that reflect the Artist in Residence’s professional practice, to be showcased within the school and broader community.

Provide artworks to be displayed on campus for a period of one year, contributing to a vibrant and inspiring visual arts environment.

Contribute art pieces and attend the relevant Arts Showcase at the school.

Organize and participate in exhibitions, showcases, or community events that highlight student and resident artist work, fostering engagement with the arts across the school community.

Endorse the school’s mission, vision, and values.

Facilitate and deliver engaging and effective lessons.

Provide guidance and mentorship to students pursuing arts, encouraging exploration of their creative potential and cultural identity.

Collaborate with the Curriculum Leaders and Heads of Department, and other teachers to develop and enhance innovative Junior and Senior School curriculums.

Create a safe, effective, challenging, ethical and organized learning environment.

Demonstrate a deep understanding of and passion for the Arts.

Maintain relevant understanding of and be active in using appropriate and effective technology to enhance instruction and learning.

Model respectful and timely communication with students, colleagues, and parents, in line with the school’s Mutual Respect policy.

Serve as a creative leader within the school community, inspiring students through commitment to excellence in…