Job Details
Interlochen Arts Academy seeks a full-time Instructor of Visual Arts-Sculpture. This is an outstanding opportunity to teach highly motivated students in grades 9–12 and post-graduate students at both foundational and advanced levels. The successful candidate will teach a range of three-dimensional studio courses, including—but not limited to—sculpture at multiple levels.
The Visual Arts Department fosters each student’s capacity for expression through a strong foundation in studio practice and an engaged awareness of the broader world. Interlochen’s unique setting and program structure—expansive studio coursework, in-depth critiques, rigorous academics, visiting professional artists, interdisciplinary collaboration, and cultural travel to major metropolitan areas—support a vibrant and immersive learning environment.
Academy studios begin with essential foundations that promote artistic growth within each discipline. As students advance, instruction and assignments increasingly emphasize individualized development and conceptual exploration. The program supports the development of fundamental skills, an understanding of design and art principles, visual interpretation, innovative thinking, and a personalized artistic voice.
The Instructor of Visual Arts may also have the opportunity to teach at Interlochen Arts Camp during the summer under a separate contract.
Key Responsibilities:
- Teach a minimum of five hours per day, five days per week, of college-level studio instruction in assigned visual arts areas
- Supervise assigned studio classrooms and monitor all visual arts studios
- Maintain studio operations, including inventorying and ordering supplies
- Attend open tutorial sessions and support student learning outside of scheduled class time
- Assist with preparing and installing student exhibitions
- Collaborate with the Division Director on course content and instructional direction
- Participate in program-related extracurricular activities, including off-campus trips and mission-supporting events
- Attend all departmental, full faculty, employee, and institutional meetings
Instructional Approach & Student Development
- Deliver studio instruction within a structured program that builds from foundational skills to more individualized artistic exploration
- Support the development of fundamental skills, art principles, visual interpretation, innovative thinking, and a personalized artistic voice
- Engage in cross-disciplinary collaboration with other studios and departments
- Participate in individual and group critiques as part of student assessment and growth
- Use research and sketchbooks as assessment tools alongside graded assignments
Student Engagement & Evaluation
- Work closely with students to keep them engaged, motivated, and challenged throughout all projects
- Support students in producing their best work, including navigating difficult or high-expectation moments
- Communicate with parents as needed regarding student progress and development
- Assign grades and write evaluative comments during and at the end of each semester
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) required
- Master’s degree (MA or MFA) in three-dimensional media or other visual art areas preferred
- Documented professional or studio work in sculpture preferred
- Strong commitment to both traditional and contemporary sculptural practices
- Ability to teach sculpture at all levels
- Demonstrated technical proficiency across a range of sculptural materials and processes
- Broad awareness of emerging approaches and trends in sculpture
- Technical knowledge to safely and effectively operate studio equipment
- Teaching experience across multiple studio disciplines is valued but not required
- Solid foundation in studio art practice and familiarity with contemporary art issues and theory
- Experience integrating technology into the classroom
- Interest in collaboration with colleagues within and beyond the Visual Arts Division
- Commitment to supporting highly creative students with diverse learning styles
Equipment & Technical Skills
- Experience teaching a wide range of sculpture techniques and safely operating equipment related to wood, plaster, metal, stone, wax, and found-object construction.
- Openness to interdisciplinary approaches to materials and processes, with the ability to support experimentation and innovation in the studio.
- Familiarity with digital fabrication tools and software, including laser cutters, 3D printers, and CNC routers.
- Experience using photography equipment for documenting artwork is desirable
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to follow and execute detailed verbal and written instructions
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to promote and maintain positive interactions with internal and external stakeholders
- Demonstrated respect for cultural, ethnic, spiritual, and linguistic diversity
- Sensitivity to differences in personal goals, lifestyles, and family backgrounds