CLAY STUDIO COORDINATOR

Reports to: Executive Director
Position Classification: Contract
Contract Wage: Classification: Contract

Background

The Arts Center, located in Clemson, SC, was founded in 2005 on the ideology of creating an outlet for the growing artistic community of Clemson. In 2007 The Arts Center moved into the city’s newly renovated building at 212 Butler Street in Clemson. Since its founding, The Arts Center of Clemson has engaged with the community through high-quality adult and youth arts education taught by working artist instructors as well as serving as an incubator for new art initiatives. We strive to promote regional artists and talented faculty to our community. We believe the arts provide a voice for individuals to be heard and new ways to explore the world. Nurturing the creative process in a variety of ways is The Arts Center of Clemson’s number one priority.

Our Programs

The Arts Center has four studio classrooms that are equipped for jewelry, ceramics, drawing, painting, photography and a variety of other enrichment activities. We offer an exciting selection of programs taught by qualified, artist instructors in a variety of disciplines. In the summer we offer a four-week arts camp and through the school year, we offer art after school at Clemson Elementary and R.C. Edwards High school. In August The Arts Center will host its fourth 20 Artists x 20 Workshops event. This weekend is an exciting way to sample the arts. 20 artists, each teaching a unique workshop, offer 2-hour classes in jewelry, photography, ceramics, painting, drawing, mixed media and fiber.
The Arts Center is a member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education.

Our Operations

The Arts Center of Clemson operates with an annual budget of $120,000.00 with a full-time Executive Director and two part-time staff including the Program Administrator/Volunteer Coordinator. Additionally, almost 20 contract artist instructors provide classes for a student population that encompasses children and adults, amateurs and professionals, community residents as well as those from other counties. Approximately 50% of the budget comes from earned income – tuition/studio fees, rentals, memberships, and the holiday sale. The remainder of the budget is contributed funds from individuals, sponsorships, foundations and The City of Clemson.

The Arts Center of Clemson is located in the Calhoun Bridge Building. The organization shares its space with the Clemson African American Museum and the Clemson Child Development Center.

The Arts Center of Clemson is one of collaboration and team effort. The Board is engaged, serving The Arts Center with both oversight and operational functions; there are working committees working closely with staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement and manage policies, procedures, and safety guidelines for the Clay Studio.
• Participate in the annual budgeting process for the Clay programs and studio.
• Assist Program Manager to help plan artist demonstrations/activities for special events.
• Responsible for training and supervising all instructors, monitors, and volunteers in the
Clay Studio.
• Recruit monitors and new instructors
• Work in collaboration with the Program Director on determining class curriculum,
programs offered and class/workshop schedules.
• Manage all aspects of Open Studio including schedule, monitors, and policies.
• Coordinate necessary equipment procurement and studio maintenance.
• Procure materials through The Arts Center office. Expenditures not covered in the Clay
The program’s annual budget must have approval from the Executive Director.
• Develop and Share Quarterly Monthly Studio Reviews with staff, monitors and
instructors.
• Coordinate quarterly Clay studio meetings with staff, instructors and monitors.
• Attend Education Committee meetings.
• Communicate studio challenges and issues with the Executive Director or office staff as
needed.
• Loading and unloading of the kiln, managing the kiln fire schedule, communicating pick
up times for pieces
• Keeping the studio tidy and organized
Qualifications:
• Able to throw and hand build
• Knowledge of kiln and wheel maintenance
• Knowledge of high production loading
• Knowledge of glaze chemistry and mixing
• Able to lift 50lbs
• Comfortable standing

Qualities:

You are a self-motivated professional – personal, hardworking and results-oriented. You are a
thoughtful and clear thinker, who values open communication, is able to give and receive
constructive feedback and is supportive of a team-oriented environment.
You are not hesitant to start projects from scratch. You are patient, flexible, open to change
and continual improvement. When tackling problems, you easily break down challenges into
manageable pieces, finding creative and sustainable solutions to complex, knotty problems. You
are always looking outside of the organization to identify best practices and find ways to
implement them in your realm of influence.
• Core beliefs in the importance of art, art-making, and the impact of art on the
individual and the community.
• Passionate, you should be an experienced clay artist, excited to share your medium
with others.
• A deep commitment to, and passion for community engagement.
• Ability to derive deep satisfaction from facilitating the best work of others.
• Mentor mentality, able to offer guidance to instructors to help them provide the best
education possible for participants.
• A strategic, high-level thinker that can see the whole picture and plan for the future.
• A team-player, with a collaborative leadership style that encourages people to bring
ideas to the table.
• A desire to be part of the Clemson community.
• A high degree of empathy, thoughtfulness, and natural diplomatic ability.
• Ability to recognize and use your influence on behalf of the organization.
• Ability to embrace the strategic implications of your role and responsibilities
• Commitment to supporting The Arts Center’s mission to make art accessible to
everyone.

Hours and Compensation

• 15 to 20 hours per week
• $5,000 yearly to be paid monthly
• Opportunity to teach
• 24 hours / 7 days a week access to the clay studio to create own work

To Apply

If this description seems like a good match for your personality, skills, and career goals, please submit a cover letter describing why you think you are a good fit for this position, resume, and three jpeg images of your clay work to Joan Phillips, Executive Director joanphillips@explorearts.org

No phone calls, please. Applications for this position will be accepted until the position is filled.

Due to limited staff, you will only be notified if we are interested in scheduling an interview.

The Arts Center of Clemson is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fair and inclusive employment practices.

Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
This is a great opportunity for someone looking for free studio space.