Cultural Arts Specialist - Visual Arts (Part-Time)

Role Overview

The City of Farmington Hills is looking for a part-time Cultural Arts Specialist focused on Visual Arts. This position supports youth and adult learners through studio-based teaching in a community arts setting.

Start Date and Work Schedule

This role requires at least 3 hours per week, with the total time depending on how many classes are assigned. Teaching may take place any day from Sunday through Saturday, and scheduled class times can fall anywhere between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM.

What You’ll Do

• Create lesson plans and lead visual arts instruction for youth and/or adult students.
• Request materials and supplies from studio technicians in a timely way.
• Maintain accurate attendance records for each assigned class.
• Support students at their current skill level and encourage their artistic development.
• Set up materials needed for each class session.
• Teach proper handling, use, and care of tools, supplies, and studio spaces.
• Leave the studio as clean as, or cleaner than, it was before class.
• Share suggestions with the supervisor for improvements or for adding new class options.
• Represent the Cultural Arts Community at The Hawk and the City of Farmington Hills professionally.

Skills and Professional Qualities

The ideal candidate brings substantial studio experience and understands how to operate in a shared community studio. They should be able to build a safe, welcoming learning environment, work both independently and as part of a teaching artist team, and communicate effectively with people from varied backgrounds. The role also calls for the ability to provide one-on-one and small-group instruction, adjust lessons for different learning and artistic abilities, and manage a range of instructional activities with minimal supervision.

Experience Requirements

Applicants should have demonstrated experience teaching art classes for youth and/or adults. Background in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, or related visual art areas is expected, though mastery of every medium is not required. A personal specialty that can be taught confidently is important. The selected candidate will coordinate with the Cultural Arts Coordinator to determine the specific visual arts courses and teaching load for each term. A valid Michigan driver’s license with a clean driving record is required. Interest in the arts, along with prior arts experience, is preferred.

Education

A bachelor’s degree in the relevant field is required. Candidates who have significant teaching artist experience may be considered in place of a completed degree.