Job: Ceramics Studio Programs Teacher at Honolulu Museum of Art, Honolulu, Hawaii
Posted on February 7, 2022 – open until filled
Under the general direction of the Studio Programs Manager, the Ceramics Studio Programs Teacher co-creates and leads ceramic classes, workshops, special events, and drop-in activities for groups of all ages and abilities at the Art School and the Honolulu Museum of Art. This position is responsible for instruction in HoMA’s dedicated ceramic studio and utilizes HoMA’s art collection, exhibitions, and lending collection to encourage creative expression and nurture artistic abilities.
Status: Full-Time, FLSA Non-Exempt
Schedule: Wednesday – Sunday 8:00am – 5:00pm. Hours may vary.
About HoMA, the Honolulu Museum of Art:
Opened in 1927, the Honolulu Museum of Art is a home for art and education created for the benefit of the entire community. Originally established as the Honolulu Academy of Arts, founder Anna Rice Cooke envisioned a museum that would bring people together through the power of art and “the deep intuitions that are common to all.” The museum was conceived of as a place of meaningful exchange and dialogue, celebrating the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of Hawai‘i’s multi-ethnic population. From this founding intention grew the museum of today, with a world-class encyclopedic collection of more than 55,000 works of art, representing a stunning breadth of places and eras, from all corners of the globe and from the ancient past to the present day. Over the decades, the museum has become known for its strong tradition of art classes and community engagement, both inside the walls of the museum and beyond. In 2011 the Honolulu Academy of Arts merged with the dynamic and vibrant Contemporary Museum, reinvigorating the museum’s contemporary holdings and ushering in an opportunity for renewed commitment to the art of our time. The Honolulu Museum of Art was born.
With a dynamic global art collection and a dedication to innovative exhibitions and engagement with contemporary artists, HoMA strives to create a broad range of meaningful art experiences that are inclusive and accessible. Over the past century, the museum’s permanent collection has grown from 500 works to more than 55,000 pieces spanning 5,000 years. The Museum has one of the largest single collections of Asian and Pan-Pacific art in the United States, including an unrivaled collection by artists of Hawai’i. The collection also contains significant holdings in European and American paintings, contemporary art, sculptures, and decorative arts; 19th- and 20th-century art; an extensive collection of works on paper, textiles, decorative arts; and traditional works from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. Other highlights include the Samuel H. Kress Collection of Italian Renaissance paintings and the James A. Michener Collection of Japanese ukiyo-e prints and contemporary art.
Education has been an integral part of HoMA since its founding, and the Learning & Engagement department supports the Museum vision by advancing knowledge and fostering a thirst for creative thought, agency, and artistic excellence. Programs, which range from classes and lectures to tours and workshops, are designed to inspire and spark wonder in people of all ages and skill levels. Through Learning & Engagement initiatives, HoMA strives to instill a love and appreciation for art in children at an early age, promote a culture of lifelong learning, and foster artistic excellence and support a healthy arts ecosystem in Hawaiʻi.
As HoMA approaches its centennial in 2027, it is poised to embark on a new chapter guided by a renewed vision and Strategic Plan that focuses on HoMA’s core purpose: to be a home for art and education that exists for the benefit of the entire community, presented in a setting that prioritizes beauty, harmony, and promotes learning, self-awareness and connection. With acknowledgment of HoMA’s history and purpose at the forefront, the Strategic Plan charts a course for HoMA’s next chapter in a rapidly changing world. It will transform HoMA into a relevant and sustainable 21st century museum where people of all ages and from all walks of life will be invited in and reinforce HoMA’s ability to bring the art of the world to Hawaiʻi and the art of Hawaiʻi to the world.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Studio Arts, Art Education, or related field and at least 1 year of teaching experience in a related field.
- Broad knowledge of ceramic processes, techniques, and skills, including hand building, wheel throwing, and sculptural techniques.
- Knowledge of and experience with the formulation, application, and safe handling of glazes, engobes, and stains.
- Working knowledge of the firing process, including loading and unloading kilns.
- Must have the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population of students and visitors, including the ability to speak to large groups.
- Ability to work effectively with staff, volunteers, children, teachers, and members of the public.
- Highly organized, tactful, and flexible.
Desired Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Studio Arts or Art Education and at least 3 years of teaching experience in related field.
- Knowledge of object-based learning in a museum context.
- Knowledge of Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) pedagogy and Universal Design for Learning.
- Experience teaching Pre-K through adult students as well as English language learners and people with disabilities.
- Certification in first aid.
- Experience teaching in a museum environment or at a nonprofit organization with multiple sites and varying degrees of needs.
- Understanding of the Honolulu Museum of Art’s established identity and dedication to advancing it.
- Exceptional ability to manage and lead people.
- Intelligent self-starter who is committed to the museum’s mission.
- The traits of honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, and perspective; a very strong work ethic supported by commitment and follow-through.
Core Competencies:
- Adaptability
- Change Management
- Effective Communicator
- Cost Consciousness
- Initiative and Judgment
- Planning and Organizing
- Professionalism
- Problem Solver
- Technology savvy
Essential Duties:
- Works closely with the Studio Programs Manager to develop curriculum and teach the museum’s ceramics programs for all ages and abilities, which includes Pre-K – 12 and adult studio programs as well as programs for English language learners and students with disabilities.
- Integrates HoMA’s collections, the lending collection, and special exhibitions into the ceramics syllabus as well as programs for all ages and abilities.
- Collaborates with the Studio Programs teaching faculty in designing and executing studio programs.
- Collaborates with the Interpretive Resource Manager and Tour Programs Manager to plan and implement programs such as educator workshops, digital resources, and school field trips.
- Communicates to the Studio Technician specific needs or concerns related to the dedicated ceramics studio and its equipment.
- Works with the Studio Programs Coordinator to procure supplies and materials needed for individual programs and events.
- Maintains and manages an attractive and orderly dedicated ceramics studio that is shared with a part-time ceramics teacher and supports a welcoming and conducive learning environment.
- Gathers and prepares all supplies necessary for each program and puts all equipment away at program completion.
- Regularly attends program/department meetings and all professional development workshops.
- Documents progress of programming via photos, data, and evaluations.
- Supervises and leads Teaching Assistants and volunteers.
- Traits and Characteristics: Must be bright, diplomatic, analytical, of the highest integrity, and possess sound judgement.
Working Conditions and Atmosphere:
The Ceramics Studio Programs Teacher works with minimum supervision. Work will often be performed with short deadlines and situations sensitive to the Museum. Regular office hours are required. Due to the nature of the responsibilities, evening and weekend work is sometimes required, and at times may be on an emergency basis.
Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusivity:
HoMA welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life, and this is reflected in our diverse community of employees. We encourage applications from candidates across a wide variety of backgrounds, including, but not limited to, people of all races and ethnicities, people with disabilities, women, veterans, and all members of the LGBTQ community.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
HoMA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. HoMA recruits, hires, trains, promotes, compensates, and administers all personnel actions and benefit programs without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, including pregnancy and gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, reproductive health decisions, marital status, arrest and court record, citizenship, credit history, military and veteran service, victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse victim status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibilities and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work duties and requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.
HoMA maintains a policy of nondiscrimination in all employment practices and decisions, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals. This applies to both HoMA employees and applicants for employment with the Museum. Any form of harassment of any employee because of any protected status is also prohibited.
Note to Applicants: When applying for this position, it is strongly encouraged that you attach a cover letter and a document outlining your teaching philosophy, including a short artist statement. If you are able, please share a portfolio of personal and/or student work. Include direct links in the notes section of this application, upload a PDF file directly to ADP, or e-mail such information directly to hr@honolulumuseum.org.
