Gallery Educator

Job Summary

Viewing and discussing art is a vital part of the Museum’s educational mission of transforming lives through art. As the individual welcoming our youngest visitors to the Colby College Museum of Art, the Gallery Educator will play a critical role in creating a dynamic, positive, welcoming, and enriching experience. Reporting to the Linde Family Foundation Senior Coordinator of School and Teacher Programs, the person in this role will collaborate cross-departmentally to develop, implement and teach age appropriate, curriculum-based gallery experiences for about 3,000 Maine K-12 school children each academic year. The ideal candidate is curious, punctual, friendly, detail oriented, and adaptable to changing situations. The position is 6 to 15 hours per week, primarily Tuesday -Friday, 9am to 1:30pm.

THE MUSEUM AND ITS MISSION

Located in Waterville, Maine, the Colby Museum opens access to art and artists for the Colby community, for Maine residents and visitors, and for audiences beyond, creating a forum for experimentation, research, dialogue, and connection.

Essential Functions

• Design and implement arts-integrated gallery experiences for K-12 audiences.
• Greet and manage museum visit logistics at the campus museum and downtown at the museum’s Joan Dignam Schmaltz Gallery of Art in the Paul J. Schupf Art Center.
• Work closely with staff and teaching artists to coordinate the logistics of a museum visit, which typically includes a gallery experience, studio project, and lunch.
• Lead or Co-Lead tours, workshops, and professional development programs for area K-12 educators.
• Provide support for existing and new educational programs.
• Facilitate interactive in-person and virtual tours for schools.
• Lead art activities in area schools, in collaboration with classroom teachers, for a multiple-visit program for 3rd, 5th, and 8th grade students.
• Assist with data collection and evaluation of participant feedback.
• Participate in scheduled training sessions and become trained in all exhibitions and programming.
• Conduct independent research on artists and artworks in Museum exhibitions and the Museum’s Permanent Collection.
• Ability to work occasional weekends and/or evenings.
• Follow policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment.

Position Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of recent and relevant experience or any equivalent experience and education in Art History, Studio Art, Classroom Teaching, or Museum Studies. Experience in the development of arts-integrated education programs, art-making workshops, and curriculum is preferred.