Studio Art Specialist Iii

Job Description
Schedule: Mon- Fri 8am- 4pm
Salary: $45,000 / year
Vinfen's Gateway Arts seeks a Studio Art Facilitator to manage its Studio A, part of a comprehensive program that works with adults with disabilities as they pursue meaningful careers and lives in the arts. The Studio A Facilitator works alongside a roster of professional artists to help them achieve their goals, identify opportunities for sales and exhibitions, and overcome obstacles to success. The artists come to Gateway with a range of cognitive, psychiatric, and/or physical disabilities. The position requires the ability to facilitate diverse artistic approaches, media, and modes of communication; manage a caseload of up to 30 artists and related administrative tasks; and maintain a vibrant, healthy studio environment that meets the needs of the artists and the goals of the program. This position will be responsible for overseeing one Gateway's art studios with a combination of administrative, artistic and clinical responsibilties.
Managerial:

• Manage Studio A operations Monday through Friday.
• Oversee opening and closing of the Studio A space.
• Plan and maintain weekly schedule for Studio A artists.
• Create agenda, send artist updates to administrative staff, and facilitate regular Studio A planning meetings.
• Assist with short and long-term planning for the growth of Studio A with Director of Gateway Arts, Clinical Director, and Artistic Director.
• Oversee OARS registration, evaluation and discharge status of all MRC and self-pay artists.
• Prepare, coordinate, and distribute monthly and quarterly reports for MRC and other funding sources as needed.
• Arrange and attend Studio A artist intake interviews, screenings, and meetings with Artistic Director, prospective artist, funding source counselors and other relevant parties.
• Oversee the preparation of MRC artists' records for state and federal audits.

Administrative:

• Serve as Gateway's contact with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC).
• Collect weekly studio data for artists funded through contracts with Mass Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
• Oversee Studio A fine art supply and order supplies as needed.
• Oversee enrollment list, weekly schedule, and case management list for Studio A artists. Posting of updates throughout Gateway.
• Work with Store Manager to facilitate products, price items, and encourage sales.
• Oversee advertising and marketing for Studio A.
• Consult the shared calendar and respond to emails in a timely manner.
• Maintain a calendar of art related happenings, meetings, interviews, tours, and screenings.
• Maintain a schedule and document artist absence, arrival, and departure.
• Answer all phone calls directed to Studio A

Artistic:

• Facilitate art making, two sessions per day with up to nine participants per session in Studio A.
• Work with artists one to one on activities as needed.
• Provide inspiration and direction for artists. Provide critical feedback and demonstrate art techniques to promote vocational gains.
• Assess professional art skills in conjunction with artistic and marketing directors to help develop works for exhibitions and sales.
• Assist artists in the finishing of projects and prep materials for artists' use.

Clinical:

• Case-manage 25-30 Studio A clients.
  
  • Maintain up to date records of all Studio A artists and follow through with entry level paperwork for incoming and existing clients.
  • Conduct orientation and intake for new clients.
  • Maintain regular communication with MRC counselors, clients' clinical support team, and residential staff as needed.
• Attend necessary trainings and meetings in accordance with Vinfen requirements.
• Document and conduct weekly telehealth phone calls for artists who are unable to attend for an extended time.
• Review personal files for interested artists.
• Maintain communication with artists when they are absent from Gateway.
• Implement strategies from Safety care and de-escalation techniques to maintain a composed studio environment.
  
  • Provide emotional supports to artists as needed to avoid any potential crises.
  • Distribute Contact Process Notes to all Gateway staff documenting behaviors outside of artists' baseline.
• Provide professional and supportive relationships with attending artists.
• Encourage artists to maintain punctual attendance and strategize ways to improve.

General:

• Research and disperse exhibition opportunities and materials to artists.
• Oversee cleaning and organization of the Studio A space, bathroom, and coordinate tasks with other staff.
• Take on other site-specific duties as requested.
• Operate Microsoft Word, Excel, Photoshop, and Adobe programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED required. A bachelor's degree in Fine Art, Psychology, Human Services, Special Education or related field preferred but not required.
• Previous experience working with similar population preferred.
• Prior experience as an Art Facilitator strongly preferred.
• Strong time management, organizational and writing skills.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must be able to become CPR, First Aid certified within 2 weeks of employment. Certification trainings are offered through Vinfen upon hire.
• Must be able to successfully pass a CORI, SORI, reference, and national fingerprinting background check.