Tryon Arts & Crafts School Job Announcement: Clay Studio Assistant, Work Exchange

Tryon Arts & Crafts School
May 2021
Job Announcement:
Clay Studio Assistant, Work Exchange

Tryon Arts & Crafts School seeks a part-time Clay Studio Assistant to be compensated through a work exchange arrangement. Budding potters who know their way around the ceramics studio need apply. If you are pursuing a career in ceramic arts or teaching, this is a great opportunity to get practical experience in the field. In return for your assistance you will receive clay, studio access, sales opportunities, a solo exhibition, and professional development. Candidates with teaching experience may qualify for paid contract teaching opportunities in addition to your work exchange.

About TACS

Tryon Arts & Crafts School’s (TACS) mission is to provide creative opportunities for everyone through education, instruction, and expression of heritage and contemporary arts and crafts in a friendly, stimulating and enriching environment.

TACS is located in Tryon, North Carolina, approximately 40 miles southeast of Asheville, 33 miles northeast of Greenville, and 90 miles west of Charlotte.

The school is housed in a retrofitted public-school building situated adjacent to Harmon Field parks and recreational lands and the Pacolet River. The facilities include an artisan retail shop, gallery, 200-object Heritage Collection, and seven independent studios, covering a range of media – Blacksmithing, Clay, Enameling, Fiber, Glass, Silversmithing, Welding, and Wood.

The town of Tryon has a rich history in the arts since its establishment as an artists’ colony during the craft revival in the early twentieth century. The town’s accessibility to Asheville by rail and its mild, “thermal belt” climate made it a desirable destination for affluent lovers of arts and literature. Today, the climate and beautiful scenery still team with the arts and equestrian communities to uphold Tryon’s historic charm. Its location along US-176 and near I-26 make it easily accessible from Brevard, Asheville, Hendersonville, Spartanburg, and Greenville.

Basic Clay Studio Equipment List

7 wheels
Slab roller
Extruder
2 electric kilns
(top-loading Skutt and front-loading Paragon) Bench grinder
Canvased Workstations
Wedge Station
Assorted tools and bats
Assorted glazes, underglazes

Title:

Clay Studio Assistant

Reports to:

Executive Director

Status:

Work Exchange, Part-Time, 20 Hours Per Week

Qualifications:

Tryon Arts & Crafts School March 2021
Job Description

Prior experience in maintenance and upkeep of Ceramic Arts studio. Knowledge of the chemical properties of clay, glaze, and raw materials. Advanced kiln operation skills. Minor kiln repair experience preferred. Completion of BFA or BA in Ceramics. MFA in Ceramics preferred but not required. Ceramics instructional experience preferred. Superior verbal communication and organizational skills. Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Docs. Understanding of customer service and positive ambassadorship in a business setting. Position requires work on Saturdays and some evenings.

Studio Duties

• Model and reinforce best Clay Studio practices for students

• Oversee cleaning and maintenance procedures for Clay Studio and Kilns, working with instructors and volunteers

• Operate and log routine kiln schedule, loading and unloading

• Monitor and report routine inventory of studio materials and tools

• Mix glazes

  Education Duties

• Keep Clay Studio open in evenings and Saturday afternoons for student independent study, aka “Studio Time”

• Provide educational demonstrations for beginner students, intermediate students, and events

• Teach periodic community outreach courses, such as in-school art enrichment

• Act as teaching assistant for select visiting artist workshops

• Paid contract instructional opportunities, supplemental to work exchange (subject to course proposal and approval)

  Admin Duties

• Liaison between TACS Clay Studio and administrative office; attend and observe Education Committee meetings

• Work with TACS marketing to provide photo content of studio for press and social media

  Other Duties, as Assigned

  Compensation and Benefits:

  • 1,000 lbs. of raw clay per year (or equivalent amount for shorter period of time)

  • 24-hour access to a shared studio space, glaze, wax, and other standard ceramic studio materials

  • Solo exhibition opportunity

  • Consignment in TACS Retail Shop (60:40 Artist:TACS)

  • Free enrollment opportunities in TACS classes and workshops (conditions apply)

  • Discount on TACS Retail Shop purchases

Background check required.

APPLICATION

Submit the below application packet to director@tryonartsandcrafts.org. A .pdf file containing all required materials is preferred.

1. Letter of Interest (less than 350 words)

2. Resume/CV, including link to online portfolio – website and/or social media addresses. 

3. Portfolio of 10-15 high-resolution (300DPI) digital images of original ceramic work. 

* If submitting through a file transfer host (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.) share a single link to a folder containing all images. Do not share a list of separate links to individual images. 

 

4. Image Inventory
• Artwork Title
• Year
• Medium
• Approximate Dimensions

5. 2 References. At least 1 reference must attest to your experience in ceramic studio operations. Incomplete applications will not be considered.