Part-time Instructor in Art & Design Foundations

About The Role

The Art & Design program in the School of the Arts (SOTA) at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) invites applications for its ongoing pool of part-time instructors to teach in our Foundations program. We are seeking a passionate and skilled artist-educator to teach foundational studio courses in Art & Design. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in traditional and contemporary visual practices and a commitment to developing students’ creative and conceptual abilities in the early stages of their academic journey.

About Sota

The Art & Design, Music, and Theatre & Dance programs make up the School of the Arts which sits in the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern Kentucky University. Art & Design offers an innovative and engaged opportunity for aspiring artists and designers who seek professional training in the arts. Art & Design has 17 full-time faculty and 4 full-time staff that embrace a comprehensive hands-on approach of working with materials and techniques while developing critical thinking skills related to the various art disciplines and studio training.

About NKU

Established in 1968, NKU is a 15,000-student, nationally recognized, growing metropolitan university located seven miles from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Greater Cincinnati has one of the most vibrant and multifaceted cultural scenes in the Midwest, with the Cincinnati Art Museum, Contemporary Arts Center, 21c Museum Hotel and a plethora of galleries such as The Weston, Carl Solway and Manifest Gallery. Cincinnati offers an outstanding quality of life, a dynamic arts community, and an affordable cost of living. NKU is committed to active engagement with the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati region of over two million people.

The Primary Responsibilities

• Teach courses at the foundational levels ART 130 Creating Visual Form, ART 135 Creating Visual Order or other studio disciplines, depending on departmental needs and the candidate’s qualifications.
• Maintain and work within the set curriculum of our course offerings as we encourage exploration of diverse topics and collaboration across the campus and region.
• Deliver engaging, instruction aligned with departmental learning outcomes.
• Foster student understanding of form, space, time and composition through observational and media-based work.
• Teach basic fabrication techniques, color theory and material exploration.
• Guide students in developing critical thinking, visual literacy and problem-solving skills.
• Introduce students to historical and contemporary artists/designers, and encourage exploration of cultural, ethical, and social dimensions of art.
• Support student development in research, writing, and speaking about art and design.
• Maintain a positive, collaborative classroom and studio environment.

Additional Responsibilities

• Some student mentoring.
• Responsible studio management.
• Provide direction and guidance for advancing the University’s strategic priorities.

The Foundations Studios

• Equipped with Mac instructor stations, smart technology, and ample student workspace.
• The drawing studio (FAC 415) is located in the Fine Arts Center that includes state of the art lighting, natural north lit ceiling windows, ample room space, drawing chair/desks, figure model stand, large still life closet, and overhead screen and projector.

Minimum Qualifications

• An MFA in Visual Arts or Design or its equivalent.
• An active professional creative practice.
• A demonstrated knowledge of drawing techniques.
• Well versed in contemporary / historical practice.
• Demonstrated commitment and/or experience promoting and fostering a positive learning environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• College-level Teaching Experience.

How to Apply

To apply, submit the following items electronically:

• Cover Letter (outlining qualifications)
• CV
• Names and Contact Information of 3 references
• Artist Statement / Research Interests
• Portfolio of Professional Work (20 images of personal work with descriptions/image list)
• Teaching Philosophy
• Portfolio of Student Work (20 images of student work with descriptions/image list)
• Portfolio of Professional Work and Portfolio of Student Work may either be a link to a website or submit a PDF attachment

Contact Information

Questions regarding the nature of the position should be directed to Julia Sebastian, Foundations Coordinator, via email: sebastianj4@nku.edu