Art Gallery Instructor/Curator

Living Resources is a non-profit human services agency. Our core purpose is to support and empower individuals with disabilities or other life-challenging conditions to live with dignity, independence, and happiness.

Living Resources works with, and for, families by providing peace of mind. All employees are to be respectful and supportive of families. We are working with them as partners, providing care and services.

To work for Living Resources is to make a difference in the lives of others. Living Resources provides individuals with disabilities and special needs the support they need to thrive and lead active, full lives. For many Living Resources employees, their work becomes an experience where they find fulfillment and develop both personally and professionally.

We understand that working one-on-one with people who have disabilities, helping them in all aspects of daily life, takes a special person - someone who's dedicated, caring, patient and compassionate. Our employees find a sense of purpose in their work, knowing they're providing peace of mind to families.

The Art Gallery Instructor/Curator primarily works out of the Beekman Gallery location, and will be required to assist at other program sites as needed. The primary duties of the Gallery Instructor include day-to-day gallery operations, art classes, preparation for and assisting with exhibitions, and other community events. The Instructor/Curator will also be responsible for the scheduling of hours for any additional instructor teaching out of the Beekman art gallery. The gallery instructor will assist each student to achieve their maximum growth through art based activities. The majority of the workday involves overseeing the artist’s activities in a classroom setting, however, may also include community-based settings as well as art exhibits and other art galleries. The instructor will be expected be a role model by using correct social interactions in both classroom and community environments, and must exercise good judgment in organizing and prioritizing responsibilities, as well as have strong problem-solving skills while working with participants in a person-centered learning environment. It is essential that the gallery instructor establishes a group atmosphere conducive to habilitation and art instruction while at the same time accommodating the well-being and safety needs of each student. The Art Program provides transportation to students, so the ability to drive safely is an integral function of the instructor position. This position also involves daily time sensitive, record keeping and frequent contact with both family members and residential/day program staff. 

•  As Curator, responsibility for preparation, assembly, selection and rotation of art pieces and displays at shows in all Living Resources galleries as well as offices, and any other art shows that Living Resources is involved with. o 

1. Support students to mat, frame, stretch canvas, and complete exhibit artwork in time for the art exhibit deadline. o
2. Assist with the transport of artwork to each exhibit. 
3.  Assist with the take down, tracking, and storage of artwork at the end of each art exhibit.

•  Provide direct assessment, training, assistance and guidance in all areas of artistic, intellectual, emotional, and social development as outlined in the student’s staff action plan.
• Implement the staff action plans by presenting students with a wide variety of creative and social art-related activities.
• Participate in individual habilitation planning and implementation.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records.
• Document program activities, including progress toward skill acquisition as stated in the habilitation plans in a timely manner.
• Communicate on an ongoing basis with the Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) to discuss habilitation plans and outcomes. 
• Facilitate communication regarding student needs, counseling strategies, service or treatment plans, progress, and other pertinent information as needed.
• Report all accidents, illness, behavioral or emotional problems involving the students to the appropriate person(s) and include written documentation in a timely manner.
• Follow all incident, emergency, and safety procedures and regulations.
• Follow the weekly schedule and lead instruction in all art classes as assigned.
• May need to provide occasional support during events and shows outside of scheduled working hours.
• Provide transportation of participants with and/or without gait issues. This may include supporting participants from wheelchairs and assisted walking devices into vehicles. Must be able to drive in all types of weather, to accommodate weekly schedules and participant pick-ups / drop-offs in a manner which ensures participants’ safety at all times.
• Must be willing and able to adapt and learn all mediums of art as students’ needs and aspirations change.
• Responsible for the schedule of all Instructors teaching and working out of the Beekman gallery.
• Attend all meetings and committees as needed and assigned.
• Perform other duties as required or requested by program management.

• Background in working with persons with developmental disabilities or related experience
• CPR, SCIP, and First Aid certification (or ability to complete upon hire).
• Valid NYS driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
• The ability to be flexible and work independently.
• Ability to interact with community leaders and gallery directors to help coordinate art shows and events whilst including Living Resources in overall community involvement.
• Excellent communication and ability to support the Program Manager and Assistant Director with community and agency special events.
• 4-year college degree / strong artistic background with proven record of art instruction and production preferred 
• Course work / experience in a variety of art mediums preferred 

Benefits

We offer great benefits including Paid Training, Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Health Reimbursement Accounts, Payment in Lieu of Health Insurance, Tuition Assistance, Retirement Programs and we have a Free On-Site Fitness Center in our main office in Albany!

There are also opportunities to advance within our agency!