Artist in Residence (AIR) - Exhibitions

The purpose of the AIR program is to provide a creative, residential environment for emerging professional artists. The Craft Center's mission is to offer the finest studio professional craft education through the BFA and BS degrees and workshop programs, while providing a regional cultural resource for the surrounding community. INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT: In addition to the possible teaching opportunities through Tennessee Tech’s academic program, if qualified and if available.· Residence in Craft Center housing is a required condition of studio residencies (no pets allowed). A single occupancy bedroom with private bath and cooking, lounge facilities and common living spaces are shared with other residents. There are no completely private housing units available. Spouses, partners, and significant others are not allowed to live on campus; housing is offered only to resident artists. Individual, private studio space and 24-hour studio access are provided. Ability to sell work in the Craft Center Gallery, with a split in profit, during the duration of the residency.

Responsible for exhibitions spaces: Installing and taking down exhibitions. Responsible for shipments, reports, physical arrangement, lighting, gallery repairs. Assist the sales gallery with staffing throughout the year especially during Celebration and the Holiday Festival, which are the Craft Center's annual events. Corresponds with artists and coordinates on all aspects of the exhibition process. Participates in outreach and workshops as an instructor or assistant. Works in the sales gallery some weekends.

The Craft Center is located in Smithville, TN.

Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

In exchange for housing and private studio, the AIR is responsible for exhibition spaces including installing and closing of exhibitions, correspondence with artists and coordinates all aspects of the exhibition process including shipment, reports, physical arrangement, lighting, gallery repairs. The exhibitions resident is also expected to assist the sales gallery with sales throughout the year, especially during Celebration and the Holiday Festival, which are the Craft Center's annual special events, as well as to work in the sales gallery some weekends. The ability to stand and maintain moderate physical activity for several hours, lift up to 50 pounds and climb ladders is required.

Average of 15 hours per week. One-year appointment, August 15, 2026- August 10, 2027. The resident may have the opportunity to extend their residency for a second year, but must apply again to the open call, competing against the applicant pool that year.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: applicants must apply online at: https://jobs.tntech.edu with the following: 

• Cover letter addressing: 
  • Why would you like to be a resident artist? 
  • What you hope to achieve artistically while in the residency program?
  • How do you feel your skills will contribute to the academic program of Tennessee Tech and to the Appalachian Center for Craft?
  • Please describe your experience and skills in an exhibition gallery setting. (I.e. lighting, installation, contracts, communications, etc.) 
• Resume. 
• Portfolio (saved in PDF format) of 1-2 personal artworks and exhibition installation samples. 
• Contact information for three references. (References will be contacted by gallery coordinator). 
• Unofficial transcripts. Official transcripts required upon hire.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Questions? Email Gallery Coordinator Emma Levitz at [email protected] 
 

Salary:

A stipend of $6000 annually is provided, which is paid in monthly increments by direct deposit. Level P1, Grade 7.

Benefits Info:

Benefits include the accumulation of annual and sick leave on a prorated basis equal to the percentage of employment, and thirteen (13) pro-rated University holidays. Other benefits include pro-rated retirement, optional 401k, and educational benefits.

Applicants must hold a minimum of a BA, BS or BFA degree from an accredited institution. Applicants that apply should have a genuine interest in teaching, as the SAC;D often has a need for adjunct faculty to teach Introduction to Art (Art Appreciation) as well as other art foundation courses. Selection criteria include: the candidate's potential artistic and professional growth within the residency, exhibition and/or curatorial experience.

MFA or equivalent professional experience.