Teaching Artist (Ceramics)

ABOUT RUCKUSROOTS:

With over 12 years working at the intersection of art and environmentalism in some of Los Angeles’ most vulnerable communities, we bring love, commitment and passion to our work. Our mission is to create art programs that cultivate environmental awareness and action in under-represented communities. We do this by collaborating with local artists, communities, schools and like-minded organizations to create accessible programs that build interdisciplinary art skills to uncover and confront environmental issues impacting Angelenos today.

When you work with us, you can expect a professional, creative, and highly collaborative environment - we are a small team, and we care very deeply about what we do. We offer competitive pay, respect for you and your craft, and a commitment of integrity, respect and kindness to our constituents, to each other, and to all who inhabit our planet.

Position Summary:

The Teaching Artist will collaborate with RR team to design and lead a short (2-4 weeks) multigenerational arts program in partnership with one of our host sites, The Hungry Garden in Sun Valley. Teaching Artist will be responsible for planning, preparation, activity guidance, supervision management while successfully collaborating with RuckusRoots coordinator and garden staff. Working within a loosely established framework, our ideal Arts Facilitator should be able to contribute creatively to designing the curriculum and projects, have a passion for teaching and the environment, and be comfortable with teaching in non-traditional settings and to all ages.

The program will focus on olla-making as a means of ancient, creative, and climate-friendly irrigation, but we are very interested in what you bring to the table in terms of content & creation - let’s make this a collaboration!

Key Responsibilities:

Facilitate and lead all in-person sessions at our partner location in Sun Valley, CA (NOTE: location is outdoors and on an urban farm; please be comfortable working and creating in a non-classroom setting!)

Bring a flexible, joyful and inspiring presence to workshop participants

Collaborate with RR programs team on curriculum

Prepare materials for each workshop session as needed

Use a wide variety of techniques to engage, inspire and interact with workshop participants

Other duties, as necessary

Classification:

This position is for an independent contractor paid on a day-rate basis (DOE)

Expected Hours of Work:

Teaching time will be roughly 2.5-3 hrs week for approximately 4 weeks (including setup/cleanup time on site). Will require an additional 1-2 hrs of planning/prep time per week.

Must-haves:

At least 2 years of experience teaching ceramics/earthenware preferably in a community setting

Knowledge of and experience in workshop planning/curriculum design

Strong facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills

Strong interpersonal, communication and time management skills

Interest in sustainability and creative reuse

Access to a personal computer, reliable internet and related software applications (Google Drive, Zoom, etc)

Reliable transportation to/from program location

Willingness to submit to background check and/or Livescan