Print Studio Manager & Curatorial Associate

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art•Bainbridge Island, WA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, a dynamic contemporary art museum located just thirty minutes from Seattle by ferry, is looking for a Print Studio Manager & Curatorial Associate (PSM) to help advance BIMA’s Artists’ Books Program through a multi-faceted museum role. Under the supervision of the Curator of the Cynthia Sears Artists’ Books Collection, the PSM collaborates with other museum staff in three primary ways: Support and foster BIMA’s Daisy Lane Artist-in-Residence Program, Serve as lead project organizer for the BRAVA Awards, and Assist the Curator in a variety of projects and programming related to the Artist Book Collection. We’re looking for a multi-talented, arts-loving, outgoing individual who can interface in multiple ways with the artist, staff, and volunteer community at BIMA. The right candidate will be both a team player and a self-starter. They will be able to troubleshoot and move from tasks requiring in-person, e-mail, and phone communication with a wide variety of people. They will deftly manage the physical space and equipment of a studio and navigate a wide array of computer software systems, including databases, design, and Google Suite, including Docs, Sheets, and Forms. Daisy Lane: (75%) Daisy Lane is a brand-new printmaking studio and Artists-In-Residence Program that is in the final phase of development. The project invites artists, both national and local, to apply for residency time at its studio, located in a beautiful natural setting. In addition to serving scores of visiting and local artists and scholars in residence, Daisy Lane will be a vibrant year-round space for events, workshops, and artist book-making activities throughout the year. Daisy Lane was developed by BIMA to better serve the needs of working artists more directly and connect more artists to the visual arts content and resources of the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. The PSM oversees the application process, the studio operations and a nearby residential space, manages equipment maintenance, and ensures a safe, organized environment for artists, staff and students. The primary duties of the job are to execute a creative, welcoming, and safe residency program for visiting artists. Curatorial Associate (15%) The PSM supports the planning, organization, and implementation of artists' book exhibitions by providing administrative, research, and logistical assistance to the Curator. BRAVA Awards (10%) The PSM oversees a once-a-year CAFé application and jury process for BIMA’s BRAVA Awards, an annual Award program honoring artists in four different categories. The project requires outreach to artists in a variety of categories to build awareness; understanding of the application platform; collaboration in creating and providing marketing information about the Awards; running a once-a-year jury process; and helping to plan the Award event. The right candidate will join BIMA’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and will be fully aligned with BIMA’s vision of nurturing a place of creativity, discovery, and mutual respect, celebrating diverse artists and art practices, and building opportunities for inclusion and belonging.

Requirements

Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in Art, Art Education, related fields, or equivalent life experience
5+ years of experience with non-profit arts organizations, artist residencies, museums, alternative art spaces, or equivalent experience
Proficient in printmaking techniques with practical experience in a shared printmaking facility
Experience working with artists and colleagues across various disciplines
Must have transportation and provide a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance
Good judgment and a strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility
Strong interpersonal skills, including active listening, conflict resolution, and creative problem solving, to foster a collaborative and supportive studio & work environment
Highly organized and resourceful, with excellent time management and project management skills
Familiarity with print studio facility maintenance and cleaning procedures; Knowledge of health & safety procedures for handling hazardous materials and operating printmaking studio equipment
Sensitivity to and understanding of the needs and interests of diverse artists and participants
Overall positive attitude, interest in learning, takes initiative, and can work well both independently and as a team member
Computer skills, including strong experience with design programs relevant to digital printing, film printing for silkscreen, risograph, and the production of photopolymer plates
Management and supervisory experience

Responsibilities

Manage equipment, facilities, and processes in the letterpress, silkscreen, and Riso-focused print studio and photo darkroom. The facilities include letterpress, screen printing, bindery, Risograph, and other technical skills associated with printing and artist book-making.
Support a diverse community of Artists-In-Residence, in collaboration with the other BIMA colleagues
Ensure the overall functionality of systems and equipment throughout the studio
Develop and implement safety protocols, including ensuring safe storage of materials, maintaining current Safety Data Sheets, hazardous waste disposal, and legal reporting/documentation requirements
Conduct routine maintenance and repairs on printmaking equipment
Welcome and orient incoming artists and provide follow-up support as needed
Oversee the application and selection panel process for potential residents
Provide orientations on equipment, health and safety, and print specific processes for artists, staff, and teachers
Coordinate tutorials for artists on request, where possible; Provide guidance on a scheduled basis on studio protocols and best practices, and offer technical advice on equipment and materials
Prepare and maintain flat files and shared storage areas for incoming and outgoing artists; Manage equipment loans as required
Manage the resale of unneeded equipment periodically, and a small number of studio supplies (photopolymer plates, nitrile gloves)
Schedule, supervise, and provide leadership to volunteer Studio Assistants
Track, order, and manage consumable materials such as inks, solvents, and paper. Prepare supplies for artist use
Provide annual Fire Safety training for staff and studio assistants
Coordinate studio access, open studio hours, and resident workspace allocations;
Collaborate with BIMA’s Learning & Engagement Team to provide space and support for classes, workshops, and community programs
Manage service and supplier communications
Integrate new equipment and provide training to staff and artists
Oversee artist residence experience, creating a welcoming environment with alignment of expectations and needs
Improve facilities as needed (floor plan revisions, deep cleaning, disposal of old items
Perform other duties as assigned
Oversee the application process, selection panel, and awarding of the BRAVA Awards, an annual artist award program that includes cash prizes, press visibility, and artist spotlight videos
Work with other members of the BIMA team on the marketing, outreach, and execution of the BRAVA Awards
Partner with the marketing team on the awareness of the program, both before applications open and after the winners have been selected
Plan the final award event with other members of the BIMA team
Perform other duties as assigned
Assist the Curator and Collection Registrar with databases, exhibition checklists, and records in support of artists' book exhibitions
Assist in coordinating and tracking artworks, contracts, loan agreements, and related documentation with artists, collectors, galleries, art institutions, and community partners
Assist with exhibition display information, including labels, text panels, and signage
Help with the routine monitoring and maintenance of exhibitions
Perform other duties as assigned
Organize artist residency/studio staff coverage for any vacation/holiday hours
Participate in weekly artist residency team meetings and join museum staff in participating in major Museum events as required; participate in organizational long-term planning and serve on committees like strategic planning, auction planning, and other cross-departmental initiatives
Support recruitment and training of interns/volunteers; Supervise Interns and related project staff
Arrange occasional field trips and social gatherings for artists-in-residence
Post regularly on Instagram and social media as part of BIMA’s cross-departmental marketing team
Perform other duties as assigned