Studio Programs Technician

Art and Wellness Enterprises•Bentonville, AR

59d

About The Position

The Studio Programs Technician is responsible for the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and safety of the ceramics and digital tool studios while also supporting the broader studio programs across disciplines. This position plays a vital role in ensuring that equipment, tools, and materials are well-maintained and ready to support a wide range of classes, workshops, and open studio use. In addition to overseeing ceramics processes—including clay preparation, glaze mixing, kiln operation, and studio upkeep—the Technician helps monitor and maintain other shared studio spaces and equipment as needed. The Technician also serves as a teaching artist, regularly leading classes and workshops for a variety of audiences. This role also includes managing the digital tool studio, which houses 3D printers, a laser cutter, and other specialized printers. The Technician ensures these tools are properly maintained, calibrated, and safely operated, while supporting users in their creative and technical exploration. Responsibilities include troubleshooting hardware and software issues, maintaining consumables and materials, and developing safety protocols and user guidelines for digital fabrication processes. Success in this role requires embracing innovation, a growth mindset, and collaboration, along with a keen understanding of studio practices for all audiences and awareness of cultural trends. The role champions inclusivity and community engagement, encouraging joyful learning, diverse perspectives, and social connections. Close collaboration with internal colleagues, artists, volunteers, and community partners is crucial, and flexibility to work evenings and weekends is essential for program scheduling. The ideal candidate is skilled in ceramic practices, experienced in community or educational settings, and committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment for hands-on learning.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in ceramics or studio art.
Ability to teach ceramics and studio-based classes in visual arts (beginner to advanced level).
Experience in planning and presenting public educational programing for large groups in a museum, academic, or community setting.
Knowledge of the visual arts and museum pedagogy; knowledge of or willingness to learn about nature, education, and architecture.
Highest ethics as they relate to all aspects of museum practices and confidentiality.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Outstanding customer service skills.
Ability to work independently, as well as within a team.
Ability to work frequent weekends, occasional evenings, and some holidays as needed.
A good sense of humor and calm demeanor under pressure.
Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to use or willingness to learn museum applications including Asana.
Valid driver’s license with clean driving record; willing and able to travel for program development and facilitation.
Regularly, while performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to travel independently regionally and in communities served.
The position requires working at a desk and utilizing a computer and a telephone, good eye/hand coordination, bending and stretching, standing and sitting, and the ability to move around galleries, studios, and throughout the museum.
The employee must be able to lift objects weighing 50+ pounds and travel on outdoor trails.
Visual acuity to review written materials is required.

Responsibilities

Maintain and monitor the organization, safety, and functionality of all studios, with an emphasis on day-to day operations, equipment, and materials in the ceramics and digital tool studios.
Ensure all digital fabrication tools are properly maintained, calibrated, and safely operated; manage consumables and troubleshoot hardware/software issues as needed.
Supervise teaching artists presenting select programs in Crystal Bridges studios.
Develop and teach select programs on the museum’s roster of studio programs.
Collaborate with the Manager of Studio Programs on planning artmaking engagements for large parties and festivals, as needed.
Develop engagement activities to activate CBMO spaces and drive consistent guest traffic when programming is not occurring.
Work closely with the Community Engagement team on co-hosted partner programs that encompass artmaking.
Work closely with the Studio Program Manager on both informal and formal assessments for all programs.
Draft marketing copy for assigned programs.
Collaborate with other entities across Art & Wellness Enterprises, as needed.
Work with guest artists and consultants.
Supervise work study students, interns, and volunteers as required.
Assist with preparation of budgets for Studio Programs operations.
Perform additional duties as assigned.