Traveling Glassblowing Instructor and Demonstrator

Ikonic Art Party•Palatine, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Ikonic Glass is a traveling glassblowing company that brings live, hands-on lampworking workshops to festivals, markets, and events across the country. We teach beginner-level borosilicate glassblowing to the public — real workshops, real fire, real people experiencing glass for the first time. We are a small but growing team of artists, teachers, performers, and operators building meaningful public experiences through live events. As a Traveling Glassblowing Instructor with Ikonic Glass, you will lead live torch-based workshops for small groups at fairs and events across the country. You will guide students through their first experience with glass in a fast-paced, highly public environment that combines teaching, performance, hospitality, and operational teamwork. This role is repetitive by design. You will teach the same beginner-level class up to 24 times per day while maintaining strong energy, professionalism, and guest focus from the first class to the last. You should expect long days on your feet in outdoor environments, frequent interaction with the public, repetitive teaching using a structured curriculum, travel ranging from single weekends to multi-week runs, physical setup and teardown work, including lifting 40+ lbs, and a team-oriented environment where reliability and consistency matter.

Requirements

Minimum 2 years of borosilicate flameworking experience
Comfortable working with torch systems, propane/oxygen equipment, and PPE
Reliable — you show up on time and follow through
Coachable — you can follow systems and take direction well
Guest-focused — you bring patience, warmth, and professionalism to every interaction
Emotionally steady — you stay composed under pressure and high volume
Team-oriented — you contribute to the group, not just your own performance
Engaging and high-energy — you communicate clearly and connect with people quickly
Adaptable — you handle changing conditions and unexpected problems calmly
Safety-serious — you do not cut corners with fire, tanks, or safety procedures
Must be able to regularly lift and carry 40+ lbs
Role involves sustained outdoor physical activity in varying weather conditions
Background check required
OSHA training required during onboarding

Nice To Haves

Prior teaching, instructional, hospitality, or public-facing experience preferred
Event, festival, restaurant, or high-volume service experience is a strong plus
Restaurant and line-cook experience translates well to this role. If you have thrived in loud, fast-paced, repetitive, team-based environments, you may already have many of the skills this job requires.

Responsibilities

Teach beginner-level borosilicate glassblowing using our structured curriculum
Lead safety orientations before each class
Create a safe, encouraging, and memorable experience for every student
Perform public demonstrations and engage with crowds throughout the event
Set up and break down the mobile workshop booth and equipment
Assemble, inspect, and safely operate propane/oxygen systems and torch equipment
Maintain a clean, organized, and professional workspace
Coordinate class flow and readiness with front-end staff
Package and organize completed student pieces for pickup
Assist with check-in, checkout, POS responsibilities, and guest support throughout the event
Track tools, equipment, and consumables using our inventory system
Travel to events across the U.S. as scheduled

Benefits

Paid time off
Free uniforms
Help or transport service
Opportunity for advancement
Training & development
Reduced rate for training, onboarding, setup, and teardown
Lodging provided during travel (hotel, Airbnb, or camping, depending on the event)
Flight stipend offered when needed
All required tools, safety equipment, and teaching materials provided
OSHA and safety training included during onboarding