Pilchuck Glass School is hiring: Studio Director/Artist Job Overview – Prism Int

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and creating beautiful and intricate pieces of art and artisan glass for both residential and commercial projects, as well as experimentation and testing a wide variety and range of potential new products and processes. It is preferred that this person have experience with fabricating, repairing, and maintaining the equipment used in a glass blowing and kiln forming shop. The ideal candidate will have a passion for design, a strong attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

1. Design, create, and assist with glass projects, experimentation, and testing.
2. Design and create art glass pieces for residential and commercial projects.
3. Collaborate with clients to understand their design requirements and preferences.
4. Work towards the creation of client-approved and tested unique glass pieces and coordinate with a team to fabricate components ready for installation.
5. Manage daily operations of the showroom/gallery, including opening, closing, and scheduling.
6. Plan and coordinate showroom openings and gallery exhibits, including layout design and artwork selection.
7. Network with artists, clients, and industry professionals.
8. Develop and implement marketing strategies to attract new visitors and clients.
9. Procurement of studio supplies and consumables as needed.
10. Maintain high quality standards in all work.
11. Ensure all projects are completed on time and within budget.
12. Promote safe working practices.
13. Available for on-call response to studio emergencies.
14. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

1. Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts or related field.
2. 5+ years of experience in glass studio maintenance and operations.
3. Robust knowledge of glass art studio practices and processes including glass blowing, cold working, sandblasting, kiln working, flame working, and mold making, including experience with furnace glass melts and annealing.
4. Knowledge of studio equipment for all of the above.
5. Ability to work in a glass environment dealing with heat and using all necessary safety protocols and gear.
6. Knowledge of current trends in glass art and design.
7. Previous participation in art shows or exhibitions.
8. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
9. Portfolio showcasing a range of glass art projects.
10. Experience in marketing and sales of artistic works.
11. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
12. Ability to learn new skills and self-educate as the needs of the position evolve.
13. Familiarity with Microsoft Office.
14. Experience with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite.
15. Passion for arts education and a passion for glass as a creative material.
16. Studio operation budget development and oversight.

Additional Technical Skills Preferred

1. Maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and update experience for all equipment and tools including combustion equipment, electrical kilns, and related control systems.
2. Provide technical support and expertise on equipment.
3. Available for on-call response to studio emergencies.
4. Electrical and/or electronics experience.
5. Welding and metal fabrication skills or experience.
6. Woodworking skills or experience.

Salary: $57k (bonus opportunities for up to $111k)