Artist in Residence (AIR) Fibers

The purpose of the AIR program is to provide a creative residential environment for emerging professional artists The Craft Centers mission is to offer the finest studio professional craft education through the BFA and BS degrees and workshop programs while providing a regional cultural resource for the surrounding community. Residence in Craft Center housing is a required condition of studio residencies (no pets allowed). A single occupancy bedroom with private bath and cooking lounge facilities and common living spaces are shared with other residents. There are no completely private housing units available. Spouses partners and significant others are not allowed to live on campus; housing is offered only to resident artists. Individual private studio space and 24-hour studio access are provided. Ability to sell work in the Craft Center Gallery with a split in profit during the duration of the residency.

Oversight of general maintenance repair cleanup and condition of the studio. During workshop programs the resident manages the studio coordinates the facility needs of the instructors and participants with the Program Manager and provides technical assistance. Consults with the Program Manager studio faculty Gallery Manager and workshop instructors throughout workshop planning. Substitute teaching during faculty absence. Assists instructor gives class demonstrations participate in class discussions and participate in mid-term and final group critiques in as requested by supervisor. Provide an example for students as an emerging professional artist by producing and exhibiting studio work of a high level of technical expertise and aesthetic merit. Participate in outreach and workshop programs.

Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

In exchange for housing and a private studio the AIR will work 15 hours per week overseeing studio upkeep and providing instructional support. Studio duties include maintenance and repair of equipment such as looms light table fabric steamer paper pulp beater; inventory of supplies; coordinating studio clean ups; and general oversight of organization and safety in the studio. Digital design skills are also helpful. The resident must produce a significant body of studio work while showing a high level of technical expertise and aesthetic consultation with the supervising faculty member expectations of the residences studio work will be reviewed after arrival. During the Craft Centers summer workshop season the AIR manages the studio for the workshops and ensures its smooth operation under supervision of the program manager. Summer hours are on a time bank system as the need varies from studio to studio depending on the workshop schedule. Hours will not exceed 180 hours (15 hours per week/12 weeks). Specifics of managing the studio during workshops will be discussed with the AIR in advance with both the supervising faculty member and the program manager. The AIR will receive direction from the program manager regarding workshop support. INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT: In addition to the possible teaching opportunities through Tennessee Techs academic program residents will have the opportunity to teach outreach through the Appalachian Center for Craft for additional compensation. Additional teaching may include occasional teaching duties during faculty absence during the academic year.

15 hours a week. One-year appointment August 15 2026- August 10 2027. The resident may have the opportunity to extend their residency for a second year but must apply again to the open call competing against the applicant pool that year.

Applicants must apply online at: with the following:

• Cover letter addressing:
  • Why would you like to be a resident artist
  • What you hope to achieve artistically while in the residency program
  • How do you feel your skills will contribute to the academic program of Tennessee Tech and to the Appalachian Center for Craft
  • Please describe your experience and skills in a fibers studio. (I.e. dying weaving paper-making etc)
• Resume
• Portfolio (saved in PDF format) of 1-2 personal artworks
• Contact information for three references. (References will be contacted by lead faculty)
• Unofficial transcripts. Official transcripts required upon hire.

Applications without all required materials will not be considered. Questions Email Associate Professor Rena Wood at .

Salary:

A stipend of $6000 annually is provided which is paid in monthly increments by direct deposit. Level P1 Grade 7.

Benefits Info:

Benefits include the accumulation of annual and sick leave on a prorated basis equal to the percentage of employment and thirteen (13) pro-rated University holidays. Other benefits include pro-rated retirement optional 401k and educational benefits.

Applicants must hold a minimum of a BFA/BA/BS degree or equivalent. Applicants that apply should have a genuine interest in teaching as the SAC;D often has need for adjunct faculty to teach Introduction to Art (Art Appreciation) as well as other art foundations courses. General familiarity with fibers processes materials chemicals and a strong knowledge in at least one area of the following is preferred: weaving surface design papermaking and/or 3D Structures. Selection will consider the candidates potential artistic and professional growth within the residency technical skills in studio and equipment maintenance and potential for instructional support.

MFA or equivalent professional experience. Strong competency with fibers processes materials chemicals and strong knowledge of weaving and/or surface design paper and bookmaking.