Visiting Professor of Two-Dimensional Studio Practice and Art Appreciation
Summary
The Department of Visual and Media Arts at Grand Valley State University, located in Allendale, MI (www.gvsu.edu/vma) invites applicants for a Visiting Professor position in 2D Practices (Foundations, Drawing/Painting) and Art Appreciation, beginning August 2024.
This is a nine-month, full-time, teaching-focused appointment, with the possibility of renewal for up to three years pending institutional need.
This position is part of a comprehensive hiring effort, that seeks to bring two new faculty to our Studio Art Program who can actively contribute to our teaching mission and commitment to inclusive excellence. The other available position is in 3D Practice (Foundations, Jewelry/Metalsmithing and Sculpture) and Art Appreciation (1 position). More information is available on the institution’s job portal.
The teaching responsibilities include 8 courses per year (4 fall/4 winter). Candidates with teaching experience that encompasses major and non-major populations will receive special consideration. Teaching assignment continuity and consistency will be considered upon appointment. We will consider candidates whose application shows the ability to teach courses in any combination of these:
- Studio Art Foundations (2D Design and Color, Intro to Drawing, Making and Meaning)
- Drawing Courses (Introduction, Intermediate, Life, Advanced)
- Art Appreciation for non-majors
Candidates are expected to remain current by undertaking professional development opportunities to improve their disciplinary knowledge, competence, or skills. Professional Development funding is provided yearly to help offset general costs.
As a community of educators, artists, and scholars, the Department of Visual and Media Arts values the examination of the world through diverse cultural discourses that inform pedagogy and scholarship, and diverse forms of collaboration with university, local, and regional communities. We seek a candidate committed to being excellent in undergraduate teaching and students’ career-connectedness. The chosen candidate will help support GVSU’s student-centered mission and the institution’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. We encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented groups, and from candidates who have interest and/or experience in working with diverse student and community populations.
Required Qualifications and Education
- One of the following professional experience paths: a terminal degree in Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Illustration, or a related field from an accredited university by August 6, 2024; or a combination of in-progress graduate work and 2+ years of full-time experience in Art or related discipline; or a bachelor's degree in art or related field and 3+ years of full-time experience in Art or related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience teaching studio art foundations
- Ability to teach courses in Drawing and Art appreciation.
- Experience in or demonstrated understanding of social justice education and/or initiatives, and/or inclusion, diversity, and/or intercultural training.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to interact with others with respect and empathy.
Preferred Qualifications and Education
- Terminal Degree in Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Illustration or a related field from an accredited university by August 6, 2024
- Teaching experience in 2D practices (assistantships will be considered)
- Experience in teaching studio art practices to majors and non-majors
- Experience teaching art appreciation courses
Responsibilities – Essential Functions
- Teach 8 courses/year (4/4) in a NASAD-accredited undergraduate program. Teaching responsibilities will primarily be focused on Studio Art Foundations focused in 2D practices.
- Remain current by undertaking professional development opportunities to improve their disciplinary knowledge, competence, or skills.
Teaching assignment continuity and consistency will be considered upon appointment and may include additional courses in the Department of Visual and Media Arts. We will consider candidates whose application show the ability to teach additional courses in any combination of these areas:
- Introduction to Art
- Foundations (2D Design and Color, Making and Meaning, Introduction to Drawing)
- Drawing (Introduction to Drawing II, Life Drawing, Intermediate Drawing, Advanced Drawing)
- Studio Art (Painting/Illustration)
- Senior Seminar (Career preparation for studio art: statements, resume, documentation of work, application for residencies and graduate school)
Responsibilities – Non-Essential Functions
- Support the area coordinator in area operations.
- Participate in student portfolio reviews if needed.
Salary and Benefits
The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The university offers an excellent comprehensive package that includes health/vision/dental plans, life insurance, retirement, sick/leave disability, tuition waiver, adoption resources, wellness coaching, and free access to campus fitness facilities. Family and child care options on and off-campus are also available. For a detailed description of benefits, please visit Benefits and Wellness - Grand Valley State University (gvsu.edu).
Department/College
As a community of educators, artists, and scholars, the Department of Visual and Media Arts values the examination of the world through diverse cultural discourses which inform pedagogy and scholarship, and diverse forms of collaboration with the university, local, and regional communities. We seek candidates committed to undergraduate teaching excellence and students’ career connectedness. We encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented groups, and from candidates who have an interest and/or experience in working with diverse student and community populations.
The Department of Visual and Media Arts seeks to uphold the values of a liberal education while providing intensive engagement in the production and examination of the visual and media arts. The department is located on the Allendale campus and has 36 full-time faculty and 649 majors. 24% of the students reported being from an underrepresented minority (African American or Black, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Hispanic or Latinx, Multiracial, International, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander). Roughly 34% of the department majors reported being first-generation college students.
The Department offers NASAD-accredited undergraduate degrees in Art History (BA), Art Education (BA/BS), Film and Video Production (BA/BS), Photography (BA/BS), and Studio Art (BA/BS/BFA). The BFA in Studio Art degree has emphasis in Ceramics, Graphic Design, Illustration, Jewelry and Metalsmithing, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Visual Studies. The department also offers minors in Art History, Photography, and Studio Art. Several courses offered by the unit serve the institution through its General Education program or are courses for non-majors.
The foundations program currently consists of four three-credit courses: ART 150 - Foundations: 2D Design and Color; ART 151 - Foundations: 3D Design; ART 153 - Foundations: Making and Meaning in Art and Design; ART 155 - Foundations: Introduction to Drawing I. Collectively, the foundations' courses develop skills and attitudes that are transferable to other studies such as problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, research, discipline, and time management. The foundations program serves studio art majors, art education majors, photography majors, some art history majors, studio art minors, and students who may wish to take the courses as electives.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college at Grand Valley, offering over 50 bachelor's degrees and a growing number of advanced degrees in the natural and mathematical sciences, the fine arts and humanities, and the social sciences. CLAS is a student-centered and diverse learning community that engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Our faculty are active teacher-scholars committed to equitable, inclusive, career-connected, and community-engaged liberal arts and sciences education. There are many opportunities for collaboration within CLAS and across a broad group of partners on and off campus.
How to Apply
Apply online at Open Positions 2024/2025 Page and select "Apply now".
- Letter of application addressing qualifications, interests, proficiencies, and your motivation to teach at GVSU
- Curriculum Vitae
- Teaching philosophy that highlights your experience with student-centered teaching/learning techniques
- Statement on commitment to inclusive excellence that includes a summary of ongoing and anticipated activities to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity in your teaching
- URL for a portfolio of scholarly/creative works with 8–10 samples
- URL for a portfolio of student works with 5–10 samples of works
The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically. On the application, you will be required to provide the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for three professional references. Applicants selected for the position will be required to submit official transcripts upon hiring. If you need assistance, call the Department of Visual and Media Arts office at 616-331-3486 or email the search chair, Renee Zettle-Sterling at [email protected]. Please allow 3–5 business days for a response.
Application Deadline: Consideration of applications will begin on June 10, 2024, and will remain open until they are filled. Early applications are encouraged. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.
Campus and Community
Grand Valley University (GVSU) is a public comprehensive institution located in West Michigan with campuses in Allendale, downtown Grand Rapids, and Holland, plus centers in Muskegon and Traverse City. The University attracts more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students with high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities, and has been nationally recognized for innovativeness and its contribution to students’ social mobility. The greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a population of around one million people, is affordable and rich in cultural amenities, and is located in easy driving distance of Chicago, Detroit, Lake Michigan beaches, and many other superb summer and winter recreational venues. Grand Valley is highly rated for safety, sustainability, and veteran and LGBTQ friendliness, and GVSU is committed to supporting employees and their families in work-life balance. For a list of community resources on and off-campus that may help a candidate’s decision toward accepting a position at GVSU, please visit https://www.gvsu.edu/hro/community-resources-1056.htm
Culturally, the Grand Rapids area is an active hub for art and design, housing the Grand Rapids Art Museum, the Grand Rapids Public Museum, the South Division Street Corridor — known as Avenue for the Arts, the international art competition ArtPrize, and several arts-advocacy-oriented organizations.
The Grand Rapids metro area has historically been one to appreciate and advocate for design. In the 19th century, the city became a major center for residential fine wood furniture. Today, the furniture manufacturing industry has shifted its focus toward the workspace market, but still appreciates and advocates for the value of design in our culture and daily lives.
Allendale, Michigan 49401 - (616) 331-5000
For more information about Grand Valley, see our website at www.gvsu.edu
Grand Valley State University is an EOE which includes protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
See https://www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or
1-800-833-7833 (out of State)