Indigenous Studio Arts

The Evergreen State College seeks a versatile and broadly trained quarter-time faculty colleague to teach design and studio arts from an Indigenous perspective (4-credits per quarter). Applicants should have expertise working with any of a variety of materials used by North American Indigenous artists to produce three- and/or two-dimensional works and should have expertise in the ways such materials have historically been and are currently being used in North American Indigenous communities to create art. Candidates must understand the various customs, protocols, and issues that surround the creation of both traditional and contemporary Indigenous art forms, and should be able to create curriculum that explores the variety of contexts in which Indigenous artists work.

Candidates must be able to teach students to work with a variety of tools and techniques for art making including both those developed by artists in Indigenous communities, and those appropriated from a variety of cultures by Indigenous artists to create their art. We particularly welcome candidates that work in carving or weaving, the predominant art forms of Pacific Northwest Indigenous peoples. Candidates must be prepared to teach design fundamentals as well as to explain the history and cultural contexts of Indigenous art in a way that both explains and fosters the diversity of art practice inside the numerous Indigenous communities in the Pacific Northwest and around the Pacific Rim. Preference will also be given to artists who regularly exhibit work and can teach students how to pursue a successful career in the visual arts.

The Evergreen State College organizes the majority of its curriculum into interdisciplinary, team-taught coordinated studies programs centered on particular themes, and organizes its faculty into interdisciplinary planning units instead of traditional disciplinary departments. Applicants are invited to address (in their letters of application) their visions of innovative approaches to teaching across disciplines, including with other faculty trained in visual arts, Native American and Indigenous studies, and other disciplines. Faculty are expected to teach students at a variety of experience levels and to develop curriculum to serve beginning, intermediate, and advanced students at the college. Because faculty from diverse disciplines are involved in curriculum planning at the college, ideal candidates for the position will demonstrate an engagement with one or more disciplines outside of visual arts. The college encourages applicants who have had experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented populations to apply. Faculty at Evergreen are expected to advise and mentor students and participate in the college's system of shared governance.

Curriculum in the school of Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) is based on undergraduate certificates and bachelor's degree completion curriculum comprised of 4-credit and 8-credit offerings, and capstone work that may include internships or individual study. Courses and programs are offered online, in-person, or in hybrid formats. All curriculum includes synchronous meetings for at least half of the class instruction time. Synchronous sessions occur in the evenings or on weekends (Pacific Time). Faculty development opportunities are provided to help faculty increase skills in online teaching and curriculum design.

Evergreen uses narrative evaluations in lieu of grades, and faculty are generally responsible for evaluating 25 students/quarter in each class. Faculty support students with informal advising as they reflect on their learning processes and develop their own areas of academic concentration.

Our pedagogy centers on collaborative learning communities. We are interested in helping students develop interdisciplinary approaches to critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration across the curriculum. Because over 80% of our students come from underserved and marginalized groups, we are particularly invested in approaches to teaching that emphasize diversity and equity, that provide opportunities for challenge and growth, and that foster a learning environment where all are welcome, and all can learn from each other.

This is an adjunct faculty position and not eligible for continuing appointment. All requirements for the position must be completed at the time of hire. Salary for all positions is based on experience and degrees (see Salary Grid for more information). We do not offer relocation expenses for our adjunct faculty positions.

A complete list of faculty responsibilities is in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

At least 2 years of demonstrated experience teaching visual arts at the college level or in community contextsActive exhibition recordExtensive experience working in the Indigenous arts community;Experience in business management and marketing of Indigenous art.Experience teaching visual literacy, art or craft history, visual theory.Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students to support and advance basic writing skills.

* As a condition of employment, persons hired must provide proof of identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of beginning work.

* Prior to an official offer of employment, a Declaration Regarding Sexual Misconduct form must be submitted to the college per RCW 28B.112.080. The college will contact current and past employers to verify this information. Applicants who provide inaccurate information in their declaration will be disqualified and, if the inaccuracies are discovered after the applicant has been hired, it shall be grounds for termination.

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OPTIONAL MATERIALS:

Evergreen is an innovative, public, liberal arts college emphasizing integrated interdisciplinary study and collaborative team-teaching throughout the undergraduate curriculum and in three graduate programs. Teaching is the central work of the faculty at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Successful teaching at Evergreen requires broad-ranging intellectual curiosity, the ability to formulate interdisciplinary questions, and the pedagogical skills to support our diverse student population.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or status as a protected veteran. For more information regarding Evergreen's non-discrimination policies or to report discrimination, please visit the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity webpage at www.evergreen.edu/equalopportunity or contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Officer at (360) 867-5371, Room 3102 Library Building, 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW, Olympia, WA 98505.