Help wanted: Lander Art Center

The Lander Art Center is looking for a part-time art teacher for Fall 2011 through Spring 2012 youth classes, 2 to 4 days/classes per week, times vary. Applicants must be motivated, flexible, and have a background or previous experience in the arts. Mail cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Lander Art Center 224 Main St. Lander, WY 82520 by July 10. Pay varies with experience.

SNAAP study: Performing and visual arts alumni take many paths to meet career objectives

This report on a study by the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project comes to us via NASAA Notes from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies:

The Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP) at Indiana University's Center for Postsecondary Research addresses the previously unanswered question of what happens to alumni of performing and visual arts in its report Forks in the Road: The Many Paths of Arts Alumni. 

Stereotypes and misconceptions abounded about what these graduates were doing, with one of the most common being that they are unable to find work in their desired field and therefore are forced to take jobs outside of their desired field. After receiving 13,581 responses, SNAAP was able to dispel that myth and provide a clearer picture of the activities of these graduates. 

At the time of the survey in December 2010, only 6% of arts alumni were unemployed and looking for work, compared to 9.6% of the national work force. However, this number is slightly higher than the unemployment rate of 4.8% for those with at least a bachelor's degree.* 41% of graduates are currently working as professional artists, and 17% who previously worked as professional artists are employed in other fields. Among professional artists, satisfaction with their work varies widely among occupation, but satisfaction with income is low across occupations. 

Arts alumni are generally happy with their education, with more than 90% responding that their experience was good or excellent and 76% responding that they would attend the same institution again. More than half of those currently working outside the arts found their arts training relevant to their job. The survey results suggest that career counseling at performing arts schools could be improved. More than half of undergraduates were dissatisfied with their institutions' career advising, and a similar percentage thought their institution did not help them acquire financial and business skills. 

The SNAAP website has more information about the study and six very cool interactive infographics. There is also information for institutions to sign up to participate in future SNAAP surveys. If you would like to speak to a NASAA staff person about this study, contact Henry Clapp.

—Henry Clapp, NASAA Research Associate

Steve Traylor's departure leaves music department vacancy at Central Wyoming College

Robert Hussa, Fine Arts Department Coordinator at Central Wyoming College in Riverton, sends this news:

Central Wyoming College would like to announce that Steve Traylor, Director of Bands and Fine Arts Recruiter, will be leaving us after this year to take a position at Hutchison Community College in Hutchison, KS.

Steve has been with us for five years, bringing his expertise in concert band, jazz ensemble, and low brass to our students and to the State of Wyoming.  However, the position at Hutchison is close to his parents and brothers (he grew up in eastern Kansas), and he was recruited by the man who is retiring out of the position. It was a choice for “family.”

We are very sad to see him go, but we wish him the best in his future endeavors!  Steve will be writing to all of you in a separate email.

So, this message is to inform you of the upcoming faculty vacancy in Instrumental Music here at CWC.   Central Wyoming is one of the seven community colleges in Wyoming; we offer a transfer program for music majors and we also have strong music support  in the community.  It’s a great place to work!  Please log into www.cwc.edu, click on QuickLinks, then jobs@Central, to look at the position announcements.  This particular one is not posted yet, but it will be very soon. Check it out if you are interested; or you have friends/colleagues who might be interested, please send this email to them.

Portland Art Museum curator touring the West

Bonnie Laing-Malcomson, curator of Northwest Art at the Portland (Oregon) Art Museum, will be conducting a session on Sunday, October 17, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., at the Yellowstone Art Museum, 401 N 27th St., Billings, Mont.

Here's what she has to say about the subjects of her session:

“What I am doing around the west is two-fold. Firstly, I am holding what I am calling focus group meetings for artists and arts professionals (college arts administrators, gallery owners etc.) to present the Portland Art Museum’s curatorial focus on Northwest art and to outline the opportunities and limitations inherent to the position. Below is a ...brief position description describing my responsibilities, and listing the number and type of exhibitions for which the Curator of Northwest Art is responsible annually.

The Curator of Northwest art is responsible for the care, research, exhibition, growth and custody of all objects in the Northwest art collection belonging to or on loan to the Portland Art Museum. The position serves a five-state region including Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. Duties include developing temporary exhibitions, especially the biennial Contemporary Northwest Art Awards and three-to-four, usually single artist, changing exhibitions per year know as “APEX” exhibitions. The curator works on exhibition related programs, garnering support and writing and speaking about Northwest art. The curator supervises presentation of all traveling exhibitions of Northwest art scheduled by the Museum and serves as advisor to the Northwest Art Council.” “I am very interested … to begin building a library of discs of current and past work, so as I am planning exhibitions I will know who is doing strong work in the five-state region.”

That Daniel Pink is one animated guy

Take a look at this animated version of a talk by Daniel Pink. A neat overview of the material he will cover when he speaks in Cheyenne Sept. 23-24. To reserve a ticket for this free event, call the Wyoming Arts Council at 307-777-7742.

Ballet Idaho seeks new executive director

Arts Consulting Group requests your interest in or candidate recommendations for the Executive Director position at Ballet Idaho in Boise, Idaho.

THE ORGANIZATION

Deeply rooted in the community, Ballet Idaho and its Academy create, present, teach and preserve the art form of classic ballet, serving the citizens and visitors of Boise, the state of Idaho, and beyond. The Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy - a rehearsal, recital and performing space that also houses the administrative offices of Opera Idaho and the Boise Philharmonic – is home to Ballet Idaho. The organization is poised for tremendous growth in a Company that currently employs 25 artistically superior professional dancers and an Academy that inspires more than 300 students annually. Ballet Idaho currently has a $1.5 million annual operating budget. The Company performs a mainstage series at the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts and the Special Events Center, both located on the campus of Boise State University. Its Ballet Innovations and Family Series performances take place at its home facility in the Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy in the vibrant Downtown Boise Cultural District. The 2010-11 season also includes performances of The Nutcracker in Colorado Springs.

THE POSITION

The Executive Director works in partnership with the Artistic Director to develop a strategic vision that grows both the Company and the Academy. The position engages in a broad public dialog as to why it is important to embrace Ballet Idaho as a vital component of the quality of life in Boise, throughout Idaho, the West, and the nation. The Executive Director provides inspired managerial direction to the organization to achieve the artistic and entrepreneurial goals established in tandem with the Board and Artistic Director. The role can be seen as the chief translator of Ballet Idaho’s strategic artistic and educational goals into a language of best business practices that result in institutional vibrancy and sustainability. This includes the ability to 1) maximize audience development, student enrollments, earned, and contributed revenue for the institution, 2) expand the branding, marketing, communications, and public relations efforts for the Ballet, the Academy, and other programs, 3) develop, oversee, monitor, and report on the organization’s financial position, 4) guide the administration and integration of Ballet Idaho and the Academy and 5) supervise staff that guide operations, fundraising, marketing, public relations, facilities, technology, and financial management, as well as the administrative support team needed to implement artistic programs.

TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS

Ballet Idaho seeks an individual who will create a focused, positive, and dynamic working environment while setting and maintaining expectations that will challenge the organization’s leadership to strive for and sustain the highest workplace values and institutional goals. The selected candidate will be a leader in the field of arts management who demonstrates a commitment to entrepreneurial leadership. He/she will partner with the Artistic Director to set and maintain a collaborative leadership model that will strengthen the organization by creating a positive and synergistic relationship between the artistic and administrative sides of the organization. A leader who proactively engages with the Company’s senior artistic team to ensure that the artistic and educational programs are understood and well supported in every area of the organization. The Executive Director will support the Academy’s artistic leadership and training programs to ensure the delivery of high quality and economic sustainability.

APPLICATIONS AND INQUIRIES

Send letter and resume with demonstrable accomplishments to:

Rebekah Lambert, Senior Consultant
Arts Consulting Group, Inc.
818 SW 3rd Avenue, Suite 236
Portland, OR 97204-2405
Tel (503) 236.3379
Fax (503) 828.9896
E-Mail balletidaho@artsconsulting.com

Search begins for new E.D. at Nicolaysen Art Museum

The Nicolaysen Art Museum in Casper, known throughout the region as the NIC, invites applications, nominations and inquiries for the position of Executive Director. The Nicolaysen Art Museum is currently conducting a national search for a visionary, experienced leader to serve as Executive Director. We seek an experienced museum executive who has substantial knowledge of and passion for the arts and a proven track record in development and fundraising. Must have solid competency in strategic planning and management, including oversight of fiscal matters and the management of facilities and resources. We welcome candidates who, by their nature and experience, have an eagerness to provide collaborative leadership and partnership with our motivated museum team, which includes our board, staff, volunteers, and the wide community of NIC supporters, friends and associates. The Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership, vision, management, and fundraising of the museum; as well as the oversight of the education and curatorial programs. The NIC has celebrated several major accomplishments over the past several years, including an AAM accreditation, and requires an Executive Director capable of helping elevate the museum in visibility and reputation. The Executive Director is the museum's most visible representative to the community and oversees the day-to-day operations, public identity, mission, and direction of the Nicolaysen Art Museum.

Applications should include a resume and cover letter, which should be sent promptly and in confidence by e-mail to the Search Committee, at nicolaysensearchcommittee@gmail.com. An acknowledgement of receipt of your application will be e-mailed to you. All materials received before September 1 are assured of receiving full consideration, the position will remain open until filled.

Apply now for E.D. position at Arts North Dakota

From the North Dakota Arts Council:
'
Applications are now being accepted for an exciting new Executive Director position with Arts North Dakota, a new non-profit arts advocacy organization. This position will be approximately 20 hours/week at $16-$18/hour with no benefits. It is a statewide position and may be conducted from any location in the state. Some travel required. If you love the arts and you’re looking for a rewarding and challenging position – this could be it! Please send a resume with previous experience and education with a cover letter to Pattie Carr, 291 Campus Drive, Dickinson, ND 58601, or e-mail to pattie.carr@dsu.nodak.edu by August 1, 2010. More information on the position may be obtained by contacting the NDCA office at 701-328-7592 or Gail Benson at 701-388-4503.

Help wanted: Art curator, State Museum

This job announcement was just issued by the Wyoming Division of Human Resources:

POSITION: Cultural Resources Specialist -- Art Curator

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled

FULL HIRING RANGE: $3,564.00 - $4,192.00 per month

DEPARTMENT: State Parks & Cultural Resources, Cultural Resources, State Museum
LOCATION: Cheyenne
CLASS CODE: CRCR08
FLSA: Non-exempt

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The position is responsible for the care and maintenance of all art works held by the State Museum and the coordination of specific art related projects and programs for the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.

APPLICATIONS: For more information or to apply online go to http://statejobs.state.wy.us/JobSearchDetail.aspx?ID=16858 or submit a State of Wyoming Employment Application to the Human Resource Division, Emerson Building, 2001 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82002-0060, Phone: (307)777-7188, Fax: (307)777-6562, along with transcripts of any relevant course work. No notice of eligibility will be sent to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications.

Photo exhibit documents child labor in U.S.

From a SPCR press release:

A photographic exhibit documenting the harsh conditions endured by child laborers during the early 1900s is on display at the Wyoming State Museum through March 6.

Titled, "Let Children Be Children: Lewis Wickes Hine’s Crusade Against Child Labor," the exhibit features 55 enlarged photographs that reveal the circumstances that poor working children endured until legislation against child labor prevailed as late as 1938.

Hine was a sociologist whose photographs captured his abiding concern for children, immigrants and working class people.

He was hired by the National Child Labor Committee in 1906 to document the harsh conditions in which children worked. Hine spent 10 years photographing in the canneries, coal mines, cotton mills, farms and sweatshops common during the 20th century.

Through the use of photography, Hine and the NCLC endeavored to gain the attention of the government to arouse public sentiment against child labor practices in the United States.
Organized by the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film, Rochester, New York, the exhibit provides excellent educational programming opportunities from both historical and sociological standpoints.

The Wyoming State Museum is located in the Barrett Building, 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne. Please call 777-7022 for more information about this and other State Museum programs.

Help wanted: Wyoming Territorial Prison/Park

The Territorial Prison/Park in Laramie, an historic site within the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, is looking for an Historic Program Supervisor.

"This position manages a large historic site and state park to fulfill the department objectives of preservation, protection, and interpretation of the cultural resources, and the historic and archival collections for the citizens of this state and the nation."

Apply online at http://statejobs.state.wy.us/JobSearchDetail.aspx?ID=16081 or submit a State of Wyoming Employment Application to the Human Resource Division, Emerson Building, 2001 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82002-0060 (307-777-7188, Fax: 307-777-6562), along with transcripts of any relevant course work.

Deadline extension announced for Art Works for Wyoming grants

It has come to the Wyoming Arts Council's attention that the e-mails informing grantees of the second deadline for Art Works for Wyoming grants may not have been sent due to a glitch in the mailing system. Because of that, WAC has decided to extend the deadline to accept Art Works for Wyoming (AWW) grants to December 31, 2009.

Only organizations which have applied for grants from WAC in the last four years and successfully completed them are eligible to to apply. For current guidelines and to apply, go to: http://wyoarts.state.wy.us/Grants/index.asp.

These grants may be used only to retain jobs which would otherwise be eliminated, or to retain/extend contracts which would be cut short or canceled. Guidelines are also attached for your convenience. Applications will be accepted online only by 11:59 pm December 31, 2009.

Art Works for Wyoming grants are funded by the National Endowment for the Arts using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act monies.

WAC would appreciate, if possible, for grants to come in sooner. Any grant received prior to the deadline will be considered a draft and returned with comments.

Help wanted: Nicolaysen Art Museum

This announcement comes from the Nicolaysen Art Museum in Casper:

The Nicolaysen Art Museum and Discovery Center has an opening for a full-time Curator of Education. Duties include developing creative educational programming for all age groups of museum visitors inclusive of school groups, updating and maintaining the Discovery Center (hands-on studio art, 2600 square foot facility), docent recruitment, training, and evaluation, school tour development and coordination, supervision of the school district outreach program, budget management and grant writing. This position will also involve managing the student docent program, Pre-school Picassos, adult studio art workshops, summer art camp, and the Arts Cool after School for teens.

Additional duties:
Serving as the coordinator of the Education Committee, composed of Board members, museum staff, volunteers, and community members and reporting on their activities to the Board of Directors. Coordinating and creating programming related to exhibits, while assisting in their development and fabrication. Performs other related duties, such as service at special events, PR for programs, and exhibit openings, as needed or assigned by the Museum Director.

Qualifications:
Master’s Degree in Art Education, Art Museum Education or related field. Knowledge of curriculum and educational program writing as well as evidence of museum educational models, excellent written and verbal communication skills, a willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed, and the ability to work effectively in both team environments and in self-directed situations a must. A strong interest in Contemporary art, administrative and project management experience, computer proficiency to enable on-line delivery of educational programming for teachers, and the ability to manage multiple projects desired.

Compensation commensurate with experience, starting at $30,000. Interested candidates should mail or email cover letter, resume, and three references to:
Holly Turner, Museum Director, 401 East Collins, Casper, Wyoming, 82601 or hturner@thenic.org by November 30, 2009.

Help wanted: Technical director for Cheyenne Little Theatre Players

Position: Technical Director
Reports To: Managing & Artistic Director

Basic Function:

Technical Director supervises all technical aspects of all Cheyenne Little Theatre Players productions and is responsible for the design and construction of all technical aspects of all productions as designated by the Managing & Artistic Director.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1.Oversight and accountable for supervision of all guest set, properties, costumes, lighting, and sound personnel and all technical volunteers.
2.Oversee the design and construction of all shows annually in a timely fashion and within schedules and budgets; includes the necessary plans, sketches, plots and technical production schedules to meet the requirements of the Managing & Artistic Director and Show Directors.
3.Responsible for all technical budgets for all shows.
4.Recruitment and training of all technical volunteers
5.Maintenance of inventory of all scenery, properties, tools, materials and equipment including lighting and sound devices.
6.Assistance with all technical requirements of all extra events and rentals related to theatre activities.
7.Basic maintenance or upkeep related to both theatre facilities.
8.Nurturing of professional contacts within the community that will benefit the technical operations of CLTP.
9.Supervise all technical aspects of all productions.
10.Selection and supervision of all technical production staff heads.
11.Supervision and maintenance of a neat, orderly, safe scene shop, stage and storage area on or off site.
12.Supervision of all costume shops and inventory.
13.Supervision of all make-up and inventory.
14.Maintenance of inventory of all scenery, properties, tools, materials and equipment; and maintenance of same.
15.Supervision of all maintenance and minor repair work to theatre buildings according to level of skills.
16.Search out and provide for materials and equipment donations or discounts.
17.Other duties as assigned by Managing & Artistic Director.
Qualifications:

1.BA/BFA in Theatre, Technical Theatre or equivalent experience.
2.Three years experience in designing and executing set designs for full scale productions.
3.Ability to organize and supervise technical volunteer work force.
4.Ability to work with all levels of volunteers, staff, patrons and management in a professional and diplomatic manner.
5.Ability to motivate and lead volunteers to achieve desired results willingly.
6.Possess strong time management and planning skills.
Application:

Submit a cover letter, resume and at least three references to Dr. Randall L. Bernhard, Managing & Artistic Director, Cheyenne Little Theatre Players. Email applications are preferred—send to: rbernhard@cheyennelittletheatre.org. However, materials may also be sent via U.S. Mail to:

Dr. Randall L. Bernhard
Managing & Artisitic Director
Cheyenne Little Theatre Players
P.O. Box 20087
Cheyenne, WY 82003

Application deadline is November 13, 2009. If you are selected for an interview, the Search Committee will ask that you present a portfolio representative of past work.

For more information regarding the Cheyenne Little Theatre Players, please visit our website at http://www.cheyennelittletheatre.org/.

Job openings for writers at Univ. of Alabama

This job announcement comes from fiction writer Wendy Rawlings, formerly of Colorado State University and University of Utah, who now teaches at University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa:

Assistant Professor of Creative Writing (Fiction): The Program in Creative Writing in the Department of English, University of Alabama, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of English to teach fiction writing in our thriving MFA program and undergraduate creative writing minor. We seek a fiction writer with significant magazine publications and/or one or more published book(s), demonstrated excellence in teaching, and an appropriate graduate degree. The typical teaching load is 2/2, plus thesis supervision. All creative writing faculty members take turns directing the MFA program after tenure. In addition to undergraduate and graduate workshop courses, our faculty teach a wide variety of self-designed literature and/or creative writing classes investigating aspects of literary genre, history, and form. To get a sense of our rigorous and innovative curriculum, flexible approach to genre, faculty, graduates' accomplishments, and lively local culture, visit our website at www.as.ua.edu/english/08_cw/. Position begins 8/16/10. Send letter of application, vita, writing sample, and three letters of recommendation to Dr. Wendy Rawlings, Search Committee Chair, Assistant Professor (Fiction) Search, Department of English, The University of Alabama, Box 870244, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0244. Review of applications will begin OCTOBER 15, 2009, and continue until the position is filled. The University of Alabama is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer.

Assistant Professor of Creative Writing (Nonfiction): The Program in Creative Writing in the Department of English, University of Alabama, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of English to teach nonfiction writing in our thriving MFA program and undergraduate creative writing minor. We seek a nonfiction writer with significant magazine publications and/or one or more published book(s), demonstrated excellence in teaching, and an appropriate graduate degree. The typical teaching load is 2/2, plus thesis supervision. All creative writing faculty members take turns directing the MFA program after tenure. In addition to undergraduate and graduate workshop courses, our faculty teach a wide variety of self-designed literature and/or creative writing classes investigating aspects of literary genre, history, and form. To get a sense of our rigorous and innovative curriculum, flexible approach to genre, faculty, graduates' accomplishments, and lively local culture, visit our website at www.as.ua.edu/english/08_cw/. Position begins 8/16/10. Send letter of application, vita, writing sample, and three letters of recommendation to Professor Michael Martone, Search Committee Chair, Assistant Professor (Nonfiction) Search, Department of English, The University of Alabama, Box 870244, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0244. Review of applications will begin OCTOBER 15, 2009, and continue until the position is filled. The University of Alabama is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer.

Call for artists: Lander Library mural project

Request for proposals from the Fremont County Library in Lander:

The newly renovated and enlarged Fremont County Library in Lander, Wyoming was substantially completed in the spring of 2009. The Lander Library Friends Association (LLFA) is planning to make a gift to the library of a mural depicting the Lander Valley. The mural will be installed on the tray ceiling of the new addition. It will be representational in style, painted in oils or acrylics, and approximately 202 feet x 7 feet in scope. It may be painted in the mural artist’s studio and installed by a skilled wallpaper hanger. If the artist prefers to paint the mural onsite, it must be done at the library’s convenience and subject to the library’s conditions. The art piece will be on permanent display in the Lander Library, providing a lasting point of pride for the community and an opportunity for the chosen artist to have his/her work displayed on a grand scale.

Artists interested in submitting proposals to provide such services are required to follow the recommended guidelines and instructions contained in this Request for Proposals (RFP). Proposals should provide a straightforward, complete, and concise description of the artist’s achievements and capabilities. Submissions should include photographs or slides of completed projects or the URLs of Internet sites where the artist’s work can be viewed. The selection committee will choose up to five finalists from the applications. Each finalist contracted to submit a design for the mural will receive $250 to cover the expense of creating a conceptual design. Artists may be asked to make an oral presentation to the committee to clarify or elaborate on their proposal.

Proposals must be postmarked no later than 5 p.m. MST, October 30, 2009. Address all proposals to:
Rebecca Thomas, Business Manager, Fremont County Library System, 451 N. 2nd St., Lander, WY 82520.

Questions pertaining to this RFP may be directed to either:

Barbara Oakleaf, FCLS – Lander Manager
307-332-5194 ext. 301
boakleaf@fclsonline.org

Susan Gray-Gose, LLFA Vice-Chair
307-332-9834
susangraygose@wyoming.com

Help wanted: Wyoming Arts Alliance

The Wyoming Arts Alliance is looking for an executive director. Here's the job description:

The Wyoming Arts Alliance is seeking an energetic, self-motivated and fearless individual to help create and lead an outstanding arts advocacy organization for Wyoming. Wyoming Arts Alliance is a statewide 501(c) 3 consortium of artists, arts organizations, presenters, educators and advocates. The mission of the Wyoming Arts Alliance (WyAA) is to uniquely combine arts advocacy, professional services and information to advance a creative and culturally vibrant state. The new Executive Director for WyAA must have a passion for the arts, great communication skills, fundraising ability, a willingness to travel the state of Wyoming and beyond, capabilities in both organizational and event planning and good IT skills.

To achieve its mission, WyAA advocates for the arts at local, state and national levels for legislation beneficial to the arts and arts education. It provides education opportunities for its constituency regarding issues which effect arts and arts education. WyAA convenes an annual conference of presenters and performing artists and it provides professional development opportunities for its membership.

WyAA seeks to expand its support of artists and the arts in Wyoming through increased membership and participation from all arts disciplines and creative industries. The Executive Director of WyAA will lead the organization in this expansion, including development of new programs, professional services, legislative agenda and advocacy strategies. Creating an advocacy network throughout the state of Wyoming and the expansion of services to visual, literary and performing arts makes this a challenging and rewarding opportunity.

The position is three-quarter time and features a flexible schedule determined by the individual. The Executive Director can work from any location in the state and will have the additional advantage of being able to work from home.

The Executive Director will report to the Board of Directors and will have full authority and responsibility as the chief executive officer of the Wyoming Arts Alliance, (WyAA). Responsibilities include:
* Provide leadership for developing and effectively implementing WyAA’s mission. This includes building an advocacy organization, agenda and strategies; increasing outreach to artists, educators, presenters, employers and advocates; and managing the annual presenters conference.
* Lead WyAA’s fundraising efforts, including expanding the donor base, cultivating relationships with individuals and foundations, grant writing and soliciting major gifts.
* Provide a high degree of visibility throughout the state. The Executive Director will serve as chief spokesperson for WyAA; establish and strengthen strategic partnerships with critical regional entities, state government, presenter organizations, Chambers of Commerce, libraries, educational organizations and institutions, regional galleries, cultural organizations, and donors; positioning WyAA to be the advocacy and education organization for arts in the state.
* Partner with the Board for effective long-term governance and leadership of WyAA; help to identify, recruit and develop the Board; direct the administrative management of WyAA; implement a staffing plan as needed for the expansion of the organization; develop strategic plans and program evaluations.
* Managing the organization in a fiscally responsible manner within the Board-approved budget and in accordance with accepted financial accounting practices.

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following:
* A passion for all of the arts, and experience in visual/performing arts and/or arts management.
* Leadership abilities, especially a high level of initiative, strong interpersonal skills, creative and flexible problem solving skills, the ability to partner with the Board, and the capability to direct and lead future staff.
* Ability to successfully fundraise.
* The capability to develop and maintain positive relationships with community leaders; strong political acumen; the ability to maneuver in the state with comfort and credibility.
* The capacity to implement the vision for the Alliance, including innovative programming, professional practices, consensus-oriented management, effective decision-making, strategic visioning, and practical implementation.
* Effective financial management skills.
* A strong work ethic, good sense of humor, sincerity, and a high energy level.

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be: Five to six years in visual and performing arts with increasingly responsible supervisory and/or administrative duties. Prior experience in grant writing is advantageous.

Individuals interested in applying for this position should send a letter of interest and resume to: wyomingartsalliance@gmail.com Only email applications will be accepted.
Visit: www.wyomingarts.org

Cheyenne Arts Council seeks executive director

The newly-formed Cheyenne Arts Council in Cheyenne is seeking a part-time Executive Director. It is anticipated that as the organization grows that this position will have the potential for full-time employment.

The purpose of the Cheyenne Arts Council is to connect and strengthen the arts and culture in Cheyenne to make it a center of creativity in the region.

Summary of Responsibilities: Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will serve as the chief executive officer and will be charged with providing leadership to the Cheyenne Arts Council guided by its mission and values. The Executive Director will be the organization’s chief spokesperson to its many constituencies, internal and external. The scope of responsibility will include external and community relations, fund development, strategic planning, program policy and operational, financial, and administrative management. The Executive Director, in consultation with the Board of Directors, will be responsible for the development and implementation of the strategic vision.

Preferred Requirements:

• Creativity and the ability to take initiative with minimum direction.
• Ability to relate to diverse public, artistic and civic groups
• Demonstrated administrative and management ability.
• Experience writing grants and proposals.
• Experience in business and/or not-for-profit operational and financial management or related field.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with web site management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software.
• An undergraduate degree or experience in arts management

Compensation: This is a part-time position with potential for full time and benefits. The compensation will be commensurate with experience.

Application Process: Submit cover letter and resume to President@CheyenneArtsCouncil.org by 9/21/09

UW Art Museum names new master teacher

From the UW Art Museum blog:

Heather Bender (shown in photo) is the new master teacher at the UW Art Museum.

She has extensive experience in museums and education, including classroom teaching, curriculum development, and teacher training that utilize museums as original resources for educational benchmark goals. During her five years at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, she developed and implemented the Museum Discovery Program, a partnership program with Cody High School. She taught social studies at Powell Middle School, Wyoming, and Maces Lande Middle School, Cambridge, Maryland. Most recently, she was the director of the LCSC Center for the Arts & History, Lewiston, Idaho.

As master teacher, Heather will work with faculty and teachers statewide to integrate coursework goals and school benchmarks using the museum as a primary resource for a variety of disciplines. She holds a BA in Art and History with an Education minor from Salisbury University, Maryland.