Art Instructor
Art instructors help students understand, interpret and create works of art.
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Avg. Salary N/A
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Avg. Wage N/A
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Minimum Education Varies
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Outlook N/A
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Employed 1,800
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In Demand Lower
Also Known As
Aboriginal Art Instructor
NOC Codes
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
- 2006 NOC: Art Instructors and Teachers (5136.3)
- 2006 NOC-S: Painters, Sculptors and Other Visual Artists (F036)
- 2011 NOC: Painters, sculptors and other visual artists (5136)
- 2016 NOC: Painters, sculptors and other visual artists (5136)
Interest Codes
The Art Instructor is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Art Instructors and Teachers
- DIRECTIVE
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Interest in synthesizing information to teach students the techniques and methods of drawing, painting, sculpting and other forms of artistic expression; and in preparing and assigning special exercises, advising on selection of materials and equipment to use and grading students' work
- OBJECTIVE
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Interest in precision working to demonstrate use of materials for paintings, ceramics, sculpture and other forms of art
- METHODICAL
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Interest in instructing students; and in providing audio-visual teaching aids and arranging for tours of art galleries, museums and exhibitions of students' work
Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Duties
Updated Feb 10, 2017
Art instructors teach art history, art appreciation and the techniques and methods of artistic expression. Some work with students of all ages, while others work primarily with children, adults or seniors. They may specialize in particular types of art such as:
- painting, printmaking, sculpture, drawing or other visual art forms
- glass, jewelry, metals, fibre, wood or other craft media
- graphic design
- photography
- art related to a particular culture, such as Aboriginal art
- a style of artistic expression, such as abstract art
Duties and responsibilities vary considerably in this occupation but, in general, art instructors:
- plan class content appropriate to student abilities
- prepare materials for class use
- explain and demonstrate art and design techniques
- encourage students to develop ideas and explore art
- ensure safety precautions are observed
- make recommendations regarding supplies and equipment
- attend meetings with supervisors and other instructors.
They may also:
- talk about how to establish a studio or business
- order supplies
- organize art shows, art groups or workshops
- set up temporary studios or workshops with specialized equipment
- advertise classes
- handle bookkeeping or other administrative tasks.
Working Conditions
Updated Feb 10, 2017
Art instructors may work in a variety of indoor or outdoor environments, ranging from their own homes to seniors' residences, summer camps, craft stores, school classrooms and community recreation centres. Art rooms are sometimes noisy and messy.
Instructors may teach primarily during the day, or they may offer evening and weekend classes.
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Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Feb 10, 2017
Art instructors should enjoy teaching. They need to possess:
- creativity and artistic talent
- enthusiasm and a passion for the arts
- patience and flexibility
- good organizational skills
- the ability to communicate clearly and engage students
- the ability to give and receive constructive feedback
- the ability to work independently and as part of a team
- the ability to encourage and motivate students
- the ability to work effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Educational Requirements
Updated Feb 10, 2017
Education, training and experience requirements vary depending on the level of teaching involved. However, most instructors have related post-secondary education. Art instructors employed in schools must have a bachelor of education degree, or equivalent, as well as post-secondary education in art. Emplyment in a post-secondary school such as a college or university generally requires a graduate degree (master's or PhD) in fine art, or professional recognition as an artist.
Instructors of non-credit or community art classes should:
- have significant art or craft experience
- have experience coaching or teaching groups
- be able to work in a variety of media (for example, metals, sculpture, oil paint, collage, computers)
- be knowledgeable about the history, contemporary development, techniques and materials of their art forms.
Self-employed instructors who work on a contract basis for schools and community groups or who offer their own independent classes also need business skills.
Related Education
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
Keyano College
University of Lethbridge
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Art and craft associations, guilds and post-secondary schools throughout Alberta offer introductory and advanced courses in a wide variety of arts and crafts. For current information about courses, please check post-secondary calendars or websites or contact organizations associated with arts or crafts.
Certification Requirements
Updated Feb 10, 2017
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Employment & Advancement
Updated Feb 10, 2017
Most art instructors are self-employed or work on a contract basis for art or craft centres, adult education councils, art galleries, artist-run centres, museums, friendship centres or other community service agencies. They may teach from home or give lessons at schools, community centres, studios or craft stores.
Advancement opportunities vary depending on the employer and on the art instructor's qualifications. Self-employed instructors may open their own art galleries or craft stores, or become art agents or dealers.
Art instructors are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5136: Painters, sculptors and other visual artists. In Alberta, 76% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
- location in Alberta
- employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions
- occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
- size of the occupation
Wage & Salary
Updated Feb 10, 2017
Many art instructors teach part time and spend the rest of their time working on their own artistic endeavours or in other occupations. Hourly wages for instructors vary depending in the employer and the program being taught. Instructors may or may not be paid for the time required to prepare for classes.
Art instructors are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5136: Painters, sculptors and other visual artists.
Other Sources of Information
Updated Feb 10, 2017
Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC) website: www.culturalhrc.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Dec 01, 2016. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
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