Art Instructor

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.

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.

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.

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:

• Information, Culture and Recreation (PDF)
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF)

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

Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC) website: www.culturalhrc.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.