Art Director Assistant jobs in Detroit, MI

Create Camps Activity Coordinators engage students and foster a joyful and organized camp experience. An ideal candidate is a resourceful individual that can enthusiastically collaborate with the Camp Supervisor to ensure that the camp operations are running smoothly. Activity Coordinators supervise students during lunch, outdoor play, and classroom breaks. In addition, this individual will prepare camp materials and supplies, document camp with photography, assist in classroom studios and with museum visits, and other duties as assigned. This position is intended for an individual who would like to gain additional experience in youth education.

Typical schedule is Monday–Friday, (10:30 am–3:30 pm) shifts; approximately 25-30 hours/week.

2 positions available.

Training for camp starts in June 2024.

Camps run July 8 – August 16, 2024.

Rate: $16.75 per hour

• Ensure the safety, security, and well-being of students throughout the day including lunch and outdoor activities. This includes management of students in a range of ages.
• Assist the Camp Supervisor with administrative and organizational assistance, materials management, and studio tidy-up duties.
• Maintain open communication with Museum Education and Create Camp staff.

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Ability to lead indoor and outdoor recreation and activities.
• Previous experience working with children.

Preferred Qualifications

• Undergraduate focus in Elementary Education, Art Education, or Studio Art/Design/Architecture

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Create Camps Education Assistants engage students and foster an environment of innovation and self-expression. An ideal candidate is a resourceful individual that can enthusiastically collaborate with the Teaching Artist to assist with classroom management and high-quality art instruction. Education Assistants will aid in demonstrations and classroom organization, monitor use of materials and supplies, assist campers with art making projects, attend to minor first aid needs, and other duties as assigned. This position is intended for an individual who would like to gain additional experience in youth education.

Typical schedule is Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm, with longer days Mondays and Fridays; approximately 35 hours/week. 3-6 weeks (some flexibility).

4 positions available.

Training starts early June 2024.

Camps run July 8 – August 16, 2024.

Rate: $19/hour

• Assist with dynamic projects that connect to camp themes and objects in the museum’s collection.
• Aid in classroom control and management of students in a range of ages, creating an environment of creativity, innovation, and support during class time.
• Prepare and set-up classroom studio, organize supplies and material inventory, tidy-up studio daily.
• Attend weekly all team meetings and maintain open communication with Museum Education and Create Camp staff.

• Completed or in pursuit of Undergraduate Degree.
• Ability to lead indoor and outdoor recreation and activities.
• Previous experience working with children.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Undergraduate focus in Elementary Education, Art Education, or Studio Art/Design/Architecture.

Cranbrook Art Museum is accepting applications for a Preparator. They will assist with the preparation of gallery spaces, furniture, installation and deinstallation for each exhibition within the museum. This includes setting gallery lights and installing audio/video presentations. Must have woodworking experience and demonstrate the ability to operate a table saw, routers, and other machines safely. The preparator helps manage the floor and work of assistant preparators during the preparation, installation, and strike of all exhibitions, at times giving direction and making sure proper protocols for art handling, storage, and display are being met.

This is a part-time position, working on average 20 hours per week with hours increasing during peak times: installation and de-installation (4 times a year), and potentially decreasing during down time.

Exhibition Duties:

• Works with the Head Preparator and Associate Preparator to understand fabrication drawings and assist in the production of pedestals, mounts, and other gallery furniture.
• Prepares galleries for exhibition by constructing new walls, installing modular wall systems, performing drywall repair, painting, and cleaning.
• Works in communication with the registrar to demonstrate museum standard practices in the packing and unpacking of loaned and collection objects. Assists in the loading and unloading of trucks making exhibition deliveries.
• Prepares objects for exhibition, which includes assisting the registrar with condition reports, assessing object needs and making recommendations for safe display. Occasionally responsible for mounting, matting, and framing of 2D work as well as the fabrication of mounts for three-dimensional objects.
• Installs a variety of audio/video components to satisfy the intent of the curators and artists. This will include, but is not limited to large, wall mounted monitors, ceiling mounted projectors, media players, and speakers, with special attention to the finished appearance of cords and wires. Must be able to troubleshoot technical difficulties as they arise through the course of the exhibition.
• Provides assistance to the Head Preparator and Associate Preparator in the lighting of all gallery spaces.
• Produces object labels as well as other temporary signage for use throughout the museum.

Daily Responsibilities:

• Maintains the appearance of the museum galleries and the presentation of objects in the galleries.
• Monitors temperature, humidity and light levels throughout collection storage and exhibition areas.
• Assists with the movement, transportation, packing and installation of objects in the museum’s collection as well as loans to and from the collection.
• Assists the Registrar and other Preparators with the organization and maintenance of collection storage areas in the museum.
• Organizes and performs regular cleaning of the wood shop, loading docks, and multiple storage spaces.
• Maintains inventory of AV equipment, building materials, hardware, packing supplies and other items.
• Occasionally, assists the Registrar with the care of CAM collections in storage and on display, including sculpture, textiles, paintings, works on paper and decorative objects.
• Maintains attendance, punctuality, and performance standards set forth in Cranbrook’s employee handbook.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• The Preparator acts as a model for Assistant Preparators during the preparation, installation, and strike of all exhibitions, at times giving direction and making sure proper protocols for art handling, storage, and display are being met.

• Bachelor’s degree or at least two years museum/gallery experience or equivalent required.
• Knowledgeable in the handling, care, preservation, and exhibition practices for various types of objects including bronze, ceramic and wooden sculptures, paintings, works on paper and textiles.
• Possesses a good understanding of basic construction methods and woodworking techniques.
• Knowledgeable of basic AV functions for the installation of video and audio-based works of art within the galleries.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and oral communication skills to facilitate working with a diverse student and staff population
• Interest in contemporary art.
• Basic computer skills with knowledge of Sketchup and InDesign preferred.
• Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record required, and ability to drive medium sized truck.
• Experience operating a scissor lift preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours.

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Cranbrook Art Museum is accepting applications for a paid, full-time, curatorial assistant in residence as its 2024–2025 Jeanne and Ralph Graham Curatorial Fellow. This is a unique opportunity for an emerging museum curator with a passion for contemporary art, craft, or design to play an important role in the presentation and interpretation of Cranbrook’s diverse collections and exhibitions programs.

The Fellow is a key member of the curatorial team and is actively involved in both research as well as the development and execution of temporary exhibitions. The intimate scale of the institution ensures that Fellows are exposed to all aspects of museum operations. Since its inception in 1998, the Jeanne and Ralph Graham Curatorial Fellowship at Cranbrook Art Museum has attracted talented new curators who have gone on to lead curatorial programs in major museums across the country.

Reporting directly to the Associate Curator of Collections, and working collaboratively with other staff of the Art Museum, as well as staff from other Cranbrook units, the Fellow will assist in the research and development of exhibitions; research the holdings of the Art Museum; and help with the display and interpretation of art.

• In collaboration and cooperation with the curatorial and registration staff, helps develop exhibitions, including but not limited to checklist development, loan, and contributor agreements, layout of exhibitions, primary and secondary research of artworks and artists for presentation and publication.
• Researches the museum’s holdings and potential acquisitions and prepares related texts and presentations for Cranbrook’s acquisition committees.
• Conducts object research and assists with display and interpretation within the museum’s innovative, open storage Collections Wing.
• Writes interpretive texts for exhibitions, programs, acquisitions, and projects.
• Conducts tours of temporary exhibitions and the Collections Wing.
• Works with the curatorial team to present the exhibition program.
• Assists in collections-based education programs for students and adults.
• Attends and participates in Art Museum meetings.
• Facilitates research requests and inquiries about the exhibitions and collections.
• Assists with cataloging records and representing the collections on the Art Museum’s website.

The ideal candidate should have an M.A. in art, architectural, craft, or design history, material culture, or a related field (completion of M.A. coursework required), with an emphasis on 20th and 21st-century art with an interest in the craft, architecture, and design of the same period; demonstrated object-based research and interpretation skills; outstanding speaking, writing, and editing skills; attention to detail; strong computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite); and collections database experience (TMS strongly preferred). Previous curatorial experience or internships preferred but not required. Knowledge of aspects of the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) are helpful, but not required.

Cranbrook Art Museum is a leading venue for the presentation of twentieth- and twenty-first-century art, craft, architecture, and design. The Art Museum is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, a suburb of metropolitan Detroit, on the beautiful 319-acre historic landmark campus of the Cranbrook Educational Community. The Art Museum’s sister institution is Cranbrook Academy of Art, a renowned graduate school of art, architecture, craft, and design. While the collections of the Art Museum span the 20th and 21st centuries, the permanent collection focus is on the achievements of faculty and students of the Academy of Art and of artists in the Detroit metropolitan area. The Art Museum frequently presents public art programs in the city of Detroit, working with a range of creative collaborators, diverse artists and curators, and various community partners. Each year the Art Museum also presents artworks created by the graduating class of Cranbrook Academy of Art. In 2011, the Art Museum completed a renovation of its original 1942 Art Museum and Art Library building designed by Eliel Saarinen and created a new Collections Wing, a purpose-built, state-of-the-art handling and storage facility for its collections, which allows for a curated and publicly accessible viewing of selections from nearly 7,500 works of art.

Compensation and Residential Housing The 12-month fellowship begins in July 2024 and continues through June 30, 2025. The fellowship is subject to renewal for a second year, based on performance, allowing for the continued development and realization of longer-term projects. This is a full-time (40 hours per week) position with annualized compensation of $37,800, with an apartment on Cranbrook’s campus provided (no pets or smoking permitted). The position is also eligible for Cranbrook’s Blue Cross Blue Shield Simply Blue PPO medical plan.

Applications reviewed until position filled with priority given to applications received by April 4, 2024. Please send a cover letter (including Fellowship and career trajectory and goals), résumé, writing sample, list of three references with contact information (phone, email). Please be sure all documents are uploaded at the time you submit your application.

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Create Camps Teaching Artists engage students and foster an environment of innovation and self-expression. Each Teaching Artist leads daily visual arts experiences in the studio and in the Cranbrook Art Museum. An ideal candidate is a resourceful educator with endless enthusiasm for working with young artists. Our Create Camps maintain small teacher to student ratios to ensure that participants receive high-quality art instruction and benefit from frequent object-based explorations in the galleries.

Teaching Artists work in concert with an Education Assistant in the classroom. Typical schedule is Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm, with longer days Mondays and Fridays; approximately 35 hours/week. 3-6 weeks (some flexibility).

4 positions available.

Training starts early June 2024.

Camps run July 8 – August 16, 2024.

Rate: $21.75/hour

• Develop new dynamic projects with a connection to camp themes and objects in the museum’s collection. Museum resources and lesson plan framework will be provided.
• Effectively maintain classroom control and management of students in a range of ages, creating an environment of creativity, innovation, and support during class time.
• Prepare and set-up classroom studio, organize supplies and material inventory, tidy-up studio daily.
• Attend weekly all team meetings and maintain open communication with Museum Education and Create Camp staff.

• Completed Undergraduate Degree
• Previous teaching experience working with youth.
• Experience developing lesson plans for artmaking activities.
• Ability to lead indoor and outdoor recreation and classroom activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Undergraduate and/or Graduate Degree in Fine Arts, Elementary Education, Art Education.

The Visitor Services Representative (VSR) provides enthusiastic customer service to visitors at Cranbrook’s Art Museum’s seasonal outdoor installation, Cranbrook on the Green. The summer VSR will help orient visitors to the course, create a welcoming environment, help maintain outdoor spaces, follow opening and closing procedures, and other support in museum operations as necessary.

This is a temporary/seasonal position, with employment dates anticipated to run from April 22 – October 1, 2024.

Rate: $16.50 per hour

• Welcome and engage Museum visitors and constituents, orientate them to the Museum facility and introduce current programs. This includes visitors to the museum, campus, public programs, and private groups. Look for opportunities for further engagement, exceeding expectations of routine customer service.
• Perform the role of program facilitator at Cranbrook on the Green, engaging visitors in dialogue when appropriate, providing information on course, artists and campus history, while monitoring of security issues pertaining to mini golf holes and visitor surroundings. Stay current with programs and campus information.
• Go out of your way to be helpful and informative to visitors about facilities at the museum and on campus. This includes institutional history, wayfinding, and information about current and upcoming exhibitions and programming.
• Must be comfortable standing and walking outdoors during extended shift.
• Must be able to perform basic operations through the point of sale at the front desk and perform duties related to shop sales, including the accurate entry of all visitor information and fees collected into the Museum’s admission system.
• Help manage visitor engagement and experience for campus events including openings, receptions, programs, seasonal events, fundraisers, field trips and tours – these duties with vary, with the amount increasing and decreasing seasonally.
• Keep Mini Golf area, holes, check-in cart, storage areas clean and orderly.
• Must be physically able to navigate multiple levels and safely move visitors with handicapped restrictions or strollers into and out of the museum through the elevator.
• Be aware of emergency and security procedures at the Art Museum and implement when necessary. Communicate with CEC Security as needed.
• Follow appropriate opening and closing procedures as assigned, including peristyle and grounds set up, and monitoring daily museum inventory checklist procedures.
• Maintains attendance, punctuality, and performance standards set forth in Cranbrook’s employee handbook with adherence to dress code policy.

• High School Diploma required, BFA in pursuit preferred.
• Previous customer service experience required.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work with the public, school personnel, students, and volunteers with ease and enthusiasm.
• Must be able to make quick, intelligent decisions that may involve the safety of visitors, staff and art objects.
• Ability to suggest ideas for change that would improve visitor services operations, policies and procedures.
• Willingness to work outside for extended shifts (4-7 hours), including evenings and weekends.
• Computer experience required; additional training on specialized software is provided.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously.

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