- Junior
- Bureau à Seattle
Description
Vibrant Palette Arts Center (VPAC)
Part-Time Hourly Employee
Tuesdays from 10:40 AM–2:10 PM and Wednesdays from 9:00 AM–3:30 PM at Equinox Studios in Georgetown, Seattle
Total Hours: 9–10/week
About Vibrant Palette
Vibrant Palette Arts Center (VPAC) is a program of Parkview Services that provides year-round visual arts programming for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DDs). We are a progressive art studio—a model that supports artists with disabilities in a professional, peer-driven environment.
Progressive art studios are built on the belief that artists with disabilities are artists first. They focus on supporting individual artistic independence, consistent creative practice, and meaningful participation in the contemporary art world. Staffed by practicing artists, these studios foster a community where artists make their own creative decisions, exhibit and sell their work, and play an active role in shaping the studio’s culture and direction.
At VPAC, we value creativity, self-expression, kindness, and accessibility.
Position Summary
The Arts Facilitator provides creative guidance, mentorship, and daily support for artists enrolled in the Vibrant Palette program. This role combines hands-on facilitation with community-building, helping artists develop their individual art practices, explore new materials and techniques, and prepare for exhibitions.
Arts Facilitators at VPAC are peers rather than teachers—working alongside artists as fellow creators and collaborators. Facilitators provide access to materials, technical support, and professional opportunities without directing content or style. Each artist is encouraged to explore personal interests, take artistic risks, and develop a consistent, self-directed practice within a supportive studio environment.
The ideal candidate will be a practicing artist who is passionate about inclusion, accessibility, and person-centered, artist-led studio practice.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Art Facilitation and Instruction
- Support artists in exploring a range of media and techniques, including painting, drawing, mixed media, ceramics, woodwork, and textiles.
- Provide individualized technical guidance while encouraging creative autonomy and experimentation.
- Collaborate with other facilitators to share techniques and introduce artists to new materials or media.
- Participate in special projects, calls for art, and exhibitions.
Artist Support and Community Building
- Build trust and rapport with artists, fostering independence, confidence, and self-direction.
- Observe and document artists’ progress, attendance, and well-being; share updates with the Program Director.
- Communicate with families, caregivers, and support staff as needed to enhance each artist’s experience.
- Promote inclusion, respect, and collaboration within the studio community.
Studio and Administrative Support
- Maintain a safe, clean, and organized workspace that meets Equinox Studios’ standards.
- Help track and organize supplies, manage storage, and support setup and cleanup.
- Participate in staff meetings, planning sessions, and art events.
- Follow all Parkview Services policies, including confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
- Other duties as assigned by the Program Director.
Requirements
- Experience facilitating, mentoring, or creating art in a community or educational setting.
- Interest in working with adults with I/DDs and belief in the value of artist-led practice.
- Practicing artist with an active creative practice and portfolio.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and adapt to changing circumstances.
- Successful completion of Washington State DSHS background check and fingerprinting.
Preferred
- Familiarity with person-centered and trauma-informed principles.
- Knowledge of accessibility and inclusive studio practices.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Zoom, and Outlook.
Physical Requirements
- Occasionally lift and move supplies up to 20 pounds.
- Support artists as needed with setup, mobility, or studio activities.
- Maintain awareness of safety protocols related to art materials and equipment.