Art Instructor – Community Outreach

Art Instructor – Community Outreach (Part-Time)

Donna Lexa Art Centers (DLAC) is seeking a creative, motivated Art Instructor to lead community-based outreach programming and facilitate studio sessions with minimal supervision. This role is primarily outreach-focused and requires regular travel between partner sites throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.

Starting wage: $16/hour

This is a 16-20 hour/week part-time position with some optional evening hours, reporting to the Program Manager. Hours may increase over time.

Role Overview

The core responsibility of this position is facilitating outreach-based art instruction at community partner locations, including weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly programming across Southeastern Wisconsin. In addition to community outreach programming, this position includes co-facilitating open studio style art groups at both DLAC locations.

This role is best suited for someone who is energized by working in community settings, traveling between locations, and building relationships outside of a traditional studio environment.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, flexible, and independent instructor who:

· Is comfortable and reliable in community outreach environments (travel between sites is essential)

· Excels at adapting instruction for diverse participant needs and abilities

· Has strong experience working with groups in educational, therapeutic, or community-based settings

· Can work effectively with minimal supervision

· Is confident engaging participants with varying physical, developmental, cognitive, and emotional needs

· Demonstrates strong relational skills and professionalism in all settings

The ability to work respectfully and effectively with DLAC’s participant populations is the most important qualification for this role.

Populations Served

DLAC serves teens and adults with physical, developmental, and/or intellectual disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, veterans experiencing PTSD, and older adults including individuals with dementia or age-related cognitive changes.

Experience and comfort working with these populations in a strengths-based, participant-centered approach is essential.

Education

Required: Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in Fine Arts, Media Arts, Art Education, Art Therapy, or Art Education/Art Therapy

Preferred (strong advantage): Credentialing, certification, or graduate-level training in Art Therapy or Art Therapy–informed practice

Candidates with art therapy training will be given strong consideration due to alignment with participant populations and program model.

Required Experience

· Experience facilitating art groups (6–10 participants preferred)

· Experience working with diverse populations

· Experience adapting instruction to individual learning styles and abilities

· Experience in community-based, educational, or therapeutic settings strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Outreach Instruction (Primary Focus)

· Facilitate art programming at community partner sites across Southeastern Wisconsin (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly travel required)

· Facilitate DLAC studio-based programs as scheduled

· Provide individualized instruction and accommodations as needed

· Support participant choice, creativity, and engagement

· Supervise volunteers assisting with programming

Program Preparation & Delivery

· Prepare, transport, and organize materials for outreach and studio programs

· Set up and break down off-site and studio environments

· Start and end sessions on time

· Maintain storage and organization of participant work

· Ensure safe and accessible use of materials and space

Administrative Duties

· Complete attendance, mileage, and time reporting accurately and on time

· Submit incident reports as needed

· Attend staff meetings and trainings

· Assist with outreach and community engagement efforts

· Support program events and fundraising activities as needed

· Assist with volunteer coordination and training

· Other duties as assigned by Program Manager or Executive Director

Community Engagement

As a nonprofit organization, DLAC relies on community engagement and participation in organizational events such as fundraisers, open houses, and art fairs. Participation is not required but is a valued contribution to the mission.