Art Program Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Are you looking to inspire the next generation of creative thinkers, makers, and leaders — through the power of art?

The Art Specialist is a dynamic youth development professional responsible for planning, delivering, and overseeing engaging, hands-on visual arts experiences for middle and high school-aged members. This role harnesses the power of creative expression, artistic exploration, and project-based learning to help members build confidence, creativity, communication skills, and career readiness.

More than an instructor, this role is a catalyst — transforming creative energy into real-world competencies that open doors. The Art Specialist curates a welcoming studio environment where members explore diverse artistic mediums while developing critical thinking, collaboration, and authentic self-expression. As a mentor and positive role model, this position ensures every member feels seen, valued, and inspired to reach their potential.

Why the Arts Matter: Building Skills for Life & Career

• Creative problem-solving ranks among the most in-demand skills across every major industry.
• Art builds resilience — learning to iterate, fail, and improve is the foundation of a growth mindset.
• Visual communication is a core literacy in today's digital economy.
• Collaborative art projects mirror real-world teamwork, deadline management, and shared ownership.
• Portfolio development gives youth a tangible, compelling record of their capabilities for college and career.

Prepare Youth for Future Success

• Actively and collaboratively engage as a team member with Woodlands Impact Center staff to meet program goals.
• Demonstrate leadership to meet conduct, safety, life, and employability skills development goals of members.
• Plan, prepare, and administer daily art experiences and activities while providing supervision of high school members.
• Develop written experience plans detailing activity purpose, materials required, step-by-step instructions, and life and employability skills addressed.
• Deliver Club program objectives consistent with organizational goals and mission.
• Record daily attendance of members participating in activities.
• Ensure members are encouraged to participate in impactful experiences and receive instruction and constructive feedback to develop artistic and creative skills.
• Recognize and celebrate members' positive behavior, effort, and accomplishments.
• Continuously evaluate experiences and adapt programming to meet member interests and developmental needs.
• Serve as a positive role model with a sincere interest in member success.

Art Program Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate a variety of visual arts experiences including drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, graphic design, photography, digital art, crafts, and cultural arts.
• Teach artistic techniques while encouraging creativity and self-expression.
• Maintain an organized and safe art studio environment.
• Manage art supplies, materials, and equipment responsibly.
• Organize displays, showcases, exhibitions, and member art galleries to build member pride and community visibility.
• Incorporate career exploration opportunities related to creative industries and the arts.
• Foster an environment that values diversity, inclusion, and cultural appreciation through artistic expression.
• Collaborate with community artists, volunteers, and partners to enhance programming opportunities.

Additional Responsibilities

• May oversee special programs and events, including art showcases, community art projects, field trips, and service-learning opportunities.
• Participate in implementation of other Impact Center activities as needed.
• May be required to drive the Impact Center van periodically.
• Assist with maintaining a clean and organized Impact Center, including sweeping, mopping, wiping tables, washing dishes, decorating spaces, and organizing supplies.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Workforce Skills Cultivated Through Art

Artistic Practice: Transferable Workforce Skills Developed

Drawing & Painting: Attention to detail, patience, and iterative self-improvement

Sculpture & 3D Design: Spatial reasoning, engineering thinking, hands-on prototyping

Graphic Design: Visual communication, brand literacy, digital software proficiency

Photography: Technical operation, storytelling, composition and framing

Digital Art & Animation: Technology fluency, multimedia production, file organization

Mixed Media / Collage: Resourcefulness, conceptual thinking, material innovation

Art Critique & Peer Review: Oral communication, giving and receiving constructive feedback

Portfolio Building: Personal branding, professional presentation, self-advocacy

Exhibition Planning: Project management, public relations, event coordination

Cultural Arts Projects: Global awareness, empathy, cross-cultural communication

Collaborative Murals & Group Projects: Teamwork, compromise, shared ownership of outcomes

Qualifications

• Passion for Visual Arts & Youth: Brings infectious enthusiasm that motivates even reluctant members to pick up a brush or open a design file
• Creative Facilitation: Designs experiences where youth discover their own voice rather than simply copying the instructor
• Communication & Relationship Building: Connects authentically with teens; builds trust that extends beyond the studio
• Coachable & Adaptable: Pivots fluidly based on member energy, supply availability, or unexpected moments of inspiration
• Organization & Self-Management: Manages materials, lesson plans, attendance, and timelines with minimal oversight
• Positive Behavior Recognition: Catches members doing things right and amplifies it to build a thriving studio culture
• Mentorship Mindset: Sees every member as a future creative professional worthy of honest investment and feedback
• Ability to Inspire Confidence: Nurtures self-expression and risk-taking in a safe, judgment-free environment

Qualifications

• Preferred (Bachelor's in Fine Arts, Art Education, Graphic Design, etc.)
• Minimum (Associate's degree)
• Equivalent experience accepted (2+ years professional art/facilitation)
• Youth development coursework as a plus