Freelance Surface Pattern Design Jobs in Providence, RI

CE Overview

RISD Continuing Education functions within the larger context of RISD, an institution with an unparalleled reputation for producing highly-skilled, successful, and internationally renowned creative practitioners. With more than 100 years of expertise nurturing critical making, thinking, and innovation in art and design we facilitate personal and professional development by engaging students in sustained exploration and learning in the creative disciplines. With a commitment to centering inclusivity, diversity and equity in executing key responsibilities, RISD Continuing Education instructors plan, organize, teach, and provide feedback to promote and direct student learning in keeping with the institutional learning-centered values and in a manner that meets essential competencies of artists and designers.

Job Summary

What are we looking for?

RISD Continuing Education is in search of an inspired art educator who is interested in supporting the growth of teens as part of our in-person youth program. The ideal candidate has experience in art education and is prepared to guide students with empathy. Applicants should be prepared to teach in person while delivering courses to a diverse group of students from a range of abilities and experiences. We welcome candidates whose teaching experience addresses historically underrepresented communities.

RISD Continuing Education is seeking a practicing art and design educator interested in supporting the growth of aspiring teen artists interested in exploring future career opportunities. The ideal candidate has art education experience, a history of successful freelance art/design work, and extensive knowledge of potential career paths in art. Applicants should be ready to teach online while delivering a course to a diverse group of students with various abilities and experiences. We welcome candidates whose teaching experience addresses historically underrepresented communities.

How does this role impact our students?

As a youth programs instructor, you will lead teens toward aspiring career paths while problem-solving through art and design. Our program emphasizes design thinking, communicating, and creating, and students will look to you for guidance while navigating daily prompts and assignments. Each class will serve as an opportunity for your students to develop socially and intellectually; by the end of the course, they will have identified new (or hone in on existing) academic and career goals with your help.

What does this position offer you?

At RISD Continuing Education, we are motivated by advancements in education that allow us to reach broader audiences and connect with creatives from around the globe. We regularly maintain and improve our instructor support systems to ensure that you are prepared to intentionally build a course that you are excited to teach. When you work with us, you will receive personalized support from our program manager to enhance your teaching.

What are we teaching?

We are currently seeking an instructor who is available to teach Embroidery, in person on the RISD campus in Providence, RI. The successful candidate will have a strong background in deliverables listed in the course description. The current course description is as follows:

Create mini masterpieces with needle and thread. Embroidery is a time-honored craft that uses thread to stitch patterns and images onto fabric. Colorful, thick threads allow embroiderers to stitch touchable "paintings" that are rich in color and texture. Traditionally applied on home goods and clothing, it's making a resurgence in fashion and gaining recognition in fine art. Learn basic stitches to create lines and patterns. Test combinations of substrates, threads, beads, or other embellishments to add interest to a fabric. Your hand-stitched creations will be one of a kind.

Learner Outcomes:

• Learn and experiment with various stitching techniques to create patterns and images.

• Incorporate embellishments such as beads, sequins, or found objects.

• Design colorful and textural embroideries informed by personal meaning.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Required:

• BS, BFA or Art/Design Major required

• Teaching experience, including the ability to create syllabi and lesson plans, and how to tie those to learning outcomes

• Teaching experience, including the ability to create syllabi and lesson plans, and how to tie those to learning outcomes

• Demonstrated expertise in embroidery

• Ability to convey complex art and design concepts to students with varied skills (novice to advanced) in a condensed time frame

• Accept and act upon constructive feedback from course evaluations by students and staff.

• Ability to develop and implement diverse teaching and learning for learners from a variety of educational backgrounds, environments and expectations

• Ability to meet RISD's technology requirements

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Preferred

• Experience teaching K-12 in art and design

• Expressed interest in career planning and preparation for teens

• Masters degree

• Teaching certification/certificate

• Knowledge and understanding of early-mid childhood learner principles and respect for students

Documents Needed to Apply:

• Resume, including a URL link for your professional portfolio

• Statement of interest preferred

Work Schedule:

Classes will be held on Saturdays, 9am - 12pm on the RISD campus in Providence, RI

Now hiring for the Fall 2026 semester, with classes beginning 10/10/2026 - 11/14/2026

Union:

No

Work Modality:

In person

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

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