Momentary

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non‑profit charitable organization that offers free admission to a world‑class collection of American art, stunning architecture, and walking trails. The Momentary is a contemporary art space that opened in February 2020, presenting visual, performing, and culinary arts.

Position Summary

The Manager of Studio Programs leads the strategic vision, planning, and execution of studio‑based art‑making experiences across Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary, including the Learning & Engagement Hub Studios. The role manages a portfolio of programs—class series, workshops, drop‑in art‑making, and a Teaching Artist in Residence program—ensuring all offerings are high‑quality, inclusive, and accessible to diverse audiences. As a key leader within Public Programs, the Manager mentors educators and teaching artists, fostering a collaborative, creative, and accountable work environment while advancing a multi‑disciplinary studio ecosystem spanning ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking, fibers, sculpture, and craft‑based media.

Principal Responsibilities

• Provide strong leadership and supervision to studio educators and teaching artists, including hiring, training, mentoring, and performance management.
• Lead the planning, development, and execution of a suite of studio programs, including classes, workshops, drop‑in art‑making, and new studio programming.
• Oversee the Teaching Artist in Residence program and support artists in developing high‑quality, engaging programs and experiences.
• Develop and implement long‑range strategies for studio program growth, aligned with institutional priorities and the expansion of the L&E Hub Studios.
• Manage program operations, including scheduling, staffing, budgets, materials, and timelines, ensuring efficient and high‑quality delivery.
• Design and lead select studio programs and workshops, modeling best practices in teaching and facilitation.
• Ensure excellence and consistency across all studio experiences, maintaining high standards for teaching, facilitation, and participant engagement.
• Evaluate program effectiveness using data and feedback, and implement improvements to increase impact, attendance, and revenue.
• Contribute to marketing and communications strategies, including development of program descriptions and interpretive content.
• Develop clear, engaging written materials for studio activities, including instructions, curriculum, and public‑facing content.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support L&E Programs and Partnerships that include hands‑on art‑making, including the Mobil Art Lab, Arkansas Children’s Hospital partnership, and AWE ecosystem‑wide programs.
• Collaborate cross‑departmentally to integrate art‑making into exhibitions, programs, and museum‑wide initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with local and regional artists, organizations, and partners to expand program reach and relevance.
• Stay current with trends in studio art practice, museum education, and audience engagement, incorporating new approaches into programming.
• Support the development of accessible and inclusive teaching practices across L&E offerings.
• Participate in cross‑functional teams and institutional initiatives as needed.
• Work evenings, weekends, and holidays in alignment with program schedules.

Qualifications and Skills

• Practicing artist with formal training in studio art, art education, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience developing and leading studio programs, preferably in a museum or cultural institution.
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience, including supervising teams and managing teaching artists or educators.
• Strong teaching background, with the ability to lead studio‑based classes for a range of ages and skill levels.
• Deep knowledge of visual arts and hands‑on experience across multiple media, with particular strength in ceramics and familiarity with a wide range of materials and processes.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with experience managing complex schedules and budgets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including content development for public audiences.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across departments and with external partners.
• Knowledge of museum pedagogy, audience engagement strategies, and inclusive teaching practices.
• Ability to remain flexible, solution‑oriented, and composed in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and willingness to learn systems such as Asana, Momentous, and Tessitura.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here represent those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Regularly, the employee is required to travel independently regionally and in communities served. Work will be performed in an office environment, museum galleries, art studios, outdoors on trails, and in communities served. Some evening and weekend hours are required. While performing the duties, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the museum work environment is usually low to moderate.

EEO Statement

Crystal Bridges is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.