Visual Arts

Artist Lava Thomas is seeking a skilled and teachable Studio Assistant to provide studio support for various projects including drawing, fabrication, and installation.

Responsibilities:
Working closely with the Artist and Project Manager, the Studio Assistant will:

Draw (Approximately 50%)

• Set up and produce under-drawings based on photographs.
• Develop certain areas of drawings to match the Artist’s style; this will include articles of clothing, background, furniture, etc.

Fabrication/Installation/Miscellaneous Studio Tasks (Approximately 35%)

• Assist in preparation of Artist’s signature tambourine installations.
• Prepare and finish tambourines with leather, acrylic discs, and hanging hardware.
• Create templates and install manuals for tambourine installations.
• Label and pack artwork for shipping.
• Experiment with new methods and materials and produce small examples for review by Artist.
• Keep workstation and inventory area neat, organized and well stocked with supplies.
• Assist with on-site installations when needed.
• Produce digital “sketches” of artwork concepts in Photoshop (showing overall shapes of potential installations, planning placements of artworks for scale models, etc.)
• Miscellaneous studio tasks as directed by Artist and/or Project Manager.

Administrative (Approximately 15%)

• Create folders of necessary files and send shareable links to Artist via Dropbox.
• Update and maintain MASTER IMAGE_File in Dropbox when new works are finished and photographed.
• Photograph works in studio (if professional photographer is unavailable) and edit photographs in Photoshop.
• Print documents and reference images.

Required Qualifications:

• BFA in Studio Art or equivalent
• Drawing skills, especially in portraiture and with close attention to detail
• Painting skills
• Strong communication skills
• Macintosh, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook proficiency
• Dropbox proficiency
• Adobe Suite proficiency – esp. Photoshop
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle
• Ability to travel
• Ability to work well under deadline pressure and juggle multiple projects

Location:
Most of the work will be done at the Artist’s studio in Berkeley, CA.
Other locations will include install sites if Artist’s studio team is required to visit or install.

Compensation:
This is a part-time, non-exempt position, approx. 20-25 hrs./week. ! Starting wage of $24/hr.

How to Apply:
Send your cover letter, CV, a portfolio of eight works showing a range of artistic skills (five that demonstrate drawing skills) and contact information for three references in a combined pdf file to admin@lavathomas.com.

BIPOC women are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

DEADLINE EXTENDED: MAY 23, 2022

Lava Thomas is seeking a Research/Administrative Associate to provide administrative and research support. This position requires a highly organized, adaptable, self-motivated, discreet and detail-oriented individual who can juggle competing deadlines.

Responsibilities:
Working closely with Lava Thomas and Lava Thomas’s Studio Team, the Research & Administrative Associate will:

Research (Approximately 30%)

• Assist with research for concept development for new projects.
• Order books and other research materials.
• Compile source materials for projects and acquire licensing permissions as needed.

Administrative (Approximately 70%)

• Manage correspondence, assist with emails.
• Manage artist’s and studio calendar, track deadlines.
• Participate in meetings, create agendas, take notes.
• Retrieve files and documents from 800 GB cloud server (Dropbox).
• Maintain Dropbox structure by adopting established file naming conventions and existing organization of files.
• Assist with preparation of presentations for lectures, panels and artist talks.
• Prepare materials for grant, fellowship and residency applications.
• Prepare materials for project proposals.
• Manage social media platforms – Instagram, Facebook.
• Maintain website.
• Maintain mailing list.
• Design, write copy and send newsletters and announcements.
• Answer inquiries from galleries, art organizations and museums.
• Coordinate travel arrangements for artist and project team as needed.
• Travel with the artist and project team as needed.
• Troubleshoot technology issues.

Required Qualifications:

• BA or MA in Art History, Visual Studies or equivalent.
• Minimum two years professional work experience for an arts organization, arts institution, or professional artist.
• Knowledge of contemporary art, with a focus on Black Art, Black Feminist thought and histories of US protest movements.
• Ongoing engagement with progressive politics.
• Excellent writing, copy-editing, and proof-reading skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Macintosh, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook proficiency.
• Dropbox proficiency.
• Adobe Suite proficiency – esp. Photoshop.
• MailChimp and Square Space proficiency.
• Google Slides, PowerPoint and Keynote proficiency.
• Social media proficiency – Instagram, Facebook, twitter.
• Experience with conducting research using primary sources and interacting with archives and/or special collections.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
• Ability to travel.
• Ability to work well under deadline pressure.

Compensation:
This is a part-time, non-exempt position. $30/hr., 15-20 hours per week.

How to Apply:
Send your cover letter, CV, a writing sample and contact information for three references in a combined pdf file to admin@lavathomas.com.

BIPOC women are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

DEADLINE EXTENDED: MAY 23, 2022.