For immediate release Sept 16, 2024:
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking an artist who is passionate about the evolution and future of Art Metals and has a deep understanding of the field’s traditions. Applicants should have an interdisciplinary research mindset, possess a strong background in Art Metals methodology, and be able to speak to contemporary arts practice across genres. The ideal candidate for this position will be an innovative artist-educator with a distinguished exhibition record, at least two years of teaching experience at the university or college level, and strong collaborative, communication, and leadership skills. Candidates must hold an M.F.A. degree or have equivalent professional experience. Applications are welcome from emerging artists and educators as well as those already well established in the academic community. Candidates who have recently obtained their MFA degrees should have ongoing research and creative work reflected in exhibitions and/or publications as well as presentation skills that indicate potential for excellence in teaching. The ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary Art department and experience working with diverse populations are required and vital aspects of this position.
Demonstrated proficiency in a wide range of metalsmithing and jewelry techniques is essential, and expertise in hollowware is considered especially desirable, although optional. Knowledge of machine, tool, and studio maintenance and organization, and excellent verbal, written, and digital skills are necessary. We are looking for candidates who can provide evidence of their teaching abilities at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The Art Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is nationally ranked among the Top 15 in Overall Fine Arts Programs by U.S. News and World Report. The current student population for the department is 1,700 undergraduates, 51 graduate students, and 250 certificate students. The Art Department is committed to excellence in teaching in the context of a major research university and a vibrant intellectual community. Its mission is based on the premise that art is the nexus of all the humanities and that creative expression in the visual arts has provided some of the most enduring contributions to society and culture. The Art Department strives to provide both a fertile and challenging environment for aesthetic and critical engagement and the technical skills necessary for the practice of art in the changing landscape of the twenty-first century. It encourages innovation and cross-disciplinary activity and believes that students should utilize the vast academic resources of the university to inform and deepen their artistic vision.
The Art Metals program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the oldest and most respected programs in the country, ranked No. 3 nationally. The program challenges its students to conduct material investigations, develop relevant skills and techniques, and grasp the historical and cultural significance of metalsmithing and jewelry design in the context of contemporary art. Students are encouraged to achieve technical proficiency in their medium while also engaging in socially significant research and creative investigation. The program focuses on fostering analytical and critical thinking, promoting historical responsibility, and developing theoretical awareness through seminar-style classes with the faculty. Our Metals Labs are equipped with a wide range of tools, including torches, annealing booths, a centrifugal casting machine, an oxygen-free vacuum casting machine, enameling kilns, a gas forge, manual and electric rolling mills, a sandblaster, band and jig saws, lathes, milling machines, drill presses, a polishing room, spray-etchers, a forming room with hundreds of stakes and hammers, and more. Metals Labs are supported by a full-time Technician.
The Art Department is part of the UW-Madison School of Education, which is regularly ranked as one of the top Schools of Education in the nation. The School is proud of the outstanding breadth of its programs, with departments in Education, Health and the Arts. The School views this broad range of programs as a tremendous strength.
To receive full consideration, applications must be received by November 7, 2024.