Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is hiring: Studio Programs Technician in

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.

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the heritage and artistic possibilities of the United States. The Momentary is a contemporary art space that opened on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville and serves as a venue for music, art, and food.

Position Summary

The Studio Programs Technician is responsible for the day‑to‑day operation, maintenance, and safety of the ceramics and digital tool studios while supporting broader studio programs across disciplines. The Technician ensures equipment, tools, and materials are well‑maintained and ready for classes, workshops, and open studio use. In addition to overseeing ceramics processes—including clay preparation, glaze mixing, kiln operation, and studio upkeep—the Technician helps monitor and maintain other shared studio spaces and equipment as needed. The Technician also serves as a teaching artist, regularly leading classes and workshops for a variety of audiences and managing the digital tool studio, which houses 3D printers, a laser cutter, and other specialized printers. Responsibilities include troubleshooting hardware and software issues, maintaining consumables, and developing safety protocols and user guidelines for digital fabrication processes. The role champions inclusivity and community engagement, encouraging joyful learning, diverse perspectives, and social connections. Collaboration with internal colleagues, artists, volunteers, and community partners is crucial, and flexibility to work evenings and weekends is essential for program scheduling.

Principal Responsibilities

• Maintain and monitor the organization, safety, and functionality of all studios, focusing on daily operations, equipment, and materials in the ceramics and digital tool studios.
• Ensure all digital fabrication tools are properly maintained, calibrated, and safely operated; manage consumables and troubleshoot hardware/software issues as needed.
• Supervise teaching artists presenting select programs in Crystal Bridges studios.
• Develop and teach select programs on the museum’s roster of studio programs.
• Collaborate with the Manager of Studio Programs on planning art‑making engagements for large parties and festivals, as needed.
• Develop engagement activities to activate CBMO spaces and drive consistent guest traffic when programming is not occurring.
• Work closely with the Community Engagement team on co‑hosted partner programs that encompass art‑making.
• Work closely with the Studio Program Manager on both informal and formal assessments for all programs.
• Draft marketing copy for assigned programs.

Additional Responsibilities

• Collaborate with other entities across Art & Wellness Enterprises, as needed.
• Work with guest artists and consultants.
• Supervise work‑study students, interns, and volunteers as required.
• Assist with preparation of budgets for Studio Programs operations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in ceramics or studio art.
• Ability to teach ceramics and studio‑based classes in visual arts (beginner to advanced level).
• Experience in planning and presenting public educational programming for large groups in a museum, academic, or community setting.
• Knowledge of the visual arts and museum pedagogy; willingness to learn about nature, education, and architecture.
• Highest ethics as they relate to all aspects of museum practices and confidentiality.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently, as well as within a team.
• Ability to work frequent weekends, occasional evenings, and some holidays as needed.
• A good sense of humor and calm demeanor under pressure.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness to learn museum applications including Asana.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record; willingness and ability to travel for program development and facilitation.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Physical Demands: Regularly travel independently regionally and in communities served; work at a desk and use a computer and phone, bend, stretch, stand, and sit; lift objects weighing 50+ pounds and travel on outdoor trails; visual acuity required.
• Work Environment: Office, art studios, museum galleries, outdoor trails, and communities served; some evening and weekend hours; exposure to weather and moderate noise levels.

All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, proper identification verifying eligibility to work in the United States is required.

Crystal Bridges is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. 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.