Artist Assistants (AAs) provide the skills and guidance that make the Artist in Residence program possible. Each Artist in Residence (AiR) may choose one AA to help them negotiate their residency. AAs support the artist’s creative efforts through technical execution and collaborative planning in each of the studios on campus.

AiR’s are often chosen from outside the glass community to bring new and innovative ideas to the session. If an AiR doesn’t have experience with glass, the AA helps them gain a rudimentary knowledge of terms, processes, and skills. Artists may come prepared with specific ideas of what they want to make, while others may need suggestions to help them visualize how their work can be translated to glass. The AA must be prepared to listen carefully, ask questions, and share their expertise, while keeping in mind what can realistically be achieved within the time and resources available. AiRs are assigned a number of three hour slots with the Gaffer throughout the session. It is important for AAs to check in with the Artist and Gaffers before each slot to see what preparations are needed.

Although AiRs are given personal studio space, the rest of the studios and equipment will be shared with students. AAs must work closely with studio coordinators, TAs, and Instructors to plan the use of each studio. To make the best use of the time they will likely be working on several projects in different studios simultaneously.

All AAs must have extensive studio experience in various processes, interest in collaboration, and previous experience at Pilchuck.

Artist Assistant’s desired skills:

• Ability to manage multiple projects from beginning to end
• Clear and concise communication
• Excellent time management
• Proactive problem solving
• Flexibility and an open mind to what can be achieved with the media
• Deep familiarity with a wide range of glass processes and with Pilchuck’s studios

Artist Assistant’s responsibilities may include:

• Show up on time! Sessions are full of fun and distracting activities that do not take precedence over AA duties
• Assisting Gaffers during the AiR’s designated time or possibly gaffing themselves
• Cold working
• Assisting in the Print Shop
• Making molds for kiln casting or mold blowing
• Ensuring shared spaces stays clean and orderly
• Programming and monitoring kilns and annealers
• Inventory and distribution of materials and supplies
• Other tasks and skill may be required depending on the AiR that session

AAs are typically on duty 40 hours a week, though this arrangement is flexible based on need. Free time may vary depending on the assigned gaffer-slots and length of the session. Opportunity for AAs to make their own work isn’t guaranteed but may be available during the session. Time should be arranged in advance with the artist.

Teaching Assistants (TAs) are essential to the outcome of a successful session for both the students and Instructors. They support the instructor’s creative and educational vison while providing guidance and encouragement to the students.

Instructor(s) choose their TAs either by selecting someone they already have a strong working relationship with or by reviewing application from of pool of candidates who have applied to assist their specific class. All TAs must submit an application through the Slideroom portal.

The number of TAs a class receives depends on enrolment and/or the scope and scale of the class. Before and throughout the session instructors should discuss what they expect the class to accomplish and their learning goals both technically and artistically. It is important for TAs to support the same goals as the instructor and the course as broadly outlined in the course description.

Workshops will be sharing studio space with other workshops and the Artist in Residence. It is imperative for TAs to work collaboratively with studio coordinators and the others studio users to ensure equitable access to the facilities.

All TAs must have extensive studio experience in the areas covered in the course curriculum of the class they are applying to. Though it is not necessary, it is helpful for TAs to have previous experience at Pilchuck.

Teaching Assistant’s desired skills:

• A genuine interest in teaching
• The ability to encourage and motivate students
• Excellent time management
• Proactive problem solving
• Clear and concise communication
• Attention to a safe and inclusive environment for their class and the broader session

Teaching Assistant’s responsibilities include:

• Show up on time! Sessions are full of fun and distracting activities that do not take precedence over your duties.
• Assist with lesson preparation, including collecting materials and setting up equipment
• Oversee safe and proper use of tools and equipment
• Ensures shared spaces stays clean and orderly for the other classes
• Learn the class schedule and regularly check-in with instructor to keep on track
• Participate in campus events
• Attend scheduled meetings

TAs are typically on duty 40 hours a week; however, free time may differ depending on class schedules and the length of the session. After all class needs are met, there may be an opportunity for TAs to make their own work upon arrangement with instructors.