An Artist or Illustrator develops ideas and works with different materials to create art, including crafts and fine art such as painting. May specialize in drawing and creating visual images, designs or pictures for books and other publications or for commercial products, or detailed drawings for scientific or medical illustrations. Creates drawings by hand and uses computers to create or develop images.
ArtTerra Creative Arts & Studio Guide Acton Academy Santa Cruz Midtown Santa Cruz Part-Time:
10:30- 3:30 Fridays -28 classes, September to June About ArtTerra ArtTerra is Acton Academy Santa Cruz's Friday enrichment program rooted in creativity, hands-on learning, nature connection, and learner-driven exploration. It blends visual arts, maker experiences, Spanish in action, music, and outdoor learning into a mixed-age environment where learners build skills, confidence, and ownership. We are seeking a Creative Arts & Studio Guide for learners ages 4 to 18, primarily upper elementary this year. This role combines whole-program creative facilitation with a focused afternoon art studio for older learners. Friday Program Overview10:30 to 11:40 AM Spanish in Action Co-led The Art Guide co-leads a playful, gamified Spanish experience with the Spark Guide. This is not a class, but an immersive experience where learners build language through doing, playing, and shared activities such as cooking, gardening, animal care, and maker projects. No Spanish fluency is required. A willingness to participate, practice, and learn alongside learners is essential. 11:45 to 12:45 PM Lunch and Outdoor Time Lunch followed by outdoor play at a local park. Learners typically walk together to a nearby park for unstructured play, connection, and time outside. 12:45 to 1:15 PM Silent Reading and Journaling Quiet transition time. During this block, the Art Guide uses this time to prepare materials and set up for the afternoon art studio. 1:15 to 3:15 PM Art Studio Older Learners A mixed age studio approximately ages 8 to 18 focused on drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, and maker based exploration. Learners develop skills, confidence, and creative independence while working in a studio culture that emphasizes responsibility, care for materials, and respect for shared space. Role Overview This role is designed to create a real studio environment where learners: Explore multiple art mediums Build creative confidence and independence Take ownership of materials, tools, and shared space Develop responsibility through daily studio care From the beginning of the year, learners are expected to clean up after themselves and actively contribute to maintaining an organized, inspiring studio. Yearly Art Journey -Fall Foundations and Studio Habits Drawing, painting, mixed media, printmaking, and core visual art skills.
Focus includes:
Material care and responsibility Setup and cleanup routines Growth mindset language and reflection Respect for shared space and tools Winter Ceramics Focus Hand building, sculpture, functional forms, and clay exploration. Spring Specialty Maker Studio Based on the Guide's expertise and creative practice.
Possible directions include:
Fiber arts sewing, knitting, crochet, felting, weaving Cake decorating and food arts Woodworking with hand tools Architecture, design, and model building Printmaking, jewelry, or other maker arts End of Session Art in the Natural World and Field Trips Each session may conclude with an outdoor art experience or field trip option such as: Beach or harbor sketching Nature journaling Watercolor in the field Observation based drawing End of Year Learner Choice Projects The final few classes of the year will intentionally shift toward learner choice, allowing learners to design and pursue their own creative projects with increasing independence. Responsibilities Lead afternoon art studio for mixed age learners Co-lead Spanish in Action with Spark Guide Facilitate hands-on creative experiences Build and maintain a strong studio culture of responsibility Teach foundational art skills while supporting independence Encourage ownership of materials, space, and work Use growth mindset language to support reflection and resilience Support outdoor art experiences and occasional field trips Collaborate with Acton Guides across the Friday program Maintain a safe, organized, inspiring studio environment We Are Looking For Someone Who Has experience teaching or mentoring children and teens in art or making Enjoys mixed age, project based environments Has a strong personal creative practice Values process over perfection Can guide without over directing Believes young people are capable of real responsibility Fluency in Spanish is strongly welcomed but not required Uses growth mindset language naturally with learners Brings energy, patience, and curiosity Enjoys connecting art with nature and real world experiences Schedule Fridays during the school year 28 classes, September to June Acton Academy Santa Cruz Midtown Compensation Based on experience and scope of role, likely structured as a flat Friday rate About Acton Academy Santa Cruz Acton Academy Santa Cruz is a learner driven program where children take ownership of their learning, discover their strengths, and grow through meaningful challenges. Guides act as facilitators and mentors, helping create environments where learners develop independence, creativity, and responsibility If Interested•If you are interested in this role, please email us directly at info@actonsantacruz.org
