Lead Teaching Artist

Position Overview

The Teen Maker’s Club Lead Teaching Artist is responsible for leading hands-on, craft-based art instruction for teens while guiding them through product development, quality production, and basic entrepreneurship. This role combines artistic instruction with workforce readiness, mentoring teens as creative producers who contribute to Carpenter Art Garden’s public-facing products and earned-income efforts.

• Plan and lead weekly hands-on workshops in crafting, painting, and mixed-media production (e.g., wooden hearts, painted designs, sewn and crocheted items).
• Teach foundational and intermediate techniques in woodworking, painting, sewing, crochet, and finishing methods.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and productive studio environment.
• Guide teens through the full creative process from concept to completed product.

• Oversee consistent production of Carpenter Art Garden products (e.g., Grizzlies and Le Bonheur Hearts, collegiate hearts, potholders, and custom orders).
• Ensure products meet established quality, durability, and design standards.
• Assist with expanding product lines and special-request items.

• Introduce teens to basic entrepreneurship concepts including pricing, inventory, time management, and customer expectations.
• Support teens in understanding online selling platforms, product imaging, social media promotion, and in-person sales at community events.
• Teach the value of creative labor, professionalism, and accountability.

• Create a supportive, inclusive environment that builds teen confidence, responsibility, and teamwork.
• Model professional behavior, punctuality, and communication.
• Set and reinforce clear expectations related to attendance, participation, and respect.

• Work closely with the Program Director to align instruction with program goals and production needs.
• Track attendance, project completion, and progress toward program outcomes.
• Assist with preparation for community showcases, sales events, and product launches.

• Demonstrated experience in crafting, painting, or mixed-media art practices.
• Experience teaching or mentoring teens or young adults.
• Working knowledge of entrepreneurship, product development, and sales.
• Familiarity with online selling platforms and social media marketing.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage a group of teens in a studio setting.

• Experience producing and selling handmade goods.
• Background in small business, creative entrepreneurship, or arts-based workforce programs.
• Experience with woodworking, sewing, crochet, or textile arts.
• Knowledge of inventory management and pricing strategies.
• Connection to the Memphis arts community.

• Patient, encouraging, and clear communicator
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Flexible and adaptable
• Committed to youth empowerment and creative equity

This position is a part of our after school programming.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

3:00pm-5:00pm

January 2026
- May 2026

Please send your resume and cover letter to Teqosha White, Director of Programming: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).