Lead Mentor Teaching Artist for Locust Art Builders: Summer Art Intensive for Teens
Program Dates: June 15 – July 17, 2026
Opening Reception: Saturday, July 18
About the Program
Now in its 16th year, Locust Art Builders (LAB): Summer Art Intensive for Teens is a unique, five-week, hands-on pre-college program for high school students interested in art, design, and creative careers. Each year, up to 30 student artists (rising freshmen to rising seniors) from across Miami are selected through an open call process to participate in this fully funded program featuring workshops, field trips, visiting artists, and collaborative artmaking.
LAB 2026 centers on the theme Build for Better, exploring contemporary art practices at the intersection of art, technology, and the environment. Stepping away from digital screen fatigue, this year’s program emphasizes an “analog to AI” approach that combines digital planning with hands-on fabrication, sustainable materials, installation building, and collaborative exhibition-making. Students work together to design and produce a public exhibition while developing creative, technical, and professional skills.
Position Overview
Locust Projects seeks an experienced Teaching Artist to join the LAB 2026 instructional team as Lead Mentor Teaching Artist. Working closely with Locust Projects staff, the Lead Mentor Teaching Artist will help develop and lead an engaging, welcoming, and collaborative learning environment for teen artists throughout the full arc of the summer intensive — from skills-building workshops and concept development to exhibition production and public presentation.
The ideal candidate is a practicing artist and educator with experience mentoring teens, facilitating hands-on learning, and guiding collaborative creative projects. This is an independent contractor position. They will be supported by Locust Projects staff and dedicated LAB interns.
Schedule & Commitment
- 20 in-person teaching days, Monday–Thursday, 10am–3pm
- Attendance required for Opening Reception and Certificate Ceremony: Saturday, July 18, 5:30–7:30pm
- Additional remote planning, coordination, and reporting as needed
- Ongoing communication with Locust Projects staff throughout the program
Key Responsibilities
- Develop curriculum and daily lesson plans in collaboration with the Executive Director and Art + Digital Innovation Manager
- Lead and facilitate daily program activities, workshops, discussions, and collaborative studio production
- Guide students through all phases of developing a collaborative exhibition, including concept development, fabrication, installation, and presentation
- Mentor students in creative problem-solving, artistic voice, sustainability, and teamwork
- Coordinate with visiting artists, workshop facilitators, and field trip partners
- Participate in planning and supervision of field trips to artist studios and fabrication spaces
- Supervise the LAB intern and support daily program operations
- Maintain attendance records and complete grant-related assessments and surveys
- Ensure all exhibition deliverables and project deadlines are completed
- Foster a safe, inclusive, organized, and supportive environment for students, staff, mentors, and visitors
- Professionally represent LAB and report directly to the Executive Director
Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience teaching visual arts to teens or high school students; related degrees, training and certifications preferred
- Active professional artistic practice
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Experience developing hands-on, theme-based curriculum
- Ability to facilitate collaborative and interdisciplinary creative projects
- Experience mentoring interns, assistants, or emerging artists preferred
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills working with youth
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and creative learning environment
- Familiarity with Locust Projects’ mission and contemporary art practices related to technology, sustainability, design, or installation art preferred
To Apply
Please submit:
- Resume or CV
- Brief statement of teaching philosophy and relevant experience
- Portfolio or website link
- Contact information for 2 references
- Because this position works directly with minors, selected candidates will be required to complete a background screening prior to the start of employment.
Compensation
This is an independent contractor position. Compensation includes:
- Flat fee of $6000 for the full LAB 2026 program as Lead Mentor Teaching Artist
- Travel stipend of $500 provided
- Up to 2 days of paid absence included; additional absences deducted at $250/day
- Payment made in two equal installments: 50% at program start, 50% upon completion and submission of all required assessments and surveys
How to Apply
Please send a brief cover letter, CV or resume, and 5–10 images of recent work (or a link to your portfolio) to info@locustprojects.org with the subject line "LAB 2026 Teaching Artist Application." Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.