Be part of something truly special. Mount Mercy University is a Catholic, coeducational University founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1928 enrolling approximately 1800 students. The University offers a variety of liberal arts, professional, accelerated, and graduate degree programs. The picturesque campus located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is equidistant from Minneapolis, Chicago and St. Louis.
Mount Mercy University’s Art Program has 3 full time faculty and several adjunct instructors offering courses to serve 30 BA-degree students in four majors: Fine Art with an emphasis in 2D or 3D, Graphic Design, Art Education and Visual Arts/Business Interdisciplinary. The program is strongly rooted in conceptual development and provides the artistic and practical knowledge required by future art professionals or those who continue to graduate school. The Janalyn Hanson White Gallery hosts 6 professional artist group and solo exhibits each academic year, short-term exhibits featuring the work of graduating art majors and a high school art student exhibit, plus a summer exhibit including the juried work of any art students. In addition to highlighting the work of national and international artists, the gallery also functions as a teaching tool for related courses.
Mount Mercy University seeks a full time, tenure track Assistant Professor specializing in 3D and with the ability to manage a small campus gallery and teach foundations. Position begins August 2012 and is a 3/3 course load with an additional 3 credits serving as Gallery Director and 3 credits toward development of professional scholarship. Teaching responsibilities include sections of beginning through advanced ceramics and sculpture in Mount Mercy’s 3D emphasis area, and foundational courses such as art appreciation, drawing and basic design. Depending on interest/skills and program needs, the candidate has the opportunity to teach irregularly offered courses such as jewelry, new media (e.g. video, performance) or study abroad. Related responsibilities include maintenance of ceramics/sculpture facilities and equipment, student advising, participation in program and curricular development, and a commitment to teaching, service and creative scholarship.
Required qualifications include an MFA in a 3D discipline, broad understanding of art theory and practice in traditional and contemporary modes to serve as the backbone for students’ conceptual development, technical knowledge for facilities/equipment maintenance (e.g. glaze and clay mixing, kiln firing [gas and raku], and traditional sculptural processes such as small-scale casting, as well as installation and site-specific work). Candidates should have an active exhibition record and will be expected to engage in professional scholarship in the visual arts. The Gallery Directorship requires a candidate able to work with other Program faculty to create a strong exhibition schedule. Organizational ability is a requirement for supervising gallery student employees, installing/de-installing artwork, working with exhibit artists, and planning gallery receptions. The successful candidate will participate in student advising, community outreach to maintain student internships and service-learning opportunities, university committee service, and demonstrate a desire to help shape a strong and growing program.
Successful candidates must also demonstrate a willingness to support Mount Mercy’s mission as a Catholic university providing student-focused education in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy. Mount Mercy University welcomes those of different faiths and is committed to excellence in education and community service.
Screening of applications will begin January 15, 2012 and continue until the position is filled.
Qualified candidates should send cover letter, CV, artist statement, 20 samples of personal work and 10-20 samples of student work (if available) with accompanying documentation inventory, relevant syllabi examples (if available), contact information for three references. Submissions should be emailed to: hr@mtmercy.edu with the subject line, “Art Faculty.” Only application materials emailed to this address will be considered. Application materials submitted on paper will not be reviewed.
Visit www.mtmercy.edu for further information.
Mount Mercy University is an equal opportunity employer and a smoke free environment.