OPEN CALL: Davidson College seeks Visiting Assistant Professor of Drawing and Sculpture

Davidson College’s Art Department invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor of Sculpture and Drawing for a two-year appointment with a start date of July 1, 2024. The ideal candidate will be an educator passionate about undergraduate teaching and capable of leading courses in both sculpture and drawing; this position is expected to teach five classes per academic year. The department values a pedagogical approach that plays to the professor’s strengths and encourages teaching beyond a strictly skills-based curriculum.

In line with Davidson’s commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, we welcome candidates whose studio practice and educational philosophy can contribute meaningfully to these goals. Studio class supplies are fully subsidized, reflecting our department’s commitment to economic inclusivity and ensuring that all students, regardless of their financial background, have equal access to the resources needed for their artistic development. Located in the picturesque Charlotte, NC area, Davidson is a highly selective small liberal arts college with exceptional facilities at the Belk Visual Arts Center. Our 6,500 square-foot sculpture space is well-equipped for working in various materials (wood, clay, plaster, metals) and includes an outdoor bronze foundry and 3D printing. The facility also houses expansive studios for painting and drawing, alongside a cutting-edge digital lab. We particularly value faculty who can offer courses that appeal to students outside of the majors or departments, such as those incorporating themes of justice, equality, and community. Read more about our studio art curriculum here. Candidates should explore our website to understand more about the department’s philosophy, the art major, and how they might contribute to our academic community.

Applicants will be evaluated based on their alignment with the teaching values and practices of a small liberal arts college; the evidence they provide of the relevance of their creative activity to the position; their effectiveness in using evidence-based teaching practices; and their potential to support the College’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Please submit a 2–3-page cover letter that addresses each of the following:

Your specific interest in the Visiting Assistant Professor position at Davidson College.

How your education and professional experiences align with the development and execution of a dynamic studio art practice that can benefit undergraduates.

Your commitment and approach to teaching courses in sculpture and drawing.

How your teaching, studio practice, and leadership or service will advance Davidson’s commitment to supporting diversity, inclusion, and access, especially for students who are traditionally underrepresented in studio art. Specifically, please address how your past experiences, skills, knowledge, and/or training inform your answers to the following questions:

What barriers prevent students from feeling welcome and included in studio art and from accessing opportunities or resources during their undergraduate education and/or in their professional artistic development?

How will you work to alleviate these barriers in your teaching, mentoring, studio practice, and/or service contributions?

Additionally, we request that you include a CV, copies of unofficial transcripts, and a link to your website with 20 images of your representative portfolio with titles/descriptions. In March, references will be contacted and portfolios reviewed for shortlisted candidates.

For additional details about the department, the position, the search process, and specific guidelines for application materials, please visit our college website.

Preference will be given to applications received by March 31, 2024. Please submit inquiries to the Search Committee chair John Corso-Esquivel, PhD, at jocorsoesquivel@davidson.edu.

Qualified applicants should apply online at davidson.edu.