Teaching Artist: Youth Arts Club: Fashion Studio (Fall 2026)
Teaching Artist – Youth Arts Club: Fashion Studio (Fall 2026)
Position: Teaching Artist (Contract, Part-Time)
Program: Youth Arts Club – Fashion Studio
Location: School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) at Homan Square, North Lawndale, Chicago, IL
Term: Fall 2026 (8-week engagement + 1 week of planning and prep)
Compensation: $1620 Total (Paid in two installments of $810)
Position Summary
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) at Homan Square is seeking a Teaching Artist to lead the Youth Arts Club: Fashion Studio during the Fall 2026 semester. This is a part-time, contracted position consisting of one curriculum planning meeting, six studio sessions, one arts and culture field trip, and one final student exhibition.
The Teaching Artist will develop and facilitate a project-based fashion curriculum that introduces students to the fundamentals of fashion design, including concept development, garment construction, and sustainable design practices (upcycling, deconstruction etc.). Students will create original work throughout the program to be presented during the final exhibition.
The Teaching Artist is responsible for planning and leading instruction, preparing materials and communicating classroom needs, collaborating with program staff and creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging studio environment for participating youth.
Contract Responsibilities
Responsibilities:
- One (1) course planning meeting prior to the start of the program
- Development of an engaging 6-session Fashion Studio curriculum
- Six (6) in-person studio teaching sessions
- Planning and participation in one (1) arts and culture-focused field trip that connects students to Chicago's fashion, art, or design community
- One (1) final exhibition or showcase session where students present completed work to peers, families, and the community
- Collaboration with Assistant Director of Community Engagement regarding attendance, student engagement, and program needs.
- Preparation of lesson plans and materials lists in advance of each session
- Maintenance of a safe, welcoming, and inclusive studio environment
Course Objectives
The Fashion Studio should provide students with opportunities to explore topics such as:
- Fashion illustration and concept development
- Textile exploration and material experimentation
- Sustainable fashion and upcycling practices
- Basic sewing and garment construction techniques
- Pattern making and wearable design
- Fashion as cultural identity, storytelling, and social expression
- Styling, presentation, and critique
- Creative collaboration and design thinking
NOTE: Teaching Artists are encouraged to bring their own artistic practice, cultural perspective, and creative approach to curriculum development.
Qualifications
Preferred candidates will have:
- Professional experience/Bachelors Degree in fashion design, textile arts, wearable art, costume design, or a related creative field
- Experience teaching or facilitating arts programming for youth, preferably middle and high school students
- Strong classroom management skills
- Experience developing project-based arts curriculum with underserved communities in the arts.
- A commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive teaching
- Excellent communication, organization, and collaboration skills
- Ability to adapt instruction to meet diverse learning styles and abilities
- Experience with community-based and multicultural arts programming
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and collaborate with a team
- Familiarity with North Lawndale and/or interest in local partnerships
Candidates are required to have
- Bachelor’s degree in Art, Design, Architecture, or related field or relevant experience in the arts.
- Classroom experience with youth, especially from underserved communities
- Strong cultural competency and experience working with diverse populations
Program Goals
The Teaching Artist will support students in:
- Building technical and creative fashion design skills
- Developing confidence in their artistic voice
- Learning to communicate ideas through wearable art and design
- Exploring careers and educational pathways in fashion and the arts
- Working collaboratively while celebrating individual creativity
- Presenting finished work in a public exhibition that celebrates their learning and accomplishments
This position is ideal for a practicing artist-educator who is passionate about youth development, creative exploration, and expanding access to high-quality arts education within the North Lawndale community.
Contact: Cdix@saic.edu OR Jwilli56@artic.edu for questions or more information about this position.