Assistant Professor of Art, General Faculty (Printmaking and Drawing)

The Studio Art Program in the Department of Art at the University of Virginia invites applications from artists whose creative work focuses on printmaking and drawing for an appointment as an Assistant Professor on the academic general faculty (teaching track). This is a two-year, tenure-ineligible teaching appointment without any possibility for renewal. The anticipated start date for the position is August 10, 2025. The teaching load is three courses per semester.

We seek artists with a robust artistic practice and exhibition record who have experience teaching undergraduate students a variety of artisitic perspectives as they explore a broad range of approaches to printmaking and drawing practices. The faculty member will teach three courses per semester and contribute to the governance of the department. The Department of Art offers courses in foundations, drawing, lithography, etching, and papermaking. Working to further the department’s commitment to the role of studio art within a liberal arts education, the candidate will encourage students to explore contemporary conversations about printmaking and drawing. The ideal candidate will guide students in engaging with contemporary concepts and contexts as well as prepare majors to face challenges in their professional practices as contemporary artists.

The candidate will teach printmaking and drawing from the introductory to advanced levels in addition to participating in the department’s foundations curriculum. The foundation course includes both two- and three-dimensional practices, providing an overview of the concepts, materials, and possibilities of studio art. It is a prerequisite to all subsequent studio courses, and it comprises three main areas: drawing (students learn observational drawing practices and how visual thinking connects with the hand), concepts (creative problem-solving skills and engagement with critical discourses), and digital skills (involving basic technical skills shared across media as well as digital tools for still and moving image and sound). Candidates for this position should be prepared to teach these important introductory courses in addition to their specialization in printmaking and drawing.

The teaching artist will contribute to a vibrant undergraduate studio art program with excellent facilities for photography, sculpture, painting, filmmaking, digital media, and printmaking. The new colleague will join a department that includes studio artists, art historians, and archaeologists, and collaboration across disciplinary boundaries is encouraged. The duties also include departmental service.

Qualifications

Candidates must hold a relevant terminal degree (MFA or equivalent) by the beginning of the appointment. We will give strongest consideration to candidates with an active exhibition history, evidence of current and ongoing creative practice, and a range of teaching experiences at the undergraduate level. Teaching experience in printmaking and drawing is also needed. The ideal candidate will bring a unique perspective, way of thinking, and/or set of experiences that expand the conversations and practices in the medium and the field. We seek candidates with the knowledge and aptitude to teach and mentor students from all backgrounds.

Application Instructions

Review of applications begins on June 9, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

Required documents:

1. A cover letter addressing the candidate’s interest in the position and describing current creative practice and teaching experience.

2. A teaching statement describing experience relevant to the position.

3. Current curriculum vitae.

4. A link to an online portfolio (maximum of 15 minutes of clips of complete works) of representative personal creative work (attach to Portfolio/Creative Work).

5. Contact information for three references.

Questions about this position should be directed to Douglas Fordham, chair of the search committee, df2p@virginia.edu. The university will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

The University of Virginia offers confidential Dual Career Services to partners of incoming faculty candidates. To learn more, please visit dualcareer.virginia.edu