The Studio and Artist Co-op Manager maintains MCBA's print, paper and binding studios. This includes equipment maintenance, ordering supplies and general organization of MCBA's studio and storage spaces. As part of studio management, the Studio & Artist Co-op Manager coordinates the application process for Studio Monitors, studio interns and studio volunteers and coordinates training as necessary.

The Studio & Artist Co-op Manager also acts as staff liaison to the MCBA Artist Cooperative providing administrative and organizational support including tracking dues and volunteer hours, running monthly meetings and recruiting Co-op volunteers for MCBA events. In addition, the Studio & Artist Co-op Manager reviews new member applications and orients new members to the Co-op and to MCBA's studios.

Experience and advanced knowledge of printmaking and letterpress techniques, binding and papermaking processes is required; a working knowledge of digital print processes is beneficial. Basic computer skills (working knowledge of Word, Excel and internet tools) required; knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite is beneficial.

General Responsibilities:
40% Equipment Maintenance, Studio Maintenance and Organization
15% Artist Co-operative Administration
20% Supervise Studio Monitors, Interns and Volunteers
25% Administrative support for Artist and Adult Programs Director, and other misc. duties

Application materials should include:
- A cover letter detailing significant training, education and/or experience
- A professional resume
- Three (3) professional references

Submit applications by Friday, May 4 to Studio Manager Sara R. Parr at sparr@mnbookarts.org.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Sara R. Parr at sparr@mnbookarts.org or 612-215-2532.

STUDIO MONITOR POSITIONS
Start date May 1, 2012

Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) is taking applications for five 13-month volunteer positions, to be competitively awarded on the basis of application. These Studio Monitors will supervise regular open studios, in exchange for which they will receive 24-hour studio access, on-site storage space and free workshop opportunities. Detailed job descriptions are below.

To apply for these positions, please submit the following to Studio Manager Sara R. Parr (sparr@mnbookarts.org) by Friday, April 13, 2012:

• A professional resume
• 3-5 images of recent work (72 dpi with longest side 1000 pixels or less)
• A brief statement detailing your training in the area you wish to apply for
• Names and contact information for three references

Decisions will be made by April 23rd, 2012.

Studio Monitor: Letterpress

Job Description: The Letterpress Studio Monitor will be responsible for supervising three to four Tuesday-night Letterpress Open Studios each month over a 13-month period to begin May 2012 and end May 2013. After receiving training on the use and maintenance of each of the presses available in the studio, the Monitor will be expected to aid Open Studio attendees with the basic functioning and troubleshooting of these presses, as well as to perform some basic studio maintenance duties, such as oiling presses and refilling solvent bottles. The Studio Monitor will report any issues that arise with MCBA presses to the Studio and Artist Co-op Manager.

In exchange for this service, the Monitor will receive: Free training in the use and maintenance of a variety of press types, 24-hour studio access, and storage space for the duration of the position. Studio Monitors also have the opportunity to audit one Adult Workshop each term for free (up to three total for the year; Studio Monitor pays supply fees).

Additional opportunities: The Studio Monitor may have access to paid teaching opportunities, especially as an assistant in advanced letterpress classes hosted by MCBA.

Desired candidates will possess: Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with an interest in arts education and an at least intermediate-level understanding of letterpress printing, including typesetting, polymer plate, and various image-making techniques; close familiarity with at least one type of press (preferably cylinder or platen), as well as at least basic familiarity with other types of printmaking. While current members of the MCBA community are invited to apply, it is our goal to grow the organization through this position, specifically by offering emerging book artists an opportunity to both teach and learn in MCBA’s studios.

Studio Monitor: Screenprint and Letterpress

Job Description: The Screenprint and Letterpress Studio Monitor will be responsible for supervising three to four Tuesday-night Screenprint and/or Letterpress Open Studios each month over a 13-month period to begin May 2012 and end May 2013. The Monitor will be expected to aid Open Studio attendees with darkroom and printing setup, as well as to perform some basic studio maintenance duties, such as cleaning screens and filling solvents. In addition, this Monitor may be called upon to assist in Letterpress Open Studios if Screenprint Open Studios are not filled. The Studio Monitor will report any issues that arise with MCBA equipment to the Studio and Artist Co-op Manager.

In exchange for this service, the Monitor will receive: Access to free training in the use and maintenance of a variety of presses, 24-hour studio access, and storage space for the duration of the position. Studio Monitors also have the opportunity to audit one Adult Workshop each term for free (up to three total for the year; Studio Monitor pays supply fees).

Additional opportunities: The Studio Monitor will have access to free letterpress training, specifically in the use and maintenance of MCBA’s presses. The Studio Monitor may also have access to paid teaching opportunities, especially in one-day or short-term workshops.

Desired candidates will possess: Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with an interest in arts education and an at least intermediate-level understanding of screenprinting, including printing from photo-emulsion and preparation of digital outputs for transparencies and an at least introductory level of letterpress printing familiarity (completion of Letterpress I at MCBA would meet this requirement). While current members of the MCBA community are invited to apply, it is our goal to grow the organization through this position, specifically by offering emerging book artists an opportunity to both teach and learn in MCBA’s studios.

Studio Monitors: Papermaking and Decorative Paper (2 positions)

Job Description: The Papermaking and Decorative Paper Studio Monitors will be responsible for supervising three to four Tuesday Open Studio sessions each month, including monthly Beater Training, and one Saturday per month over a 13-month period to begin May 2012 and end May 2013. Supervision responsibilities for these studios include setup (including prepping fiber, preparing carrageenan and alum for marbling papers or mixing paste for paste paper), supervision during the open studio session itself, and cleanup/emptying of paper drying racks in a timely fashion. In addition to these tasks, the monitor will perform some basic studio maintenance duties, such as greasing paper beaters, cleaning/maintaining pulp buckets and refilling supplies. The Studio Monitor will report any issues that arise with MCBA beaters, hydraulic presses, or other equipment to the Studio and Artist Co-op Manager.

In exchange for this service, the Monitor will receive: Free training in the use and maintenance of MCBA's beaters, 24-hour studio access, and storage space for the one year period of the position. Studio Monitors also have the opportunity to audit one Adult Workshop each term for free (up to three total for the year; Studio Monitor pays supply fees).

Additional opportunities: The Studio Monitor may have access to paid teaching opportunities, especially one-day or short-term workshops.

Desired candidates will possess: Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with an interest in arts education and an at least intermediate-level understanding of papermaking, marbling and/or paste paper. For papermaking, this knowledge should include: beater operation, sheet formation, use of a hydraulic press, various drying methods, and studio maintenance issues. For paste paper and marbling, this knowledge should include: paste mixing or carrageenan mixing, application of alum to papers, appropriate inks, and pattern-formation. While current members of the MCBA community are invited to apply, it is our goal to grow the organization through this position, specifically by offering emerging book artists an opportunity to both teach and learn in MCBA’s studios.

Studio Monitor: Bookbinding

Job Description: The Bookbinding Studio Monitor will be responsible for supervising three to four Tuesday-night Bindery Open Studios, including monthly Cutting Equipment Training, over a 13-month period to begin May 2012 and end May 2013. The Studio Monitor will supervise the use of the cutting equipment, backing press, Kwik Print hot stamping presses, and other bindery equipment, as well as assist Open Studio attendees with this equipment as needed. After receiving training on the use and maintenance of each of the board shears and guillotines available in the studio, the Monitor will be also be expected to train others with the basic use of this equipment. The monitor will also perform some basic studio maintenance duties, such as refilling glue containers and sharpening scissors. The Studio Monitor will report any issues that arise with MCBA equipment (including dull blades, off-square board shears, etc.) to the Studio and Artist Co-op Manager.

In exchange for this service, the Monitor will receive: Free training in the use and maintenance of MCBA’s bindery equipment, 24-hour studio access, and storage space for the duration of the position. Studio Monitors also have the opportunity to audit one Adult Workshop each term for free (up to three total for the year; Studio Monitor pays supply fees).

Additional opportunities: The Studio Monitor may have access to paid teaching opportunities, especially one-day or short-term workshops.

Desired candidates will possess: Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with an interest in arts education and an at least intermediate-level understanding of bookbinding, including non-adhesive, case, and leather bindings, and the tools appropriate to each; experience with bindery equipment such as the Kwik Print is useful, but not necessary. While members of the MCBA community are invited to apply, it is our goal to grow the organization through this position, specifically by offering emerging book artists an opportunity to both teach and learn in MCBA’s studios.

SUMMER CAMP COUNSELOR INTERNSHIP

Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) and The Loft Literary Center are proud to offer a variety of extraordinary summer camp experiences for youth ages 6 to 17. MCBA and The Loft are seeking to fill one internship to assist teaching artists with writing and bookmaking daycamps for children and young teens. Responsibilities include: serving as the students' "camp counselor" by maintaining the well-being of the group and serving as their primary adult contact; greet students and parents upon their arrival each day and ensure they are safely picked up at the end of each session; supervise students during snack breaks and escort them through the building when necessary; help facilitate a final presentation of written and artistic works the last day of each workshop; and help to plan and implement the MCBA/Loft gallery showing and reception of student work, which will be held Saturday, August 4. Interns will most importantly be enlisted to assist students in book, paper, and printmaking activities during class. A love of art making and writing is required. This is an unpaid internship, but will provide valuable hands-on experience in art education.

DURATION: June 14 - August 4, 2012
HOURS: average 20-40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Orientation day is June 14 or 15. First camps begin June 18, and the final camps end August 3, with a culminating August 4 gallery reception. This position will have the week of July 4 off.

QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma required; experience and love of working with children required; interest in writing and studio art and/or book arts; excellent communication skills. Ability to fold and cut sometimes intricate paper designs, and take art making directions is imperative.

APPLICATION
For consideration, please send a resume and letter of interest to Aki Shibata by Friday, May 11, 2012.

Aki Shibata
Community Programs Manager
Minnesota Center for Book Arts
1011 Washington Ave. S., Suite 100
Minneapolis, MN 55415

QUESTIONS? Contact Aki at 612-215-2549 or ashibata@mnbookarts.org.

INTERNSHIPS

MCBA offers internships in the following areas:

Adult Programs
8-10 hours per week; 10-week minimum commitment
Daytime hours between 10am-6pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and/or Thursdays
Tasks include assisting with Adult Education enrollment including verifying class schedules, Certificate Program registration and studio calendar maintenance, workshop prep, checking workshop supplies and Adult Programs publicity.

Arts Administration
8-10 hours per week; 10-week minimum commitment
Daytime hours between 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday
Tasks include office support & organization, transcription, filing, contacting artists via email and phone, library classification and cataloging, and assisting with MCBA mailings.

Exhibitions
10-12 hours per week; 11-week minimum commitment
Daytime hours between 10am-5pm, Mondays, Tuesdays and/or Thursdays
Tasks include daily exhibit maintenance, assisting with preparation, installation and de-installation of exhibits, researching, stocking and maintaining exhibit equipment and supplies and helping with special events.

Studio
8-10 hours per week; 10-week minimum commitment
Daytime hours between 10am-5pm, Tuesdays, Thursdays and/or Fridays
Tasks include cleaning and studio organization, some basic studio maintenance duties including oiling presses, refilling solvents, cleaning screens, and refilling supplies as well as directed studio-specific projects; some lifting required.

The Shop
8-10 hours per week; 10-week minimum commitment
Daytime hours between 10am-5pm, Mondays and Wednesday or Friday
Tasks include pricing and restocking inventory, cutting paper, book board, and cloth, packaging and shipping artist work, and some data entry; some lifting required.

Youth Programs
June-August only; 10-week minimum commitment
Daytime hours between 9am-4pm, 1-2 days per week (Tuesday through Friday)
Tasks include assisting instructors with teaching and facilitating book arts workshops, studio set-up and clean up before and after instruction, supervising children, prepping workshop materials and occasional administrative duties.

For students interested in a 15-20 hour per week internship, duties for two departments may be combined at the applicant and MCBA’s agreement.

In addition to on-the-job experience and being part of the vibrant downtown arts community, interns receive a free one-year membership to MCBA. After completion of 100 hours, interns qualify for a free MCBA Adult Ed class or workshop of up to 12 hours (intern must pay supply fee if applicable).

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for the following internship periods:

• January to May – Applications due December 1.
• June to August – Applications due May 1.
• September to December – Applications due August 1.

To apply for these positions, please submit the following to internships@mnbookarts.org:

• A cover letter discussing past experience and why you want to work at MCBA
• A professional resume
• Three references including name, title, phone number and email address
• Please specify preferred internship area(s) in the subject line of the email

Minnesota Center for Book Arts is located in
the Open Book Building in downtown Minneapolis:
1011 Washington Ave S, Suite 100
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: 612.215.2520
Fax: 612.215.2545
Email: mcba@mnbookarts.org

© 2011 Minnesota Center for Book Arts