The Artist in Residence Program is one of the pillars of the Pilchuck Glass School educational experience. Paired with expert glass fabricators and artist assistants (AA), Pilchuck Artists in Residence (AiR) experiment with bringing glass into their practice adding it to their vocabulary of work. Each AiR selects an AA to provide them with technical support and collaborative guidance across Pilchuck’s studios. It’s essential for AAs to actively listen, offer expert advice, and communicate realistic expectations within time and resource constraints.

AAs need to have prior Pilchuck experience to effectively guide AiRs through both the glassmaking process and campus life. This ensures they can work independently and navigate the program without direct oversight. While AAs don't need expertise in all glass techniques, they should have a broad technical vocabulary and at least 5 years of experience in one glass working process.

AA Qualities:

• Multifaceted skill set
• Clear and concise communication
• Excellent time management
• Proactive problem solving

AA duties may include:

• Cold Working
• Assist Gaffers as needed
• Inventory and distribution of materials and supplies
• Assisting in the Print Shop
• Making molds for kiln-casting or mold-blowing
• Ensuring shared spaces stays clean and orderly
• Programming and monitoring kilns and annealers
• Other tasks and skill may be required depending on the AiR

Teaching Assistants (TAs) support the instructor’s creative and educational vision while providing guidance and encouragement to the students. Instructors may select a TA based on a prior working relationship or from a pool of applicants through Slideroom. The number of TAs assigned to the workshop depends on the scope of the project and the number of students enrolled.

All TAs must have extensive experience with the techniques that will be covered in the workshop they are applying to assist. Though it is not necessary, it is helpful for TAs to have previous experience at Pilchuck.

Teaching Assistant’s desired skills:

• A genuine interest in teaching
• The ability to encourage and motivate students
• Excellent time management
• Proactive problem solving
• Clear and concise communication
• Attention to a safe and inclusive environment for their class and the broader session

Teaching Assistant’s responsibilities include:

• Show up on time
• Assist with lesson preparation, including collecting materials and setting up equipment
• Assist with scheduling
• Oversee safe and proper use of tools and equipment
• Ensures shared spaces stays clean and orderly for the other classes
• Learn the class schedule and regularly check-in with instructor to keep on track
• Participate in campus events
• Attend scheduled meetings