Community Art Instructor — CONNECT Program

Lake Country Art Gallery | Contract Position

Lake Country Art Gallery is seeking a creative, compassionate and adaptable Community Art Instructor to lead a small weekly art group for adults living with acquired or traumatic brain injury.

The program is delivered in partnership with CONNECT, an organization that supports adults living with acquired brain injury. Through accessible, hands-on artmaking, the program provides participants with an opportunity for creative expression, social connection and meaningful engagement with the arts.

The focus is on creating a welcoming environment where participants can engage with art at their own level and in ways that are meaningful to them. There is no expectation of a particular artistic outcome or level of artistic ability.
The instructor will work with a small group of up to 10 participants. Caregivers and support people may also attend where participants require additional assistance.

​Application CLOSING DATE AUGUST 29th
*** apply now ***

EQUITY

The Lake Country Art Gallery is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that is free from harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all identities and lived experiences, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, members of LGBTQ2S+ communities, people with disabilities, and members of official language minority communities. We value diversity in all its forms and welcome candidates who bring a range of perspectives, skills, and experiences to support our commitment to meaningful representation in the arts.

---

About the Role

About the You

Details

APPLY NOW

The successful candidate will:

• Plan and facilitate an engaging, accessible weekly art class.
• Develop creative projects using a variety of art materials and techniques.
• Adapt projects, materials, instructions and expectations to accommodate different cognitive, physical and communication abilities.
• Encourage individual expression and participation without placing emphasis on a particular artistic result.
• Create a welcoming, patient and supportive class environment.
• Work respectfully and collaboratively with caregivers and support people attending the program.
• Prepare materials and the studio space before each class and leave the space organized following each session.
• Be resourceful in developing engaging projects within a modest materials budget.
• Communicate with Gallery staff regarding program needs, materials and participant considerations.
• Represent Lake Country Art Gallery in a manner consistent with its commitment to accessible, inclusive and community-centred arts programming.

Skills & Qualities
We are looking for someone who is:

• Patient, warm and encouraging, with a genuine interest in working with adults with diverse abilities.
• Creative, flexible and comfortable adapting plans in response to individual needs.
• Familiar with a range of art materials and processes.
• Confident providing simple, clear and encouraging instruction.
• Resourceful and able to develop engaging projects using available materials.
• Comfortable supporting several different levels of participation within a small group.
• Respectful of individual autonomy, dignity and different forms of communication and expression.
• Comfortable collaborating with caregivers and support people.
• Reliable, organized and able to work independently.
• Enthusiastic about the role that creativity and art can play in building connection, confidence and community.

Experience & Qualifications
Experience in one or more of the following would be considered an asset:

• Art instruction or community arts programming
• Accessible or inclusive arts practice
• Working with adults with acquired or traumatic brain injury
• Therapeutic recreation, rehabilitation or related community programming
• Visual arts, art education or a related field
• Formal qualifications are not necessarily required. Relevant lived or learned experience is welcome, and we are particularly interested in candidates who bring patience, creativity and a willingness to adapt their approach to meet individual needs.
• An overlap and training period with the outgoing instructor will be provided to support a smooth transition into the role.

Schedule & Compensation
Contract position

• One 1-hour class per week, September through June
• Classes pause during the Christmas and Spring Break periods, following the local public school calendar
• Approximately 2 paid hours per week, including:
  • 1 hour of class instruction
  • ​1 hour for preparation, set-up and take-down
• Compensation: $27/hour
• Current maximum class size: 10 participants, plus caregivers/support people.

​
There may be opportunities to expand the hours or extend programming beyond the academic year, depending on community interest and program needs. For the right candidate, there may also be opportunities to take on additional arts education or community programming contracts with Lake Country Art Gallery.

About Lake Country Art Gallery
Lake Country Art Gallery is a public, non-profit art gallery serving Lake Country and the Central Okanagan. Our programming brings contemporary and community-based art experiences to a diverse local audience through exhibitions, education, outreach and hands-on creative programs.
This program forms part of the Gallery's commitment to making meaningful opportunities to engage with art accessible to people with a range of abilities and experiences.
The successful candidate will contribute not only to the delivery of the weekly class, but also to the Gallery's broader commitment to inclusive programming, community connection and building an engaged local arts audience.

Additional Requirements
The successful candidate will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check, including the appropriate screening for work involving vulnerable adults.

To Apply Please submit a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience, along with a current résumé, to [email protected]
Lake Country Art Gallery is committed to inclusive and accessible programming and encourages applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Application deadline: August 29
Anticipated start date: Sep 7, 2026

Application Send cover letter and resume to:
[email protected]
Subject line: 2026connect
Include two reference contacts
Submit application by August 29th 2026.
*** apply now ***

Inquires:
Contact Petrina McNeill, Executive Director of the Lake Country Art Gallery