teach with us

At South County Art Association, we believe art has the power to connect, inspire, and enrich lives.

We offer more than 100 classes each year across a wide range of disciplines, serving students from beginner to advanced levels.

We are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment where people of all backgrounds and abilities feel supported in their creative practice.

Are you passionate about teaching art?

Join our vibrant teaching community and discover why instructors love working at SCAA.

Why teach with us

  • Join a welcoming, mission-driven nonprofit that values collaboration, experimentation, and artistic growth.

  • With 3-10 students per class, you’ll have the time and space to offer meaningful instruction and individualized feedback.

  • We encourage instructors to design classes that reflect their expertise, interests, and artistic voice.

  • Teach daytime, evenings, or weekends—work with us to create a schedule that fits your availability.

  • Our students are motivated, curious, and eager to learn, creating a rewarding teaching experience.

  • Teaching at SCAA offers opportunities to share your work, build connections, and become part of a vibrant regional arts community.

who we’re looking for

We are looking for enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructors to teach Pottery, Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media, Photography, and Printmaking. But If you have a specialty, technique, or medium you’re excited to share, we’re open to new and innovative class ideas.

Classes are for students ages 16 and older and are intentionally small—typically 3–10 students—to encourage meaningful instruction and connection. Classes are offered during daytime and evening hours, including weekends.

We value creative freedom and encourage instructors to bring their unique voice and expertise. Teachers have flexibility to design:

  • One-day workshops, short intensives or 5–8 week classes.

compensation

$45 per hour.

qualifications

  • Extensive knowledge of one or more artistic mediums and techniques

  • Ability to actively engage students in the creative process

  • Experience designing curriculum that accommodates both beginner and advanced students

  • Strong demonstration skills relevant to the medium taught

  • Clear, supportive communication with students and staff

  • Willingness to provide thoughtful, individualized feedback

  • Previous teaching experience preferred

ready to apply?

Please email your resume with a brief description of what you’d like to teach along with examples of your artwork (website link or images).

apply via email

have a specialty you’d love to teach? we’re open to new ideas.

meet some instructors joining us in 2026

  • Pottery

    Alison Purwinis holds a BFA in Ceramics from the Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford and completed a year of post-baccalaureate study at the University of Colorado Boulder. She teaches at Anyhow Studio in Providence, where she is also a member, and is skilled in wheel throwing, handbuilding, and mold making. Alison’s work explores both functional forms and whimsical, mixed-media sculpture.


    A roller derby retiree, she has called Providence home for over a decade now and lives with her partner and 3 cats. She is an avid plant lover, thrifter, and all-around crafter.

  • Susan Sward

    Painting

    Susan Sward is a natural science illustrator and painter living in South Kingstown. She has been teaching art for over 30 years and has exhibited her work at the South County Art Association, Wickford Art Association, the Providence Art Club, Warwick Center for the Arts, and other galleries.

  • Shaun Rock

    Drawing

    Shaun Rock (University of Connecticut, BFA; Southern Connecticut State University, MS) is a professional artist and arts educator who produces and exhibits fine art throughout New England. Known for his coastal landscapes of Rhode Island and the imagery of rural Connecticut, Rock is a highly regarded art teacher who continues to nurture creative minds. He exhibits his oils and watercolors at the Shaun Rock Gallery in Matunuck, R.I. Rock also participates in numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout the region. Rock maintains a residence in Matunuck, R.I.

  • Mixed Media

    Christina is an artist and photojournalist with a diverse background in both media and education. She previously held roles as a photographer and photo editor at respected organizations such as NPR and National Geographic. Now, she channels her passion for art into teaching, working full-time with middle and high school students. Christina specializes in a range of crafts, including embroidery, paper arts, book binding, and paper marbling.

I love teaching at SCAA because they trust me to bring my authentic practice into the classroom. Having the freedom to design courses around subjects I'm genuinely excited about. 

It's a real partnership.
The staff makes the practical side remarkably smooth — their communication around logistics and planning is clear and collaborative, which lets me focus my energy on preparing strong content rather than wrestling with administrative details.

It’s the community.
What keeps me coming back, though, is the community. The artists who take my classes are curious, generous, and genuinely invested in learning. Many return for multiple workshops, so I get to know my students and watch their creativity develop.

- Sarah Short, 2025

learn more about Sarah

ready to apply or have questions?

email us today