Call for Artists: Gallery 37 Master Artist
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Call for Artists: Master Artist – Gallery 37
Project: Buckeye 2026 Mural Project
Application Deadline: March 6, 2026 (or as soon as position is filled)
Location: Estrella Mountain Community College, Avondale, AZ
Program Dates: May 26- June 25, 2026
Compensation: $1,143.00 per load hour (6 load hour class)
About Gallery 37
Gallery 37 is West Valley Arts’ award-winning summer youth public art apprenticeship program. For five weeks each summer, students ages 15 to 18 work side-by-side with a professional artist to design, develop, and install a permanent public art piece for a West Valley city.
This innovative program blends arts education, workforce readiness, and community impact, allowing young people to gain real-world experience while contributing to the cultural landscape of the West Valley.
2026 Project: City of Buckeye Mural
For the 2026 program year, West Valley Arts is partnering with the City of Buckeye to create a permanent mural installation celebrating the city’s unique character, heritage, and future. The mural will be designed and installed by the Gallery 37 student apprentices under the guidance of the Master Artist, with input from city and community stakeholders.
Position: Master Artist / Lead Instructor
West Valley Arts is seeking a dynamic and experienced muralist to serve as the Master Artist for the 2026 Gallery 37 cohort. The selected artist will lead instruction, mentor student apprentices, and oversee the conceptualization and installation of the mural project from start to finish.
Responsibilities
- Lead daily instruction in ART 112: 2 Dimensional Design, ensuring course competencies are met. This is a 5-weeks, Monday through Thursday from 9:00-1:10PM May 26- June 25, 2026 . Gallery 37 session (Monday–Thursday at Estrella Mountain Community College)
- Guide students through the complete mural-making process: concept development, design, surface preparation, painting, and installation. Instructor will need to follow MCCCD course competencies using the mural-making process as a way of implementing, operationalizing, and expressing the course competencies.
- Collaborate with WVAC staff, City of Buckeye representatives, and community members to ensure the project aligns with site and civic goals
- Attend all required Gallery 37 events, including:
- Student Orientation (Date TBD Early April 2026)
- Mandatory Public Meetings: Students must attend required presentations to the Buckeye Art Commission, including meetings on: June 4, 2026 and June 10, 2026 at 6:00PM.
- Site visits and installation (Date TBD)
- Ribbon Cutting (Date TBD)
- Model professional artistic practices and foster a supportive learning environment
Qualifications
Required (per Estrella Mountain Community College Faculty Credentials):
- Master’s degree or higher in the teaching field OR a Master’s degree or higher in any field with 18 graduate credits in the teaching field. The following disciplines meet the requirements to teach in this field:
- MFA, Art, Fine Art, Studio Art, Visual Art, Graphic Design, Digital Media, or Media Arts
Preferred:
- Demonstrated experience in mural design and installation
- Experience teaching or mentoring youth in arts education or community-based settings
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively with civic partners and project stakeholders
Additional WVAC Requirements
- Current First Aid & CPR Certification
- Valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card (or ability to obtain before program start)
- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with a commitment to youth development
To Apply
Submit the following materials as a single .PDF file:
- Cover letter outlining your experience with mural projects and youth mentorship
- Resume or CV
- Up to 10 images of previous artwork, with emphasis on mural or public art experience
- 1–2 professional references