Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency

Position Title: Business Manager

Reports To: Executive Director

Position Classification: Regular, Exempt, Salaried

Location: Hybrid/Remote and Main Office, Douglas/Saugatuck, Michigan

Compensation: $70,000 starting salary; benefit package provided


Position Summary: 

Ox-Bow School of Art is currently seeking a Business Manager to oversee the financial and administrative evolution of a growing, historic fine-arts non-profit. Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with all members of the senior management team and members of the Board of Directors, the Business Manager will define the process and implement the infrastructure/systems needed to support organizational growth and stabilization over the next five to 10 years. They will build and manage effective and streamlined business administrative and financial systems, including financial, accounting, legal, information technology (IT), payroll and benefit administration (HR) and physical infrastructure. They are pivotal in the ongoing evaluation and updating of procedures, policies and technology.


Duties include: managing a bookkeeper and providing oversight of accounts payable, receivable and payroll; employee benefit administration; administration of the investment portfolio; preparation of financial statements and financial analysis; grant and scholarship accounting, and annual audits management.

 

The successful candidate will have a track record in business administration at an upper management, leadership level. They will have strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated experience managing finance for non-profits with budgets over 2M; a track-record of establishing and managing best practices; thrive in dynamic work environments; expertise in establishing priorities and time management; and an innovative mindset. The right candidate has excellent communication skills and is capable of mentoring staff in financial literacy. They will be exceptional at motivating staff, board and donors in support of the organization and its financial and administrative health. 

 

The Business Manager is focused on the stability of Ox-Bow and its capacity to execute its program, sustain its operations and deliver on its mission. All members of Ox-Bow’s team should be comfortable speaking fluently, authentically and passionately about Ox-Bow’s history, mission, impact and potential.

 

This is a full-time exempt position reporting to Ox-Bow’s Executive Director. The position requires a presence on campus and in the main office in Saugatuck/Douglas, MI. It is ideal for a candidate living within a 40-mile commuting radius. 


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Management

  • Maintain and establish accuracy of accounting policies and procedures
  • Review and approve preparation and finalization of monthly and annual financial reporting materials and metrics for Ox-Bow’s board of directors.
  • Oversee budgeting, financial forecasting, and cash flow as executed
  • Coordinate all audit activities.
  • Provide fiscal information for grant application and reporting
  • Monitor the financial position of the organization including the current fiscal status and forecast of future positions
  • Ensure necessary filing for financial and operation paperwork and filing systems are maintained and up to date
  • Work with Academic Programs Director and partner school on enrollment, financial aid, and partner held endowed funds
  • Track donor restricted funds and work with senior management to ensure funds are used in accordance with their restrictions
  • Works in conjunction with a CPA firm to prepare non-profit tax documents submitted to local and federal government agency and is responsible for their accuracy
  • Support development activities through effective financial reporting, tracking and event support
  • Manage one part-time bookkeeper and hire and retain support staff as needed in the future.
  • Provide oversight of accounts payable, receivable and payroll
  • Research and oversee management of fringe benefit packages and necessary reporting provided Ox-Bow, including 401K plan, health insurance benefits and life insurance coverage
  • Prepare and distribute compensation summaries to all staff


Administrative Leadership and Management

  • Serve as a business partner to the ED on the organization’s financial, budgeting, and administrative processes—including HR, payroll, and benefits functions—with an eye to continuously developing and improving systems.
  • Manage Ox-Bow’s relationship with its IT provider including hardware and software leases and implementation
  • Maintain liability insurance policies and related paperwork
  • Define and maintain procedures for record retention
  • Proactive approach to administrative improvements
  • Manage system maintenance (phone system, security)
  • Manage contracts and payments with utilities providers
  • Monitor capital improvements


Qualifications

The Business Manager will have at least eight years of professional experience, including managing the finance and administration of a mid-sized organization, preferably a non-profit, with a budget between $1.5 million to $5 million. They will have experience creating and driving the analytic framework for planning and managing organizational change in a highly entrepreneurial organization.


Education/Job Experience/Certification

  • Bachelor’s degree (MA/MBA preferred) in Business, Management, or Finance or equivalent experience
  • Excellent people skills, with experience collaborating in a multidisciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team
  • Demonstrated experience in financial management and accounting, ideally in the nonprofit sector
  • Experience should include legal, audit, compliance, budget, and resource development
  • Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities, proposing new ways of creating efficiencies, and guiding investment in people and systems
  • Proven effectiveness leading professionals in finance and accounting
  • Technologically savvy, with an ability to point to examples of having worked with IT staff to develop and implement new processes and systems that increased efficiency
  • Flexible and a self-starter; able to multitask while also being highly detail-oriented.
  • Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to Ox-Bow’s mission.


Knowledge

  • Proficient with Excel, QuickBooks or accounting products
  • Microsoft Office Suite, and Google suite of products
  • Knowledge of fundraising database platforms, preferably Salsa
  • Comfortable adapting to new technology for the purposes of financial and administrative support


Environmental / Physical:

  • Travel required for the job


Special Qualifications:

  • Ability to work independently and across project teams with a strong attention to detail
  • Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
  • Highly organized and motivated
  • Proven leadership
  • Positive & optimistic outlook
  • Expert problem solver who thrives under pressure
  • A strategic but detail -oriented thinker with a sense of humor
  • Must have the ability to multitask, and communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization, with our partners, and outside vendors and funders.
  • Must be innovative, resourceful, patient, and a strong sense of integrity.
  • Comfortable in a work environment that embraces creative risks
  • Demonstrated passion for the arts and education


Working At Ox-Bow

Ox-Bow School of Art, founded in 1910, offers a wide range of opportunities for artists at all stages of their careers. Our campus is nestled on a peninsular interdunal wetland in Saugatuck, MI. With programs that target degree-seeking students, professional artists and those new to the field, Ox-Bow builds a supportive frame in which artists can push their practices in new directions. Ox-Bow’s community is expansive and ever-evolving. Working at Ox-Bow is a unique experience. Our staff consists of both year-round and seasonal positions. Some staff live on campus during their working months, while others commute or work remotely both within the state of Michigan and beyond. 

 

Working at Ox-Bow is working at the intersection of education, hospitality and culture. Together we seek to create a welcoming environment that nurtures the creative process while building community across generations, career stages, disciplines and identities. With over 100 years of arts education behind us, we have a vast community of alumni, including staff, students, resident artists, faculty, and community supporters, who love and care for Ox-Bow. Working at Ox-Bow is to become part of that community, and help sustain a historic non-profit arts organization for current and future generations of artists and art lovers. 


At Ox-Bow we have a vision to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, lend their creativity, and work in support of an evolving, yet historic, art school. We pride ourselves on thinking and acting creatively, and recognize that part of what makes us a unique place for both our staff and students, is the talent and dedication of our employees. 


Ox-Bow is committed to diversity and inclusion, we believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity and national origin and work to reflect that in our classrooms, programming, faculty, staff and board. 


Equal Opportunity Employment

Ox-Bow is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for its students, visitors, faculty, and staff, and to ensuring that educational and employment decisions are based on an individual’s abilities and qualifications. Ox-Bow does not tolerate unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or former military status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, in its programs and activities, public accommodations or employment practices.

Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency


Position Title:  Hospitality Team Member (Cook)

Reports To:  Culinary Director

Location:  Saugatuck, Michigan

Position Classification: Seasonal, Full Time, Non-Exempt, Salaried

Compensation:   $16.00/hr

Eligible for Overtime, Paid Time Off, and Paid Holidays; Daily Meals Included


Revised January 2023

POSITION SUMMARY
Hospitality is the genuine desire to take care of your guests and anticipate their needs. The kitchen at Ox-Bow not only serves food to our campus, we serve care to our community.

The Hospitality Team Members prepare food for the Ox-Bow community, assist in meal planning, help build and maintain our garden and facilities, and provide an overall atmosphere of care. Working closely with the Hospitality Management Team, this position has the unique opportunity to share their ideas and collaborate on all things involving the intersection of food and art.

In addition to serving 3 meals a day during academic sessions, the Hospitality Team also provides service and support for non-academic programming activities and special events.  As meal service is required 7 days a week throughout the summer, the goal is to provide a 4 day, 40 hour work week. This is a seasonal position begins mid-April; specific schedule to be determined by the Culinary Director.  The goal of the kitchen is to work symbiotically in order to best accomplish our shared goals and provide a healthy work/life balance.

Ox-Bow’s Hospitality Department provides the unique opportunity to work, live, and learn in a forward thinking kitchen nestled between Lake Michigan and The Tallmadge Woods’ 115 acres of protected wilderness.

This position is ideal for candidates within a 40 mile commuting radius. Limited on-site housing is available for candidates beyond that range.

This position is a 1-year contract with the option for annual renewal up to 3-years pending satisfactory performance review.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Prepares foods based on menu including salads, soups, sides, main courses, desserts, and baked goods
  • Makes mindful accommodations to serve guests with allergies or specific diet concerns
  • Maintains and assists in order, inventory, and cleanliness of preparation and food storage areas
  • Safe operation of kitchen equipment and tools
  • Works with meat, poultry, fish, other animal products
  • Ensures maintenance of and cleanliness of all service areas
  • Maintains sense of urgency to ensure timely delivery of meals
  • Positive service and guest interactions
  • Receives and stocks bulk order deliveries
  • Assists in function of on-campus retail initiatives
  • Properly stores and labels food
  • Daily ongoing cleaning including dishwashing
  • Professionalism in conduct and collaboration with coworkers
  • Attends and contributes to periodic meetings
  • Openly takes direction and feedback from Hospitality Team
  • Gardening maintenance and compost management
  • Provides support for special events and guest collaborations
  • Active in communication in-person and on electronic platforms
  • Contributes to collective creativity projects and community agreements
  • Other tasks as assigned by Hospitality Management Team

EDUCATION/JOB EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATION

  • Though experience is preferred, anyone with a passion for food and art is encouraged to apply.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • Knowledge of basic standard food preparation and storage practices
  • Knowledgeable in usage of kitchen equipment
  • Experience in preparing meals
  • Essential basic computer skills
  • Effective and professional communicator
  • Must be able to travel to and from Ox-Bow Saugatuck campus and/or various vendor locations in the West Michigan region

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

  • Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 50 lbs regularly
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
  • Ability to traverse uneven terrain
  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors in high heat and humidity
  • Ability to work around potentially hazardous materials and loud noise
  • Ability to work nights and weekends
  • Occasional travel required for this position

Working At Ox-Bow

Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency, founded in 1910, offers a wide range of opportunities for artists at all stages of their careers. Our campus is nestled on a peninsular interdunal wetland in Saugatuck, MI. With programs that target degree-seeking students, professional artists and those new to the field, Ox-Bow builds a supportive frame in which artists can push their practices in new directions. Ox-Bow’s community is expansive and ever-evolving. Working at Ox-Bow is a unique experience. Our staff consists of both year-round and seasonal positions. Some staff live on campus during their working months, while others commute or work remotely both within the state of Michigan and beyond.

Working at Ox-Bow is working at the intersection of education, hospitality and culture. Together we seek to create a welcoming environment that nurtures the creative process while building community across generations, career stages, disciplines and identities. With over 100 years of arts education behind us, we have a vast community of alumni, including staff, students, resident artists, faculty, and community supporters, who love and care for Ox-Bow. Working at Ox-Bow is to become part of that community, and help sustain a historic non-profit arts organization for current and future generations of artists and art lovers.

At Ox-Bow we have a vision to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, lend their creativity, and work in support of an evolving, yet historic, art school. We pride ourselves on thinking and acting creatively, and recognize that part of what makes us a unique place for both our staff and students, is the talent and dedication of our employees.

Ox-Bow is committed to diversity and inclusion, we believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity and national origin and work to reflect that in our classrooms, programming, faculty, staff and board.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists' Residency is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for its students, visitors, faculty, and staff, and to ensuring that educational and employment decisions are based on an individual’s abilities and qualifications. Ox-Bow does not tolerate unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or former military status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, in its programs and activities, public accommodations or employment practices.

Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency


Position Title:  Glass Studio Technician

Reports to:  Glass Studio Manager

Location:  Saugatuck, Michigan

Position Classification: Seasonal, Full Time, Non-Exempt, Salaried

Compensation:    $16.00/hr

Eligible for Overtime, Paid Time Off, and Paid Holidays; Daily Meals Included

Revised June 2023

POSITION SUMMARY

Ox-Bow School of Art is an 113-year old art school and artists’ residency. The Glass Studio Technician works in a direct, hands-on capacity with the Glass Studio Manager, faculty and other staff to ensure a quality, supportive learning environment for a range of skill levels and to cultivate a community of learners. The Technician supports the successful technical function of the glass studio; builds and maintains effective relationships with students, studio members and faculty; and utilizes strong communication skills. The Technician will work with other glass studio staff, the Campus Manager and the Campus Director to ensure an organized, cohesive working environment.

This is a residential position during the scheduled working season; room and board will be provided. This seasonal position runs from early August through early November. Schedule will include evening and weekend hours. This position is a 1-season contract with the option for annual renewal up to 3-seasons pending satisfactory performance review.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Perform studio preparation, organization and maintenance
  • Assist with studio equipment improvements and upgrades
  • Assist faculty with demonstrations as assigned
  • Assist students with techniques and processes taught in courses
  • Assist with the teaching of private classes, working directly with rental guests and students
  • Facilitate discussion and engage with students
  • Classroom cleanup, upholding all COVID-19 mitigation standards
  • Additional tasks as assigned by the Glass Studio Manager
  • Produce art items for promotional and fundraising purposes as assigned
  • Other project- and event-based support as determined by the Campus Director; including but not limited to office, housekeeping, maintenance, and hospitality support

EDUCATION/JOB EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATIONS

  • At least two years experience in a glass studio preferred
  • A solid fluency in foundational glass skills using hot and kiln casting, cold shop methods, and glass blowing

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ability to work with a wide-range of skill levels, personalities, and backgrounds and modify technical and operational strategies to optimize learning experience
  • Must have excellent people skills; possess excellent communication skills – written and verbal
  • Must be a team player able to work independently as well as in a group
  • Must be innovative, resourceful, patient, and tenacious
  • Must be able to travel to and from Ox-Bow Saugatuck campus and/or various vender locations in the West Michigan region
  • A passion for the arts preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Must be able to stand, bend, and routinely lift supplies and equipment weighing up to 75 lbs
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
  • Ability to traverse uneven terrain including stairs
  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors in high heat and humidity
  • Ability to work around potentially hazardous materials and loud noise
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment correctly for most of the day while organizational COVID-19 safety protocols are in place
  • Ability to work nights and weekends

Working At Ox-Bow

Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency, founded in 1910, offers a wide range of opportunities for artists at all stages of their careers. Our campus is nestled on a peninsular interdunal wetland in Saugatuck, MI. With programs that target degree-seeking students, professional artists and those new to the field, Ox-Bow builds a supportive frame in which artists can push their practices in new directions. Ox-Bow’s community is expansive and ever-evolving. Working at Ox-Bow is a unique experience. Our staff consists of both year-round and seasonal positions. Some staff live on campus during their working months, while others commute or work remotely both within the state of Michigan and beyond.

Working at Ox-Bow is working at the intersection of education, hospitality and culture. Together we seek to create a welcoming environment that nurtures the creative process while building community across generations, career stages, disciplines and identities. With over 100 years of arts education behind us, we have a vast community of alumni, including staff, students, resident artists, faculty, and community supporters, who love and care for Ox-Bow. Working at Ox-Bow is to become part of that community, and help sustain a historic non-profit arts organization for current and future generations of artists and art lovers.

At Ox-Bow we have a vision to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, lend their creativity, and work in support of an evolving, yet historic, art school. We pride ourselves on thinking and acting creatively, and recognize that part of what makes us a unique place for both our staff and students, is the talent and dedication of our employees.

Ox-Bow is committed to diversity and inclusion, we believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity and national origin and work to reflect that in our classrooms, programming, faculty, staff and board.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists' Residency is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for its students, visitors, faculty, and staff, and to ensuring that educational and employment decisions are based on an individual’s abilities and qualifications. Ox-Bow does not tolerate unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or former military status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, in its programs and activities, public accommodations or employment practices.

Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency
Revised January 2022

Position Title:  Hospitality Team Member

Reports To:  Culinary Director

Location:  Saugatuck, Michigan

Position Classification: Seasonal, Full Time, Non-Exempt, Salaried

Compensation:   $600 / week


POSITION SUMMARY

Hospitality is the genuine desire to take care of your guests and anticipate their needs.   The kitchen at Ox-Bow not only serves food to our campus, we serve care to our community.

The Hospitality Team Members prepare food for the Ox-Bow community, assist in meal planning, help build and maintain our garden and facilities, and provide an overall atmosphere of care. Working closely with the kitchen Hospitality Team, this position has the unique opportunity to share their ideas and collaborate on all things involving the intersection of food and art.

In addition to serving 3 meals a day during the academic sessions, expanded non-academic programming activities will also need to have Hospitality Kitchen service and support.  As Hospitality Kitchen Service is required 7 days a week for many weeks in a row, schedules could see the opportunity for a 4 day work week and/or evening hours. This is a seasonal position from mid-April through mid-October, specific schedule to be determined by the Culinary Director.  The goal of the kitchen is to work symbiotically in order to best accomplish our shared goals and provide a healthy work/life balance.

This position is ideal for candidates within a 40 mile commuting radius. Limited on-site housing is available for candidates beyond that range.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Prepares foods based on menu including salads, soups, sides, main courses, desserts, and baked goods
  • Makes mindful accommodations to serve guests with allergies or specific diet concerns
  • Maintains and assists in order, inventory, and cleanliness of preparation and food storage areas
  • Safe operation of kitchen equipment and tools
  • Works with meat, poultry, fish, other animal products
  • Ensures maintenance of and cleanliness of all service areas
  • Maintains sense of urgency to ensure timely delivery of meals
  • Positive service and guest interactions
  • Receives and stocks bulk order deliveries
  • Properly stores and labels food
  • Daily ongoing cleaning including dishwashing
  • Professionalism in conduct and collaboration with coworkers
  • Attends and contributes to periodic meetings
  • Openly takes direction and feedback from Hospitality Team
  • Gardening maintenance and compost management
  • Provides support for special events and guest collaborations
  • Active in communication in-person and on electronic platforms
  • Contributes to collective creativity projects and community agreements
  • Other tasks as assigned by Hospitality Management Team


EDUCATION/JOB EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATION

Experience and passion for food and art is preferred.


SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • Knowledge of basic standard food preparation and storage practices
  • Knowledgeable in usage of kitchen equipment
  • Experience in preparing meals
  • Essential basic computer skills
  • Effective and professional communicator
  • Must be able to travel to and from Ox-Bow Saugatuck campus and/or various vender locations in the West Michigan region


Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

  • Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 50lbs regularly
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
  • Ability to traverse uneven terrain
  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors in high heat and humidity
  • Ability to work around potentially hazardous materials and loud noise
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment correctly for most of the day
  • Ability to work nights and weekends
  • Occasional travel required for this position


Working At Ox-Bow

Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency, founded in 1910, offers a wide range of opportunities for artists at all stages of their careers. Our campus is nestled on a peninsular interdunal wetland in Saugatuck, MI. With programs that target degree-seeking students, professional artists and those new to the field, Ox-Bow builds a supportive frame in which artists can push their practices in new directions. Ox-Bow’s community is expansive and ever-evolving. Working at Ox-Bow is a unique experience. Our staff consists of both year-round and seasonal positions. Some staff live on campus during their working months, while others commute or work remotely both within the state of Michigan and beyond.

Working at Ox-Bow is working at the intersection of education, hospitality and culture. Together we seek to create a welcoming environment that nurtures the creative process while building community across generations, career stages, disciplines and identities. With over 100 years of arts education behind us, we have a vast community of alumni, including staff, students, resident artists, faculty, and community supporters, who love and care for Ox-Bow. Working at Ox-Bow is to become part of that community, and help sustain a historic non-profit arts organization for current and future generations of artists and art lovers.

At Ox-Bow we have a vision to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, lend their creativity, and work in support of an evolving, yet historic, art school. We pride ourselves on thinking and acting creatively, and recognize that part of what makes us a unique place for both our staff and students, is the talent and dedication of our employees.

Ox-Bow is committed to diversity and inclusion, we believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity and national origin and work to reflect that in our classrooms, programming, faculty, staff and board.


Equal Opportunity Employment

Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists' Residency is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for its students, visitors, faculty, and staff, and to ensuring that educational and employment decisions are based on an individual’s abilities and qualifications. Ox-Bow does not tolerate unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or former military status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, in its programs and activities, public accommodations or employment practices.

Faculty are encouraged to submit course proposals to teach at Ox-Bow for the summer and winter.

We are currently taking proposals for our Summer 2023 and Winter 2023 season. We are no longer in need for proposals for 2022.

SUMMER SESSION, June - August

Proposals for the Summer Session can be for 1-, 2-, or 3-week classes. Ox-Bow has 6 main studio areas-- painting and drawing, ceramics, papermaking, printmaking, metals, and glass, but will consider proposals in a variety of disciplines, including sound, fiber, performance, sculpture, art history, photo, film, new media, writing, visual and critical studies, and interdisciplinary areas.

To propose a course you will need the following information:

  •  Faculty Name, email, phone number, website if available
  •  CV, or Resume (an MFA is required to teach a for-credit class at Ox-Bow)
  •  Course Name
  •  Session for which you are proposing
  •  Course Description paragraph should be in the following format: 100 words addressing overall concept, 100 words addressing artists and readings, and 25 words addressing assignments and projects.
  •  Not required but recommended—documentation of faculty and student work, may be in the following formats: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf, jpg, gif, mp3, mp4, tiff, png, mov. If this is included, please note that the program will automatically alphabetize your files so please name them accordingly. Please provide a documentation list which indicates the artist (Self or Student), title if known, media, etc.


WINTER SESSION, January

Proposals for the Winter Session are for 2-week classes. During the winter session, courses that are most successful engage the landscape and the winter weather. Ox-Bow has limited studio facilities available. Studios available for use are:

  • Lutz, a group studio house available with 4 individual studio spaces
  • Haas Painting studio, which can accommodate up to 18 students (and can be used for courses other than painting)
  • Krehbiel Ceramics studio, which can accommodate up 12 students
  • Print studio, with Screenprinting, Etching, Lithography capacity, accommodates 12
  •  New Media Space, accommodates 12

Ox-Bow is also hosting online classes for the upcoming Winter session. If you have an idea best suited for online learning, please select "online" in the session category. These classes meet via Zoom everyday during a 2-week session. 

Art on the Meadow is a program that offers a variety of art-making experiences through short-term workshops for teens and adults on Ox-Bow’s campus. These community-driven workshops aim to provide an intergenerational, accessible space for artists to cultivate new work and ideas through experimentation and play within our rich, natural environment. Ideal workshops will engage participants of all experience levels, from novice to pro, and consider the specificities of Ox-Bow’s context.

Teaching artists from the West Michigan area are encouraged to submit proposals to teach workshops at Ox-Bow. Workshop instructors receive a teaching stipend and a budget for instructional materials. Please note that there is no additional travel stipend available for Art on the Meadow instructors at this time; however, if an instructor does not live locally, Ox-Bow will provide room and board during the duration of their workshop. 

Proposals for our 2024 summer and fall seasons are due on November 15, 2023!

Ox-Bow has facilities to offer workshops in painting, drawing, ceramics, papermaking and printmaking. For 2024, we encourage proposals in a variety of disciplines, including: fiber, collage, craft, writing, poetry, watercolor, mixed media, and interdisciplinary areas. Please include the following in your proposal:

  • Faculty name, email, phone number, website if applicable
  • CV/Resume
  • Workshop name
  • Preferred workshop dates (June - October) 
  • Length of workshop (half day; one day; multi-session)
  • Brief description of core concepts and assignments (1-3 sentences) 
  • Full workshop description (approximately 100 words)
  • Budget/space/equipment information: Note that Ox-Bow has limited technological resources; please submit a list of equipment and materials needed for your workshop
  • Not required but recommended—documentation of faculty and student work, may be in the following formats: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf, jpg, gif, mp3, mp4, tiff, png, mov. If this is included, please note that the program will automatically alphabetize your files, so name them accordingly. Please provide a documentation list which indicates the artist (Self or Student), title, media, etc.


Questions? Contact Claire Arctander, Campus Director, at carctander@ox-bow.org

Ox-Bow School of Art & Artists' Residency