Visiting Artist

Millsaps College Art Department is pleased to announce a call for applications for the Windgate Visiting Artist Program. This program is designed to support recent graduates (graduated within the last 5 years from Graduate School) to further develop their artistic practice and build their professional portfolios.  We are excited to review applications from artists working in any medium including painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, or new media.

As part of the program, the art department will provide artists with a dedicated studio space and 24/7 access to the art facilities in the Windgate Visual Arts Center. Additionally, candidates will teach a 1-1 course load and exhibit the work they create in the Hall Gallery and will provide lab/studio hours for students. In exchange, the artist will provide 20 hours of work a week to assist in maintaining the studio spaces and equipment. Part of the Wingate VAP includes community engaged work and making connections between Millsaps and Jackson. Candidates are expected to arrive the second week of August to get oriented and settled before the start of the academic year. This is a one-year appointment with the potential for a second-year extension.

Requirements of the Visiting Artist:

  • Provide lab/studio hours for students
  • Teach one course per semester during their fellowship
  • Weekly studio upkeep and maintenance
  • Assist with Gallery installation and changing over exhibitions.
  • Community engagement:
    • Help build out the Arts, Culture & Community Pathway
    • Create more connections with creative workspaces in the community for student learning/professional development opportunities
  • Complete an exhibit and artist talk for the Hall Gallery

Qualifications

  • MFA or MA degree in Visual Arts or relevant in relevant field. (completed in last five years)
  • Record of creative practice in visual art with experience in two of the studio areas in the VAC (Sculpture, Painting, Graphic Design, Printmaking, Bookmaking, Papermaking, Digital Fabrication, Drawing)

Application Process

Application materials should be emailed as a single PDF to [email protected] with subject line “Windgate VAP Submission.” Review of applications will begin May 18, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by July 1, 2025. If you have any questions please email Prof. Eric Charlton, Co-chair of the Millsaps Art Department at [email protected].

To be considered you must submit:

  • A letter of intent that addresses your goals for the program and previous experience with studio maintenance and community engagement
  • A current CV
  • An artist statement
  • Portfolio of artwork (10-15 images) with image descriptions
  • Contact information for 2 references

Within these materials candidates should provide specific examples of how they have contributed to equitable and inclusive academic spaces, including how they would enrich Millsaps College’s commitment to supportive environments for a diverse community.

We will reach out to references at a later stage of the review process, and they should be prepared to submit a letter confidentially on the candidate’s behalf.

About Millsaps

Millsaps College is a selective institution of higher education located on 100 beautiful acres in the heart of Jackson, the capital of Mississippi — a progressive southern metropolitan city of nearly half a million. Millsaps is dedicated to academic excellence, open inquiry and free expression, the exploration of faith to inform vocation and the innovative shaping of the social, economic and cultural progress of the region. The college was founded in 1890 by members of the Methodist Church and is consistently ranked as one of the best values in higher education.

Millsaps has an enrollment of approximately 750 students and employs 80 full-time faculty members. The faculty/student ratio at Millsaps is 1:9, and the average class size is 14. Millsaps has graduated 25 Fulbright Award recipients, seven Rhodes Scholars, six Goldwater Scholars and two Truman Scholars. Millsaps is a member of the NCAA Division III and Southern Athletic Association and competes in 18 intercollegiate sports.

EEO Statement

Millsaps College values diversity within our students, faculty and staff, and strives to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people. Millsaps College does not discriminate in employment on the bases of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state and/or local laws.

All offers of employment will be contingent on successful completion of a background check and verification of employment. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Millsaps College provides a competitive benefits package.

It is the policy of Millsaps College to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities for employment. If you require any accommodations to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [email protected].

Additional Information

In compliance with the amendments to the federal Clery Act concerning annual security reports, all potential job applicants are free to view Millsaps College’s annual Campus Crime Statistics here.

The only national liberal arts college in Mississippi, Millsaps College has consistently been ranked a “Best Buy” among national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News and World Report‘s America’s Best Colleges and is cited as one of Loren Pope’s 40 Colleges That Change Lives. It was the first institution in Mississippi with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, and is the only institution in Mississippi ever to be listed in The Fiske Guide to Colleges.

Millsaps is a member of the ACS and NITLE, and has an AACSB accredited business school. In accordance with Federal law, we are making available our Campus Security Report to all prospective employees. Millsaps is located in Jackson, the capital of the state. The Jackson area has a population of around 400,000 and offers low cost-of-living, excellent schools, pleasant climate, and many recreational opportunities.

For additional information about Millsaps College please visit the links below: