Art Studio Assistant
About the Museum
We Love Picture Book Art!
Founded by Eric and Barbara Carle in 2002, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is the international champion of picture book art.
Situated on 7.5 acres in Amherst, Massachusetts, The Carle houses a rich and deep collection of art of more than 30,000 works of art from more than 300 picture book artists, including Eric Carle (The Very Hungry Caterpillar), and illuminates its collection through exhibitions, education, programming, and art-making—making it a critical resource for picture book artists and authors, and art-loving communities locally, nationally, and abroad. The Carle’s mission is to elevate picture book art and inspire a love of art and art creation. Since opening its doors more than 20 years ago, The Carle has welcomed more than one million visitors—plus more than four million additional museumgoers who have enjoyed its touring exhibitions around the world.
How you will contribute
The art studio assistant supports the Museum’s mission of inspiring a love of art and reading through picture books. You welcome guests in the art studio, introduce them to the space and the “Everyday Art Project” public program and assist them in exploring other Museum offerings. You support the art educators in the daily implementation of art studio programming, maintenance of the space and supplies, and provide support as needed, supervision for work study students, interns, and volunteers working in the space.
You are part of an art studio team with two art educators, work-study students, and volunteers who work in shifts. You report to the art studio educators.
Specifically, you will
- Demonstrate the highest level of customer service, remaining professional, personable, and engaging to all museum visitors and staff.
- Support Art Educators in facilitating the Art Studio’s “Everyday Art Project” public program.
- Welcome and orient visitors to the art studio and assist them in navigating the Museum, answering questions about exhibitions and programs. In addition, the art studio assistant responds to patron concerns and questions and assists in opening and closing procedures in the art studio.
- Understand and implement art studio health and safety practices; clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and materials, and interactive spaces; and replenish materials for visitors, as needed.
- Assist with the maintenance and preparation of Art Studio equipment and materials, monitor inventory of Art Studio supplies, and coordinate with art educators to reorder.
- Provide additional support and supervision for the Art Studio team (volunteers, interns, work study) as required.
- Stay abreast of current and upcoming exhibitions, films, educational programs, and marketing campaigns.
- Engage visitors in conversations about art techniques, styles, and formats and offer referrals and references.
Your background and experience include
The Carle acknowledges that competitive candidates may not meet all the experience requirements 100%. We encourage you to apply if many of these job requirements describe you. The position does not require a background in children’s literature.
- A high school diploma or in lieu of a degree, equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous experience working with the public and as part of a team. Experience in an arts environment or early childhood education is a plus.
- Enjoy working with visitors and can work confidently and calmly in a busy environment.
- Knowledge or interest in art and art education.
- Ability to work with people of all ages.
- Punctual and reliable.
- Ability to make quick decisions and adapt to changing environments and priorities; responds quickly, calmly, and professionally to emergency situations, and take direction from supervisors and managers.
- Strong interpersonal skills including diplomacy and empathy; able to resolve conflicts and de-escalate disagreements with guests in person, over the phone, and online in a constructive manner.
- Cultural competency to collaborate and coordinate with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and work both independently and collaboratively.
- Ability to work weekends.
- CPR/First Aid certified a plus (training provided).
- Ability to safely lift up to 20 pounds unassisted.
Position and compensation details
- Starting pay is $17.50/hour.
- This position is up to 14 hours per week, currently scheduled on Friday and Saturday.
- Benefits include accrued paid time off (sick, vacation, personal and holiday pay), a discount in the Bookshop, professional development opportunities including access to The Carle’s education workshops, plus free admission to many cultural institutions throughout New England.
Application timeline and process
For priority consideration apply by October 9, 2026. Applications received after that date are not guaranteed to be included for consideration for this position. Review of applications will start the first week of January. To apply, complete our Employment Application. If you need an access accommodation, have a question regarding available accommodations, or if you need this application in an alternative format to successfully submit your candidacy, please contact hr@carlemuseum.org.
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.