Manager, Studio Programs

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron  Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization.   Job Description: Position Title: Manager, Studio Programs FLSA Classification: Exempt Division: Learning & Engagement Department: Public Programs Reports to: Director of Public Programs Date Reviewed: 06/05/2026 About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary: Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission. The Momentary is a new contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. A satellite to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary presents visual, performing, and culinary arts. The mission of the Momentary is to champion contemporary art’s role in everyday life and explore the unfolding story of contemporary American arts in an international context by actively commissioning and exhibiting outstanding works that explore new ideas and inspire action. Position Summary The Manager of Studio Programs leads the strategic vision, planning, and execution of studio-based artmaking experiences across Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary (CBMO), including the Learning & Engagement Hub Studios. This role oversees a growing portfolio of programs including class series, workshops, drop-in artmaking, and a Teaching Artist in Residence program, ensuring all offerings are high-quality, inclusive, and accessible to diverse audiences. As a key leader within Public Programs, this position manages and mentors a team of educators and teaching artists, fostering a collaborative, creative, and accountable work environment. The Manager is responsible for advancing a multi-disciplinary studio ecosystem spanning ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking, fibers, sculpture, and craft-based media. This role requires a balance of visionary leadership and operational excellence, guiding program innovation while maintaining strong systems, schedules, and budgets. The Manager brings deep knowledge of studio practice and museum education, along with a commitment to developing meaningful, engaging art experiences for participants of all ages and skill levels. Principal Responsibilities Provide strong leadership and supervision to studio educators and teaching artists, including hiring, training, mentoring, and performance management. Lead the planning, development, and execution of a suite of studio programs, including classes, workshops, drop-in…