We are a community of creative and collaborative people encompassing a range of ages, artistic expressions, and global interests. Grace Art Camp is dedicated to encouraging awareness of the world through art, culture, and story in a joyful and process-oriented environment.
Each summer, over 115 experienced staff members and volunteers of many ages and backgrounds contribute to the overall success of Grace Art Camp by fostering an inviting and encouraging environment for children ages 4 – 12 years old. Positions range from Studio Artists and Camp Counselors to Counselors-in-Training, Volunteers and day-to-day operational and administrative support. If you are interested in volunteering, click here!
Professional Artistic Staff
Studio Teaching Artist
Studio Artists are professional working artists who enjoy and are comfortable sharing their artistic and technical skills with children, ages 4-12. Studio Artists are flexible, energetic, enthusiastic, creative, and able to think on their feet while working with a large mixed aged group of kids at any one time. Studio Artists have a keen ability and interest in global cultural awareness and share their own creative process with others, as well as provide mentoring for our younger developing leaders. Studio Artists must be comfortable leading, be diplomatic, possess excellent communication skills, and present a welcoming presence to all campers, counselors, and fellow staff members. Artists are paid a salary rate commensurate with experience and expertise. Click here for full Job Description.
Grace Art Camp Art Studios typically include Animation Arts, Ceramics & Sculpture, Collage, Culinary Arts, Drawing & Illustration, Fibre & Textile Arts, Fused & Mosaic Glass, Music & Dance, Paper & Book Arts, Photography, Podcasting, Printmaking, Theatre, T-Shirt Design, and more depending on what individual artists may bring from their own skills, culturally specific art processes, and areas of expertise.
Storyteller
Storytellers help set the tone each day during morning assemblies through the sharing of the week’s story–alongside the daily ritual of singing songs. Storytellers may have other artistic areas of interest and sometimes lead a studio during the week. “The role of the storyteller is to awaken the storyteller in others.” –Jack Zipes
Guest Artist
Guest Artists are an essential part of creating the camp community as they generously share their experiences and knowledge of the summer’s cultural focus. Guest artists are welcomed into the life of camp on a regular once-a-week basis by performing or giving a presentation for the entire camp and/or a particular studio. Oftentimes, Guest Artists lead 3- or 5-day studios throughout the whole summer. These positions are sponsored in part through community grants and are commensurate with experience and expertise.
For Professional Artistic positions, please submit resume and cover letter or portfolio to Executive Director Ashley Klump at ashleyk@grace-institute.org.
Counselors and Leadership Support Staff
Counselors
Summer 2026 Applications will be posted in early February
Grace Art Camp’s Counselor Leadership Program is designed to offer high school and college students opportunities in a collaborative community, building leadership skills in working with younger children and the arts. Successful counselors are energetic, enthusiastic, and willing to learn and contribute to the community. They are paid an hourly rate determined by current minimum wage and incrementally increases with experience.
Counselor positions are held from late June to mid-August. Counselors must reapply each year. Assignments are based on expected weekly enrollment and are subject to change at the discretion of Grace Institute.
Click here for more details about counselor employment.
2025 COUNSELOR APPLICATION
Please submit completed 3-page application and optional resume to:
Ashley Klump, Executive Director
via email at ashleyk@grace-institute.org or mail to:
Grace Art Camp, 1535 NE 17th Ave, Portland, OR 97232
(Emailed applications MUST be sent as a PDF document;
Please DO NOT load into Google Docs platform, it obscures the formatting and you will need to resubmit.)
C.I.T.s
Counselors-in-Training (CITs) are volunteers at camp that help guide campers and provide a welcoming atmosphere. Many of the counselors begin as counselors-in-training and are vital to the ongoing training and development of our youth counselor program.
Visit our CIT page here learn more.
For more information about the above positions, please contact our Executive Director ASHLEY KLUMP via e-mail at ASHLEYK@grace-institute.org or call 503.331.8155 X101. Thank you for your interest in working at Grace Art Camp!
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Grace Institute does not discriminate in its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, socioeconomic status, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, military or veteran status, and any other marginalized characteristics protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
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