Take it off.

Take it all off and earn $15.00 an hour in the process.
As the posters around campus featuring strategically placed fig leaves note, the Visual Arts Center is seeking versatile models for a variety of classes for both the fall and spring semesters.
Finding models can be a little challenging according to Leslie, especially male models. Nevertheless, he recommends it for a variety of reasons.

He points out that modeling is a great opportunity for those looking to experiment with different mediums of art. Leslie, a former art student himself, says modeling is as natural as art can be. “I did it as an art student, and found it a great way to make money,” Leslie said. “It pays better than the average job. It also was a great way to sit in on a variety of art classes.”

Gaining more than money, Amanda Bolduc, former JSC student, said, “I wasn’t worried about being exposed, I was proud. If you think about it, people drawing you are probably just as uncomfortable drawing you as you are about taking off the robe.”

Former JSC student Jeffrey Ketcham has found modeling both lucrative and therapeutic. “I would recommend it to anyone, especially if you battle with social anxiety or depression. It makes you feel vulnerable and safe in a healthy way,” he said.
The Visual Arts center houses two types of models: work study models and non-work study models, both of which are obligated to sign a contract and schedule detailing availability. Ketcham and Bolduc both said that modeling for the VAC was the highest-paying student job they could find on campus.

Leslie stressed that his department seeks diversity in its models, and welcomes students and community members of all ages, shapes, races, and more. “The myth is that we only want models that look like glamorous movie stars. We are really interested in the human condition, so that is totally false,” Leslie said.

For many models, the most difficult challenge in modeling is not baring their all: it’s the posing. Can you hold still and not scratch your nose for a 30 minute pose? “You think you’re in a comfortable position but the next thing you know 20 minutes later your foot is cramped and your butt is numb…but you can’t move,” Bolduc said.

Ketcham said that losing circulation was the most difficult aspect of modeling but accommodations were made. “The art department was professional and allowed me to take breaks when I needed to,” he said.

Like anything else, modeling wisdom apparently comes with experience. “It takes a lot to know what works,” Leslie said. “If you’re doing a pose for a half hour, you’re not gonna hold your hand up. I’ll never forget when I held my head back for 20 minutes; I was sore for weeks. The fun part is getting to know your body well.”

Models are expected for some art classes to be creative and come up with their own poses. For some art classes the same pose is re-created over a series of sessions or even weeks, whereas in some other classes models are needed to pose themselves continuously for short or long bursts throughout the session.

According to Leslie and part-time faculty Marjorjie Kramer, the spring 2016 semester needs plenty of models especially for the upcoming Life Drawing class that requires one or two models per class for the entire semester. “Some classes cannot function without the model,” Leslie said.

For more information, contact the VAC.