Hi Ann, wages should not depend on the number of students since the time and preparation for lessons remain the same regardless of the size of the class.  Whether 5 students or 20 students, an artist must still prepare a lesson plan and course materials, and an hour of teaching is still an hour of teaching, regardless of how many students are in the room. 

ta ta,

Annie

Hi Cherilyn,  this is an interesting question.

Annie - are you talking 100.- an hour per class with multiple students, or per student?

Ann

Hi Cherilyn,

Here in my area, we actively advocate that working artists should be paid a minimum of $100 per hour for teaching workshops, seminars, classes,and for demonstrations.  This is still slowly catching on, and some of the smaller groups are still paying less. 

Many artist groups feel that artists should donate thier time or give the organization a special deal because they are a non-profit.  I do not favor that, expecially when they serve members who mostly paint for a hobby and are wealthier than the artist teachers.  I'm all for giving to charity, but I personally don't believe that subsidizing tuition for middle-class adults qualifies as a worthy cause that artists need to contribute to.  Also, to ask the artists to donate any part of thier teaching services goes against the fundalmental mission of most of these organizations, which is to provide opportunities and support to artists. 

On the other hand, classes that are directed towards underserved members of the community are a genuine worthy cause, but for these there are numerous grants available which allow the organiztions to pay teachers a resonable wage.