Opportunities
Scholarships
For information about Workshop Scholarships, visit our Scholarships page.
2021 Applications will be available Jan. 1, 2021.
Summer Internships and Residencies
Artist Internships
2021 Application information will be available Jan. 1, 2021.
Touchstone’s Summer Internship Program is an intensive 10-25 week work-study program (May – September) where emerging artists, graduate, and undergraduate students learn studio management and operations while refining their artistic skills and working with some of the country’s best artists. Two categories of summer interns are available based on skill level and equipment familiarity. Participants will have teaching opportunities as well as time for the exploration of ideas in an immersive and supportive craft community. Interns will be exposed to a network of regional and national instructors who will serve as role models for sustainable creative careers and given opportunities that will advance their artistic training while further developing their work and professional practices. Touchstone is committed to fostering the next generation of artists who will carry on the traditions of American craft forms. Interns receive a small weekly stipend, lodging, meals, and studio access.
Studio Technician Internship
A qualified candidate for a Studio Technician Internship, should possess a strong working knowledge and understanding of the daily operations of their designated studio, as they oversee and help to carry out workshop programming within that studio. The main goal of the program is to ensure that each studio’s workshops and other special programming are executed in an efficient, enjoyable, and safe manner for students. Studio Technician Interns may be asked to assist with non-studio duties in other areas on campus. Positions are available in blacksmithing, ceramics, glass, and metals/jewelry. A small weekly stipend is provided.
Studio Technician Intern Benefits:
- Working and living on Touchstone’s beautiful 150 acre wooded campus in the Laurel Highlands
- Networking with renowned instructors each week
- An opportunity to develop professionally, artistically, and further their creative careers
- Gain experience running a professional workshop studio through facilitating programming at Touchstone
- Touchstone provides shared housing
- Meals will be provided during scheduled workshops
- Studio access (materials not provided)
- Weekly stipend
- Paid teaching opportunities
- Exhibition opportunities
- Professional development opportunities
Studio Technician Intern Qualifications:
- Experience working within a professional, commercial, and/or educational studio; past experience facilitating workshops and/or leading technical demonstrations is desirable.
- Commitment to maintaining an active studio practice
- Knowledge of studio and medium processes, materials, tools, and equipment; should have a strong working understanding of the studio environment they wish to support
- Ability to solve a range of unique technical problems with creative solutions
- Ability to be self-directed, responsible, flexible, and reliable
- Strong interpersonal skills needed to work with a team and within a community setting
- Ability to move heavy items such as supplies and equipment with assistance.
Studio Technician Intern Duties:
- Follow the direction and perform tasks assigned by supervisor(s) and instructors
- Follow and enforce all safety procedures related to each studio
- Perform maintenance of studio and studio equipment under the guidance of Studio Manager
- Assist with ordering, receiving, inventorying, tracking and updating of workshop materials
- Provide assistance in answering general studio questions for students, instructors, and visitors
- Assist with change-over duties from week to week
- Maintain a studio practice focused on creating personal work
- Amount of hours may vary from week to week depending on the needs of the studios and campus
To Apply: Please submit a single PDF document of the materials outlined below to Travis Winters, Programs Manager, at twinters@touchstonecrafts.org.
- Letter of interest and intent (two-page maximum)
- Three images (jpeg 300 dpi) of artwork
- Three letters of recommendation (These may be sent separately.)
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
2021 Application information will be available Jan. 1, 2021.
Studio Assistant Internship
The Studio Assistant Intern position is designed for someone who is looking to learn more about the daily operations and inner workings of their designated studio area as they work side by side with the Studio Technician. The main goal of the program is to ensure that each studio’s workshops and other special programming are executed in an efficient, enjoyable, and safe manner for students. Studio Assistant Interns may be asked to assist with non-studio duties in other areas of campus. Studio Assistant Interns may be assigned to one or more specific studios, but may have responsibilities in all operating studios. A small weekly stipend is provided.
Studio Assistant Intern Benefits:
- Working and living on Touchstone’s beautiful 150 acre wooded campus in the Laurel Highlands
- Networking with renowned instructors
- An opportunity to develop professionally, artistically, and further their creative careers
- Touchstone provides shared housing
- Meals will be provided during scheduled workshops
- Studio access (materials not provided)
- Weekly stipend
- Exhibition opportunities
- Paid teaching opportunities
- Professional development opportunities
Studio Assistant Intern Qualifications:
- Experience working within a professional, commercial, and/or educational studio
- Basic knowledge of studio and medium processes, materials, tools, and equipment
- Ability to think creatively
- Ability to be self-directed, responsible, flexible, and reliable
- Strong interpersonal skills needed to work with a team and within a community setting
- Ability to follow the direction of supervisor(s) and instructors
- Ability to move heavy items such as supplies and equipment with assistance
Studio Assistant Intern Duties:
- Follow and enforce all safety procedures related to each studio
- Assist with performing maintenance of studio and studio equipment under the guidance of Studio Technician
- Assist with receiving, inventorying, tracking, and updating of workshop materials
- Provide assistance in answering general studio questions for students, instructors, and visitors
- Assist with change-over duties
- Assist in other duties as assigned when the studios are not busy
- Maintain a studio practice focused on creating personal work
To Apply: Please submit a single PDF document of the materials outlined below to Travis Winters, Programs Manager, at twinters@touchstonecrafts.org.
- Letter of interest and intent (two-page maximum)
- Three images (jpeg 300 dpi) of artwork
- Three letters of recommendation (These may be sent separately.)
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
2021 Application information will be available Jan. 1, 2021.
Artist Residencies at Touchstone
2021 Application information will be available Jan. 1, 2021.
In order to create an opportunity for artists to focus solely on the development and the growth of personal work in our fully equipped studios, Touchstone has created the Artist-In-Residence Program. The Residency Program provides the time, creative space, and support for emerging and midcareer artists to explore new ideas and bodies of work in any media that we are able to accommodate. The beautiful and unique 150-acre campus of Touchstone offers the perfect environment for makers seeking to change the artistic direction of their art, or reinforce their current body of work. One to four week residencies are offered in May/June and again in August/September and provides studio access, room, and board
- The Residency Program will accept participants in the following studios: Blacksmithing, Ceramics, Glass, Metals & Jewelry, Painting/Drawing, Creative Writing, and will consider other media as long as we are able to accommodate the needs (basketry, mixed media, ect.) with our facilities.
- The Residency Program is a one-month residency held in May/June and again in August/September, with flexible scheduling of dates. Applicants may apply for one or both sessions
- Touchstone provides Residency participants with shared housing
- Meals through Touchstone’s dining hall are available during workshops at a reduced rate
- Touchstone provides resident participants with studio access; materials are not provided.
- Residency participants may be asked to provide public demonstrations over the duration of their time at Touchstone.
- Residency participants are required to work 5 hours a week in Touchstone’s studios, office, and/or grounds/campus in exchange for housing, and studio access.
- There may be teaching opportunities for resident artists
To Apply: Please submit a single PDF document of the materials outlined below to Travis Winters, Programs Manager, at twinters@touchstonecrafts.org.
- Letter of interest and intent (One-page maximum)
- Five images (jpeg 300 dpi) of recent artwork
- Two letters of recommendation (These may be sent separately.)
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
2021 Application information will be available Jan. 1, 2021.
Volunteering
Hosting over 100 workshops, symposiums, and special events per season, and over 150 woodland acres to manage, Touchstone is always looking for an extra hand (or ten) to help out.
If you have the time, expertise, and willingness to become a Touchstone volunteer, please fill out the highlighted application form below and submit with your resume or CV. Volunteer activities usually revolve around cleaning, landscaping, and construction, but we are always willing to learn what your volunteering interests are and try and match them with our needs.
For questions about volunteering and/or work-study, please call 724-329-1370 or contact Daniel Tomcik, studio and grounds manager, at dtomcik@touchstonecrafts.org or Travis Winters, programs manager, at twinters@touchstonecrafts.org.
Touchstone Volunteer/Intern/Work-Study Application Form:
2020 Seasonal Employment
Kitchen Steward/Light Prep Cook
Part Time/Seasonal: 6/1/20 – 8/31/20
The Kitchen Steward at Touchstone Center for Crafts is responsible for representing the highest standard of excellence in kitchen cleanliness and organization. The primary purpose of the position is ensuring the kitchen & dining room areas are clean, well maintained, organized & stocked at all times. The Kitchen Steward will maintain a proper level of clean inventory with a high standard of cleanliness according to the sanitation code. The Kitchen Steward will also assist with preparation, setup and serving of meals as necessary. The Kitchen Steward reports directly to the Culinary Manager.
Job Functions:
- Adhere to all sanitation guidelines;
- Monitor proper tank temperatures and chemicals
- Maintain a clean and organized work area;
- Clean and sanitize all food storage areas, walk-in fridges, freezers, ovens, freestanding hot and cold boxes, dry storage cupboards, floors and dishes according to sanitation guidelines.
- Oversee studio assistant cleaning of the dining room.
- Clean filters and hoods.
- Clean and sanitize trash containers. Remove trash from food production and services areas.
- Store all cleaned articles in the correct areas.
- Ensure all access and traffic areas are clear and clean.
- Polish chafing dishes, china, silver & glassware as needed.
- Report any breakdowns in equipment, accidents or breakages to the Culinary Manager.
- Assist the Culinary Manager with food preparation, meal setup & service as necessary
Requirements:
- Clean, with good hygiene habits
- Communicates effectively; able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language (English) used in the workplace
- Organized, accurate and reliable
- Prioritizes and works efficiently with limited supervision
- Positive and upbeat attitude and demeanor
- Recognizes and resolves problems quickly and efficiently
- Works in a team environment
Other Skills / Abilities:
- Bend and stretch frequently
- Handle a fast-paced environment
- Lift, balance and carry up to 50 lbs. during your shift
- Perform all duties in a hot and humid environment
- Stand, walk and remain on feet and perform job duties for entire shift duration
- Work quickly and quietly
- Housing and studio access negotiable
To Apply: If you are interested in applying for the Kitchen Steward position for the 2020 season, please submit a cover letter and resume to Lindsay K. Gates, Executive Director, at info@touchstonecrafts.org.
Applications Due: April 1, 2020
Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. This job description describes the general nature of the job and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job. Job descriptions do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
Touchstone Center for Crafts prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or association preference. Touchstone Center for Crafts also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to its facilities and programming.