Artist Internships

2022 Application information will be available soon.
Review of applications will begin March 1st.

Complete applications must be received by March 15th.

Award notifications will be made by April 1st.

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

Touchstone provides the opportunity for motivated, creative individuals to serve as studio technician interns from May through September. 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.

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 understanding of the studio tools and 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
• Help enforce COVID-19 policies and procedures throughout campus
• Perform maintenance of studio and studio equipment under the guidance of Studio Manager
• Clean and disinfect studios, dining hall, and common spaces daily
• 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.

Applications are due by March 15th.

REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICATIONS:

1. Complete Studio Technician Intern Application Form.
2. Letter of interest and intent (two-page maximum). Please include the following
   • Why you are interested in being a Studio Technician Intern at Touchstone?
   • Your qualifications for the position (Including the ability to work independently and with studio equipment)
   • What you hope to gain from this experience?
   • Was your life/studio affected by COVID? If so, how?
3. Why you are interested in being a Studio Technician Intern at Touchstone?
4. Your qualifications for the position (Including the ability to work independently and with studio equipment)
5. What you hope to gain from this experience?
6. Was your life/studio affected by COVID? If so, how?
7. Three images (jpeg 330 dpi) of artwork
8. Three letters of recommendation (These may be sent separately.)
9. Résumé or Curriculum Vitae

Please feel free to reach out to twinters@touchstonecrafts.org or call (724) 329-1370 with questions