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Touchstone CENTER FOR CRAFTS

Pioneering Craft Education for Over 50 Years

Studio Artist Internships

Blacksmith Intern Using Grinder
  • Internship applications are accepted through SlideRoom: touchstonecrafts.slideroom.com
  • Internship applications must be RECEIVED by March 15, 2023.
  • There are no fees to apply for internships.

Summer Internships

Touchstone’s Summer Internship Program is an intensive 10-25 week work-study program 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.

 

REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICATIONS:

 

     1.  Complete Touchstone Internship Application via SlideRoom

     2.  Letter of Intent

     3.  Three images of artwork

     4.  Three references

     5.  Résumé or Curriculum Vitae

 

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

 

Touchstone Seasonal Studio Supervisor

 

Posted February 1, 2023

Touchstone provides the opportunity for a motivated, creative individual to serve as Touchstone’s Seasonal Studio Supervisor. A qualified candidate for the Seasonal Studio Supervisor position, should possess a strong working knowledge of Touchstone’s various studios and programming, as they oversee and help facilitate daily operations throughout all studios. The Studio Supervisor is tasked with supervising Touchstone’s studios and Internship Program, to ensuring that workshop programming is executed in an efficient, enjoyable, and safe manner. Touchstones Seasonal Studio Supervisor works approximately 35-40 hours per week and may be asked to assist with non-studio duties in other areas of campus.

 

Studio Management Internship

Intern Throwing on Wheel

Touchstone provides the opportunity for two motivated, creative individuals to serve as Studio Management Interns. A qualified candidate for a Studio Management Internship, should possess a strong working knowledge and understanding of the daily operations of their primary studio, as they oversee and help to carry out daily programming throughout campus. 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. Studio Management Interns work under the guidance of the Seasonal Studio Supervisor for approximately 30-40 hours a week. Studio Management Interns may be asked to assist with studios outside of their designated area as well as non-studio duties in other areas on campus. Positions are available in blacksmithing, ceramics, glass, and metals/jewelry.

 

Internship Dates: May 8 - October 10, 2023, with some flexibility on arrival and departure dates.

 

Studio Management Intern Benefits:

  • Gain experience working within a studio/crafts school environment
  • Working and living on Touchstone’s beautiful 150 acre wooded campus in the Laurel Highlands
  • Building professional connections by networking with instructors and peers
  • An opportunity to develop professionally and artistically
  • Shared housing and Studio access (materials not provided)
  • Meals during scheduled workshops 
  • $350 Weekly stipend (May 8-October 10)
  • Exhibition, sales, and professional development opportunities
  • Free Touchstone workshop in the same or following year

Studio Management Intern Qualifications:

  • Experience working within a professional, commercial, and/or educational studio; experience facilitating workshops and/or leading technical demonstrations is desirable
  • Possess a strong understanding of their primary studio’s tools, materials, and equipment
  • Desire to learn about other studios outside of their medium
  • The ability to work independently, take direction and work well with others
  • Must be self-motivated, responsible, flexible, and reliable
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Value inclusivity and committed to continue learning on issues related to race, equity, diversity, and inclusion
  • Ability to move heavy items

Studio Management Intern Duties:

  • Work under the supervision of the Seasonal Studio Supervisor to order, receive, inventory, and update workshop and studio materials
  • Work with other interns to monitor evening studio hours and change over studios before and after workshops
  • Assist workshop instructors and their assistants as needed
  • Perform maintenance of studio and studio equipment in conjunction with the Seasonal Studio Supervisor
  • Ensure a safe working environment in the studios by following and enforcing all safety policies
  • Act as a representative of Touchstone; answer general studio questions for students, instructors, and visitors
  • Lead studio and campus tours for visitors and groups, and perform studio demonstrations as needed
  • Facilitate some youth programming and Date Night workshops
    • Studio Management Interns are required to teach one Date Night Workshop. Interns will be compensated for any Date Nights taught after this.
  • Assist with facilitation of campus auctions
  • Assist with other duties as needed (kitchen, grounds, gallery, events, admin)

Touchstone Internship

Interns Making Stained Glass Sun-catchers

Touchstone provides the opportunity for motivated, creative individuals to serve as interns for the 2023 season from May through August. The Touchstone Internship position is designed for someone who is looking to learn more about the daily operations of their primary studio and the inner workings of a crafts school, while working under the guidance of the Studio Management Interns. The 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. Touchstone Interns work approximately 20-30 hours per week and may be asked to assist with non-studio duties in other areas of campus. Interns may be assigned to one or more specific studios, but may have responsibilities in all operating studios.


Internship Dates: May 22-August 18, 2023, with some flexibility on arrival and departure dates

 

Internship Benefits:

  • Gain experience working within a studio/crafts school environment
  • Working and living on Touchstone’s beautiful 150 acre wooded campus in the Laurel Highlands
  • Build your professional connections by networking with instructors and peers
  • An opportunity to develop professionally and artistically
  • Shared housing and Studio access (materials not provided)
  • Meals during scheduled workshops 
  • Exhibition, sales, and professional development opportunities
  • Free Touchstone workshop in the same or following year
  • $200 weekly stipend (May 22-August 18)

Internship Qualifications:

  • Interest in learning about facilitating educational programming
  • Basic knowledge of studio materials, tools, and equipment and a desire to learn more
  • The ability to work independently, take direction and work well with others
  • Must be self-motivated, responsible, flexible, and reliable
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Value inclusivity and committed to continue learning on issues related to race, equity, diversity, and inclusion
  • Ability to move heavy items as needed

Internship Duties:

  • Work under the guidance of the Studio Management Interns and the Seasonal Studio Supervisor
  • Work with other interns to monitor evening studio hours and change over studios before and after workshops
  • Assist Studio Management Interns as well as workshop instructors and their assistants as needed
  • Work with the Marketing Director to provide social media content and other promotional content
  • Assist with facilitation of campus auctions
  • Facilitate Youth Programming and Date Night Workshops
    • Touchstone Interns are required to teach one Date Night Workshop. Interns will be compensated for any Date Nights taught after this.
  • Ensure a safe working environment in the studios by following and enforcing all safety policies
  • Act as a representative of Touchstone; answer general studio questions for students, instructors, and visitors
  • Lead studio and campus tours for visitors and groups, and perform studio demonstrations as needed
  • Assist with other duties as needed (kitchen, grounds, gallery, events, admin)

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.

Mission Statement: Touchstone Center for Crafts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance excellence in the arts and crafts by educating and encouraging individuals to develop technical skills, good design, and innovative expression.

Touchstone Center for Crafts condemns all acts of racism, discrimination, and senseless violence. We firmly believe that everyone has a right to dignity, respect, and equality without fear.  As an organization, we commit to listen and learn and to grow. We will continue to work to empower people to use art as a means of expression, a way to build community, and a powerful voice for change.

Touchstone Center for Crafts · 1049 Wharton Furnace Rd. · Farmington · PA 15437

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