Photo by Alex Byers

2024 Studio Artist 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.

Internship applications are accepted through SlideRoom
Internship applications available January 1st, must be RECEIVED by March 1st
There are no fees to apply for internships.

Meet Our 2024
Seasonal Interns

@andrewjwelton

Andrew Welton

Studio Supervisor

They/He Andrew is an accomplished blacksmith, educator, and historian based in Mars, PA. They specialize in smelting their own iron from stone and forging it into kitchen tools and historical reproductions. Eager to enhance their teaching skills, Andrew is thrilled to learn from visiting instructors.

Fun fact: Andrew loves living in the woods and recently planted 50 fruit trees around their home studio.

@rensart

Studio Management Intern

Ren Higuera

They/Them Ren is a talented jeweler specializing in kinetic fidget jewelry. They earned their BFA in metalsmithing from the University of North Texas, gaining valuable experience through work-study programs at Arrowmont, Snow Farm, and Touchstone. This year, Ren has advanced to a studio management intern, eager to learn the intricacies of maintaining and enhancing a shared studio space.

Fun fact: Ren has a charming tortoiseshell cat named Tortellini! @rensart

@15wintermint

Studio Management Intern

Morgan Winter

He/Him Morgan is a skilled artist from Richmond, KY, who specializes in ceramics and is driven by a deep passion for both the creative process and the continuous pursuit of deeper material knowledge. He is excited to be an integral part of a vibrant community of artists, enthusiastically engaging in a variety of crafts.

Fun fact: Morgan enjoys listening to loud music and wants to learn more about hula-hoop dancing.

@surrealstation

Arts Administration Intern

Zach Morphew

He/Him Zach is a 2024 graduate of WVU’s painting program who dedicates much of his time to creating things. He enjoys acquiring new skills and has recently developed an interest in puppet-making. Eager to learn and connect with others, he has greatly enjoyed his time with the other interns and looks forward to the remainder of the summer with enthusiasm.

Fun Fact: Zach learned to use a bandsaw a few years ago and has never looked back.

@roxy.leann

Touchstone Intern

Roxy Bridges

They/Them Roxy, a textile artist from Georgia, is currently pursuing a BFA at RISD. Using traditional techniques like dyeing, quilting, and weaving, Roxy explores and learns from the landscape. This is their first experience at a craft school, and they are excited to gain insights into non-profits, teaching, and studio management. Roxy also aims to conduct research and prepare for their senior thesis.

Fun Fact: Roxy’s sewing machine is named Blueberry!

@art___bilder

Touchstone Intern

Art Gibson

He/Him Art, from South Florida, is pursuing an MFA at the University of Milwaukee, focusing on blacksmithing and digital fabrication. This is Art’s second summer at Touchstone. He aims to use this internship to further research forging additively using forge welding, re-approaching it as if it were the first technique he learned.

Fun Fact: As a child, Art knew summer break was near when he would hear a mango hit his roof.

@anissawhiteart

Touchstone Intern

Anissa White

She/Her Annie uses clay, screenprinting, installation, and mixed media as conduits for social commentary on gender discrimination, women’s health, and sexual assault. An MFA candidate at Edinboro University, she has exhibited work nationally and internationally. This summer, Annie aims to gain insight into the inner workings of craft schools while collaborating with other artists to foster meaningful relationships and mutual learning.

Fun Fact: Annie has a pet ball python.

REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICATIONS:

1. Complete Touchstone Internship Application: touchstonecrafts.slideroom.com

2. Letter of Intent

3. Three images of artwork

4. Three references

5. Résumé or Curriculum Vitae

Please feel free to reach out to Travis Winters via email or call (724)329-1370 with questions

Studio Management Internship

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 6- October 11, 2024, with some flexibility on arrival and departure dates.

Click to learn more
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
- $375 Weekly stipend (May 6-October 11)
- 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 1 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)
- Be ‘on call’ for guest/maintenance issues

Touchstone Internship

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 20-August 23, 2024, with some flexibility on arrival and departure dates.

Click to learn more
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 20-August 23)
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 1 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)

Arts Administration Internship

Touchstone’s Arts Administration Internship provides the opportunity for a motivated individual to explore and assist with the day-to-day operations of a dynamic educational arts organization. The intern will work approximately 30-40 hours weekly, receiving guidance and hands-on experience working within multiple areas, including programming, marketing, retail gallery, as well as general office and hospitality administration.

Internship Dates: May 6 – October 11, 2024, with some flexibility on arrival and departure dates.

Learn more about this position
Benefits:
- Gain firm understanding of the crafts school environment
- Build professional connections within the field
- Shared housing and studio access (materials not provided)
- Meals during scheduled workshops
- $375 weekly stipend (May 6 – October 11)
- Exhibition, sales, and other professional development opportunities
- Free Touchstone workshop in the same or following year
Qualifications:
- While this opportunity is geared more towards those majoring in arts or nonprofit management/administration, any candidate currently pursuing a related career path (e.g. visual arts, arts education, etc.) who is interested in beginning a career in arts admin/mgmt. may be considered.
- Desire to learn about multiple areas of nonprofit/arts/educational facilities
- Able to work independently and collaboratively
- Must be self-motivated, responsible, reliable, and adaptable
- Willingness to work days, evenings, and weekends (adhere to set schedule with some flexibility)
- Excellent social, communication (verbal and written), and organizational skills
- Solid understanding or proficiency with applications such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite a plus
- Able to juggle multiple assignments simultaneously, with attention to detail and follow-through in tasks
- Ability to use Square software as well as handle cash, check and credit card transactions
- Commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion efforts
Duties May Include:
- Initiate and complete registration and event-related tasks to assist workshop participants and visitors
- Guide and carry out exhibition and retail purchases with gallery attendees
- Researching and creating membership packages
- Create social media posts and stories with interns, taking photographs and making short videos of campus settings, studio activities, and event happenings for marketing support
- Researching and creating comparison studies for programming support
- Building teaching artist database for programming support
- Networking and building database of retail and exhibiting artists for gallery support
- Creatively collaborate with studio interns/staff to organize and execute the annual intern exhibition

Interns Making Stained Glass Sun-catchers

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.