Artist Internships

2023 applications will be available in January.

Summer Internships

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.

Review of applications will begin March 1st.

Complete applications must be received by March 15th.

Award notifications will be made by April 1st.

Studio Management Internship

Touchstone provides the opportunity for motivated, creative individuals to serve as Studio Management Interns from May through September. 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 30-40 hours a week and 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.

Studio Management Intern Benefits:

• 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
• Gain experience working within a studio/crafts school environment
• Shared housing and Studio access (materials not provided)
• Meals during scheduled workshops  
• $350/Weekly stipend
• 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.
• Knowledge of studio and medium; should have a strong understanding of studio tools 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 Programs Manager 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 Facilities and Grounds Manager
• Ensure a safe working environment in the studios by following and enforcing all safety policies
• Follow and enforce all COVID-19 policies and procedures
• Act as a representative of Touchstone always; 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 youth programming and date night workshops.
• Assist with facilitation of campus auctions.
• Assist with other duties as needed (kitchen, grounds, gallery, events, admin)

To Apply: Please submit a single PDF document of the materials outlined below to Travis Winters, Programs Manager, at twinters@touchstonecrafts.org

          Review of Applications will begin March 1, 2022

          Complete Applications must be received by March 15, 2022

          Award notifications will be made by April 1, 2022

REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICATIONS:

     1.  Complete Studio Management Intern Application Form

     2.  Letter of interest and intent (two-page maximum). Please include the following

          •  Why are you interested in being a Studio Management 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.  Three images (jpeg 330 dpi) of artwork

     4.  Three letters of recommendation (These may be sent separately.)

     5.  Résumé or Curriculum Vitae

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

Touchstone Internship

Touchstone provides the opportunity for motivated, creative individuals to serve as interns for the 2022 season from May through September. 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 30-40 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 Benefits:

• 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
• Gain experience working within a studio/crafts school environment
• Shared housing and Studio access (materials not provided)
• Meals during scheduled workshops 
• $200/Weekly stipend
• Exhibition, sales, and professional development opportunities
• Free Touchstone workshop in the same or following year

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 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
• Ensure a safe working environment in the studios by following and enforcing all safety policies
• Follow and enforce all COVID-19 policies and procedures
• Act as a representative of Touchstone always; 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)

To Apply: Please submit a single PDF document of the materials outlined below to Travis Winters, Programs Manager, at twinters@touchstonecrafts.org

          Review of Applications will begin March 1, 2022

          Complete Applications must be received by March 15, 2022

          Award notifications will be made by April 1, 2022

REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICATIONS:

     1.  Complete Touchstone Intern Application Form

     2.  Letter of interest and intent (two-page maximum). Please include the following

          •  Why are you interested in being a Touchstone Intern?

          •  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.  Three images (jpeg 330 dpi) of artwork

     4.  Three letters of recommendation (These may be sent separately.)

     5.  Résumé or Curriculum Vitae

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

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.