APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Metal Museum offers short-term internships and two-year residency opportunities to blacksmiths, foundry artists, and repair specialists. These positions offer artists invaluable experiential learning that is meant to expand their professional and practical skills. Responsibilities include the production of commissioned works, assistance with educational programming, participation in national conferences, on-site demonstrations, daily interaction with museum visitors, and shop maintenance.
BLACKSMITHING APPRENTICESHIP
Program Period
Program Details
Benefits
-
Monthly living stipend of $1,875 -
Medical, dental, and optional vision insurance (employee paid) -
Worker's compensation -
Paid and annual leave -
Access to shared studio facilities (24 hour access to blacksmith shop and foundry) -
Basic woodshop; design lab; foundry; blacksmith shop; repair and restoration lab
-
-
Private bedroom in shared house -
Secure parking onsite -
Wi-Fi in designated spaces -
Up to three (3) apprentices living onsite -
Up to $1,250 to be applied to educational opportunities outside of the Museum
-
Leadership role in organizing and participating in an annual group exhibition, under guidance of Museum staff -
Design and production of Museum commissioned projects under guidance of Shop Foreman -
Assistance with educational programs, including classes, school, and summer programs -
Weekly onsite demonstrations -
Daily interaction with museum visitors -
Assistance during exhibition change -
Assistance during events, including set up and break down -
Shop maintenance and cleaning -
Participation in all Museum events including openings, lectures, and artist talks
Eligibility
- Artists not currently enrolled in an academic program at the time requested apprenticeship would take place
-
Must have received BFA in Metalworking, Sculpture, or comparable training and experience -
Must have experience with forging techniques, welding, and steel fabrication -
Able to lift a minimum of 75 pounds -
Must be able to speak basic English -
Pass a background check
What You Need to Apply
A full application includes the following:
-
Resume or curriculum vitae -
Letter of interest, outlining your specific interest in apprenticing at the Metal Museum and how program participation will affect your practice -
Three letters of reference -
A PDF with least 20 images of recent work that includes: -
One (1) image per page with the title, date completed, materials, size, and attributions listed - Work that displays a wide range of techniques and scale (e.g. personal work, sculptural, and architectural)
- You may include work that you have meaningfully participated in making, but you did not design, with appropriate credit to the shop/artist and designer
-
Goals
By the end of two years, the apprentice will be competent in small and large scale forging techniques; be able to operate power hammers, welders, and other shop equipment; and be able to design and produce architectural and sculptural work. The apprentice will be exposed to a wide variety of art and artisans, will have the opportunity to meet and work with prominent blacksmiths from across the country, and will have experience teaching students of all ages.
FOUNDRY APPRENTICESHIP
Program Period
Program Details
Benefits
-
Monthly living stipend of $1,875 Medical, dental, and optional vision insurance (employee paid) -
Worker's compensation -
Paid and annual leave -
Access to shared studio facilities (24 hour access to blacksmith shop and foundry) -
Basic woodshop; design lab; foundry; blacksmith shop; repair and restoration lab
-
-
Private bedroom in shared house -
Secure parking onsite -
Wi-Fi in designated spaces -
Up to three (3) apprentices living onsite -
Up to $1,250 to be applied to educational opportunities outside of the Museum
-
Leadership role in organizing and participating in an annual group exhibition, under guidance of Museum staff -
Design and production of Museum commissioned projects under guidance of Foundry Manager -
Assistance with educational programs, including classes, school, and summer programs -
Weekly onsite demonstrations -
Daily interaction with museum visitors -
Assistance during exhibition change -
Assistance during events, including set up and break down -
Shop maintenance and cleaning -
Participation in all Museum events including openings, lectures, and artist talks
Eligibility
- Artists not currently enrolled in an academic program at the time requested apprenticeship would take place
-
Must have received BFA in Metalworking, Sculpture, or comparable training and experience -
Must have experience with metal casting and mold making -
Able to lift a minimum of 75 pounds -
Must be able to speak basic English -
Pass a background check
What You Need to Apply
A full application includes the following:
-
Resume or curriculum vitae -
Letter of interest, outlining your specific interest in apprenticing at the Metal Museum and how program participation will affect your practice -
Three letters of reference -
A PDF with least 20 images of recent work that includes: -
One (1) image per page with the title, date completed, materials, size, and attributions listed -
Work that displays a wide range of techniques and scale (e.g. personal work, sculptural, and architectural) -
50% of images should show finished work emphasizing casting and mold making
abilities -
You may include work that you have meaningfully participated in making, but you did not design, with appropriate credit to the shop/artist and designer
-
Goals
By the end of the first year, the apprentice will be competent in mold making techniques for green sand, resin bonded sand, and ceramic shell; and be able to operate pneumatic rammers, jolt squeezers, and other shop equipment. The second year will focus on basic patterns and design and commission proposals. The apprentice will be exposed to a wide variety of art and artisans, and will have the opportunity to meet and work with prominent craftsmen from across the country.
Applications are closed.
Applications are closed.
The Metal Museum offers employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or age.
For more information, please contact our Metals Shop Coordinator, Jeannie Tomlinson Saltmarsh, at jeannie@metalmuseum.org