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 $1,500 to $1,650 -
Medical, dental, and vision insurance -
Worker's compensation -
Paid and annual leave -
Full access to studio facilities -
Basic woodshop; design lab; foundry; blacksmith shop; repair and restoration lab
-
-
Personal work area in a shared studio -
Private bedroom in shared house -
Access to vehicles onsite -
Wi-Fi in designated spaces -
Up to three (3) apprentices living onsite
-
Participation in annual group exhibition -
Design and production of Museum commissioned projects -
Assistance with educational programs, including classes, school, and summer programs -
Weekly onsite demonstrations -
Daily interaction with museum visitors -
Assitance during exhibition change -
Assistance during events, including set up and break down -
Groundskeeping during event rentals -
Shop maintenance and cleaning
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 some experience with hand forging techniques -
Able to lift a minimum of 75 pounds -
Must be able to speak basic English
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 -
At least 20 images of recent work, including the submission of an image list with title, date, size, and media
Goals
By the end of two years, the apprentice will be competent in hand forging techniques (including traditional joinery, tapering, and riveting); be able to operate power hammers, welders, and other shop equipment; and be able to design basic fencing, gates, and hardware. 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.
Awardees notified by March 17, 2020.
FOUNDRY APPRENTICESHIP
Program Period
Program Details
Benefits
-
Monthly living stipend of $1,500 to $1,650 -
Medical, dental, and vision insurance -
Worker's compensation -
Paid and annual leave -
Full access to studio facilities -
Basic woodshop; design lab; foundry; blacksmith shop; repair and restoration lab
-
-
Personal work area in a shared studio -
Private bedroom in shared house -
Access to vehicles onsite -
Wi-Fi in designated spaces -
Up to three (3) apprentices living onsite
-
Participation in annual group exhibition -
Design and production of Museum commissioned projects -
Assistance with educational programs, including classes, school, and summer programs -
Weekly onsite demonstrations -
Daily interaction with museum visitors -
Assitance during exhibition change -
Assistance during events, including set up and break down -
Groundskeeping during event rentals -
Shop maintenance and cleaning
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 some experience with metal casting and mold making -
Able to lift a minimum of 75 pounds -
Must be able to speak basic English
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 -
At least 20 images of recent work, including the submission of an image list with title, date, size, and media
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; be able to operate pneumatic rammers, jolt squeezers, and other shop equipment; and be able to design basic patterns. The second year will focus on 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.
Awardees notified by June 1, 2020.
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