Tyler Alumni Art Mentors/Art Interns Program
Tyler Students Need You!
Tyler Student Life is looking for 6-8 Alumni who would be willing to serve as mentors for current Tyler students over the summer. We are looking for Tyler Alumni who are actively working as studio artists, curators, gallerists, or in some other art field. Students will serve as unpaid interns, and would be paired with mentors based on mutual interests, ability to work together, and geographic location.
As this is a pilot program, the number of students participating will be limited. Student/interns this summer will be rising seniors (completed 90 credits) and they will have a GPA of at least 3.0. All Tyler majors may participate; however Graphic Design and Architecture have their own required internships programs, so those students will not likely participate in this program. They will have a fairly strong working knowledge of the equipment and processes within their major (kilns, dye baths, paint types, mold-making, etc). They’re now at the stage of fully developing their artistic voice.
How Can This Help You?
Your intern will work 10-15 hours a week, depending on your schedule and theirs (they may also have paid employment). They will work as much of the summer as both of you are willing to work together. They are looking for “real world” experience in the arts:
- What does it take to run a solo studio practise?
- Do you just make art all day?
- What does a curator do?
- How do you get places to show your work?
- What actually happens in a gallery when you’re not having a reception?
- How do you ship artwork?
This means you can put them to work helping you in your studio/gallery/practise/et cetera. They can stretch canvases, fill out forms, charge your kilns, prepare your dyes, pack your work to ship, or anything else you need done. Do you sell your work at summer art fairs? They can help you pack, set up your work, talk to interested buyers, et cetera. Essentially they can do anything that can help run whatever you do.
What Shouldn’t They Do?
Because they’re not paid, interns must get as least as much as they give out of the experience. The experience should cover a wide range of duties that are typical to the success of your business. For instance, it is not appropriate to employ an intern solely to organize your image files or create your website—they may, however, do this as part of their duties. Remember the students are hungry to learn how art works in the “real” world, and they’ll do just about anything you give them to do.
Last Thoughts?
In order to be successful, you’ll need to be somewhat organized to put your intern to work during the times you mutually agree they’ll be working. This might be the thing that gets you to be more organized, and that’s a good thing! We also hope you will develop a continuing relationship with your Tyler intern, and will serve as an informal mentor during their senior year. You can do studio visits/informal crits, introduce them to your gallerist, et cetera during their final year at Tyler and beyond.
Sounds Great! How Do I Get Involved?
Fill out this form. Student Life will contact you with student applications.
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