Tyler Alumni Art Mentors/Art Interns Program
Tyler Students Need You!
Tyler Student Life is looking for 10–12 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. Most students are in the greater Philadelphia metro region, but students are also looking for opportunities across Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic region.
Student/interns this summer will be rising seniors (those who have completed 90 credits) have a GPA of at least 3.0. All Tyler majors may participate; however the departments of Graphic and Interactive Design and Architecture have their own required internships programs, so those students will not likely participate in this program. Students will have a fairly strong working knowledge of the equipment and processes within their major (kilns, dye baths, paint types, mold-making, etc) and are now at the stage of fully developing their own artistic voice.
How Can This Help You?
Your intern will work 10–15 hours a week, depending on your schedule and theirs (they also may have paid employment since these are unpaid internships). They will work as much of the summer as long as both of you are willing to work together. They are looking for real world experience in the arts. Their questions may include:
- 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?
Interns can help with work in your studio, gallery or practice. They can stretch canvases, fill out forms, charge your kilns, prepare your dyes, pack your work for shipping or anything else you need done. Do you sell your work at summer art fairs? Interns can help you pack, set up your work or talk to interested buyers. Essentially they can assist with anything you might need.
What Shouldn’t They Do?
Because they’re not paid, interns must get from the experience at least as much as they give. The experience should cover a wide range of duties that are typical to the success of your business or art practice. 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 are open to expenses that will provide those skills.
Last Thoughts
Organization on your part is key for employing a successful intern, so now might be a good time to prioritize your work. We also hope you will develop a continuing relationship with your Tyler intern, and will serve as an informal mentor during their senior year and beyond, by continuing studio visits/informal crits, introducing them to your gallerist and more. Also, if you have specialized equipment such as kilns or torches, it can be helpful to give your intern access when Tyler facilities might not be available, so that the student can create his or her own work on his or her own time.
Sounds Great! How Do I Get Involved?
Fill out this form. Student Life will provide student applications and will pair you with an intern that matches both your media and geographic location.
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