Studio Assistant Internship

$16/hr
20–24 hours per week, Part-Time Employee
Six month term, (with the opportunity to extend to two consecutive terms/ twelve months)
Applications due: November 15, 2024

Reports to Lead Printer(s); supports Assistant Printer, Director of Artist Programs, Gallery Director.

Work is onsite and scheduled between Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and every other Saturday from Noon to 4 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend events. We work with interns to create a regular schedule that may accommodate possible school, employment, or other obligations. 

Highpoint Center for Printmaking (HP) is dedicated to advancing the art of printmaking. We create pathways for artists, learners, and the public to increase their understanding and appreciation of printmaking through artistic and educational programs, a cooperative studio, a public gallery, and collaborative publishing opportunities in alignment with our strategic plan and organizational values.

Summary

This internship is an entry level opportunity to work in an arts non-profit and build a diverse skill set. The intern will assist with professional print publication, gain experience with gallery and exhibition logistics, support and maintain a printmaking studio, and be part of a greater printmaking community. 

The position comes with the rights and responsibilities afforded to all Highpoint employees per HP’s employee guidelines. All Highpoint employees are required to be familiar with and follow all of HP’s guidelines, rules, and organizational charts. The Lead Printer reviews and evaluates this position every three months. The position reports to the Lead Printer(s) but is expected to work with and take direction on occasion from the Executive Director, Assistant Printer, Gallery Director, and the Director of Artist Programs.

Responsibilities 

Assistance with Professional Print Publication (70%)

• Engage with and assist the Highpoint Editions (HPE) visiting artists
• Assist the Lead Printer(s) and Assistant Printer to help complete Highpoint Editions publications:
  • Prepare materials, including printing matrices, film positives, inks, paper, etc.
  • Assist with the printing of proofs and editions (i.e. handling paper, sponging for lithography projects, etc.)
  • Help to curate, tear down, and finalize published prints
  • Facilitate documentation and storage of prints

Gallery Sitting and Exhibition Care (15%)

• Serve as Highpoint staff front-desk representative during weekend gallery open hours (every other Saturday)
• Greet guests and answer questions about the current exhibit, classes, events, co-op memberships, and donor levels
• Pack and prepare prints for shipping
• Exhibition installation and maintenance
• Attend and help with special events and exhibitions as needed

General Facilities Operation (10%)

• 30-60 minutes daily (beginning of shift) dedicated toward cleaning, organizing, restocking, and maintaining the Highpoint Editions studio and cooperative studio
• Maintain and build equipment

Administrative and Team Work (5%)

• Research and summarize updates for news on Highpoint Editions Artists
• Data entry and inventory management as needed by the Director of Artist Programs and Gallery Director

Desired Qualifications: Education, Experiences, Knowledge, and Abilities

Interns must be able to commit to six months for a minimum of 16 scheduled hours per week. The best intern is not always the person with the most printmaking experience! Print experience is helpful, but dependability, initiative, attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability/willingness to learn are paramount. Also, strong interpersonal skills, an interest in printmaking practices, and the ability to work well with others are essential. 

This winter, while not a requirement, we are hoping for an intern with basic carpentry experience.

Working Conditions/ Physical Demands

• Requires frequent lifting, carrying, or otherwise moving and positioning objects weighing up to 40 pounds 
• Requires the ability to stand for several hours at a time
• Requires bending, stooping, and crouching on a regular basis
• Requires occasional use of a telephone and computer to provide information in a clear and understandable manner
• Interns must have reliable means to travel to and from Highpoint, but a car is not required

Benefits and Incentives

• Sick and safe time: 1 hour for every 30 hours worked 
• Free classes at Highpoint Center for Printmaking, pending availability (up to $400 per class value)
• Membership to Highpoint’s Printmaking Cooperative ($2,100 annual value) (start date based on printmaking experience with the option for on-the-job training)
• Discounted monthly rate for co-op studio access for one full year following completion of the internship
• One Highpoint Editions print per year, the selection of which is based on availability (value varies by year and selection, estimated $3,000 value)
• The opportunity to work with and learn from accomplished artists

To Apply

Please email zac@highpointprintmaking.org with the following: 

• A cover letter describing your related experience, familiarity with and interest in Highpoint Center for Printmaking and our mission, and long-term goals that this internship may help you to achieve (±500 words max.) 
• Your resume of professional and relevant experiences (2 pages max.) 

The following will be requested from position finalists:

• Two professional references upon notification of the interview

Highpoint hosts multiple internships. Please apply to the role that you believe best fits your skills and interests.

Timeline for Applicants

Winter/ Spring Dates:

November 15, 2024 Applications due
December 6, 2024 Finalists Notified (references requested)
Interviews scheduled from December 9 to 13, 2024
January 2, 2024, Approximate start date
June 31, 2025, Approximate end date, unless extended to six months

For those interested in the Winter/Spring Internship (Early January – Late June), we announce that applications open on October 1st and are due November 15th.

Summer/ Autumn Dates:

May 15, 2025 Applications due
June 6, 2025 Finalists Notified (references requested)
Interviews scheduled from June 9 to 13, 2025
July 1, 2025, Approximate start date
December 31, 2025, Approximate end date, unless extended to six months

For those interested in the Summer/Autumn Internship (Early July – Late December), we announce that applications open on April 1st and are due May 15th

If you have questions or would like to schedule a visit to discuss the internship in more detail, please contact Zac Adams-Bliss, Lead Printer, at 612.871.1326 or email zac@highpointprintmaking.org

Highpoint is a federally registered, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. Highpoint is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, ability, genetic information, pregnancy or age.