The work exchange program provides college students, recent graduates, and clay enthusiasts the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the field of community art education and access to the Ceramics Program studio. Work exchange participants will be working under the supervision of the program’s Director, Kathy King and Diane Lulek, Program Supervisor. Once selected, work exchange participants may remain in this role for up to 2 years.
Work Exchange Opportunities
- Short-term unpaid Work Exchange: available in Fall, Spring or Summer term, 10 hours of commitment each week during weekdays (within 9am - 5pm timeframe preferred). Hours can be flexible.
- Special unpaid Work Exchange: for College students wishing to receive credits and for those with special circumstances. This can be done during the Fall, Spring, Summer terms or the month of January.
Applications for Summer 2024 Work Exchange are now being accepted. The deadline to apply will be Friday, April 5th at 11:59pm.
Summer Work Exchange will run from May 13th - August 16, 2024. There is flexibility with start and end times.
Advantages
- Access the studio, clay and materials each semester.
- You are able to use the studio during breaks between terms.
- Training in kiln loading/unloading, mixing clay and glazes, equipment use and studio procedures.
- Work Exchange participants have the option of taking one class, tuition waived.
- You may attend selected visiting artist workshops and special events, tuition waived.
- Opportunity to work with instructors, resident artists, visiting artists and a large number of professional ceramic artists.
- You may participate in firing workshops at no cost as long as there is space available.
- If you are interested in renting a studio space, you are eligible to rent an Independent Artist studio space if available and you are welcome to apply to the Juried Resident Artist studio spaces.
- Opportunity to participate in the Fall and Spring Show and Sales.
Expectations
- 10 hours per week of service, depending on length and type of Work Exchange (for example, college students on a Special Work Exchage for academic credit may need to complete more hours based on the requirements of their institution). Special consideration will be given to individuals who are available 9am - 5pm, all others are still welcome to apply.
- Active participation in studio events, undergraduate events and opening receptions.
- You are expected to be responsive to staff, faculty and studio participants' inquiries, attend staff meetings, help keep the studio in good working order and assist with clay deliveries whenever possible.
- Must be aware of emergency procedures for the program.
- Responsible for keeping track of your work hours and report your hours each week.
- Direct all studio concerns, maintenance or operational issues to the Director.
- Participate in special events such as academic visits.
- Participate in some capacity in the Winter and Spring Show and Sales.
- College Students are responsible for making appropriate arrangements with their schools to receive credit for internships, if applicable.
Work Exchange Participants may be involved in the following jobs and activities:
- Mixing Glazes
- General Studio Maintenance
- Assisting in Curricular Ceramics Labs
- Assisting in Undergraduate Ceramics activities such as making events with academic departments and/or houses.
- First-year Arts Event, Empty Bowls Event, Visiting Artist Workshops and Show and Sales.
- Helping out in the office.
- Assisting in classes
- Helping with the loading and unloading of studio kilns
- Loading, firing and unloading Electric Kilns
- Loading, firing and unloading Gas Kilns
All applications must include the following:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Contact information for (2) references, professional and/or academic
- Images of work (we suggest 5-10)
- Application Form .doc
Please label each file (pdf, doc, jpeg) with your last name first and then first name.
Please submit all materials using this link.
Questions on the application? Email Kathy King, Director at kking@fas.harvard.edu