Who We Are

Penland School of Craft is an international center for craft education offering residential workshops, residencies, community education programs, and exhibitions. Located on 420 acres in the NC Mountains, Penland has 16 teaching studios and 57 historic and contemporary buildings. We are an equal opportunity employer with a staff of 70. Penland operates with a $44 million endowment and an annual operating budget of $6 million. We are located about an hour northeast of Asheville, NC.  Our mission supports individual and artistic growth through creative practice and discovery. 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

We believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to fulfilling our mission. We want to inspire and nurture the human spirit, and we value the perspectives and contributions of all people. We want the Penland experience to include varied ideas, world views, and personal characteristics. Penland is committed to being a community that welcomes and respects everyone regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, race, religion, philosophical or political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nationality, geographic origin, and socioeconomic status. We are committed to providing an environment free of discrimination. 

Position Summary 

This position provides close exposure to the skills and teaching philosophy employed by Penland’s Teaching Artist Initiative. This position will support the program and gain experience in classroom arts education. Work includes materials preparation, classroom setup and maintenance, teaching assistance, and administrative support. Program activities take place in Penland’s teaching studio at Ridgeway, and in five partner schools. Hands-on activities include various bookmaking and painting processes, working with over 400 students over the semester. The Teaching Artist internship position runs from September 6 to December 17th. The intern is expected to work 30 to 35 hours per week. Penland will work with individuals seeking educational credit for the internship and meet any college or university requirements. Details can be discussed in the interview process.

Responsibilities 

Assist Penland’s Teaching Artist with the following:

• Materials preparation, including cutting book boards, paper, processing materials orders
• Assistance with hands-on classroom activities and teaching
• Help with program documentation, including photography, note-taking, scheduling
• Help with classroom preparation, maintenance, and cleanup
• Curriculum research, planning, and writing
• Other duties relevant to TAI programming

Qualifications 

Intern should:

• Have a strong interest in education incorporating the arts, and a desire to work closely with an exceptional teaching artist
• Have some teaching experience, or equivalent education
• Have an interest in modeling one’s creative process in front of students
• Be self-motivated
• Possess outstanding written and verbal communications
• Possess strong organizational skills
• Have the ability to pay close attention to detail
• Have the ability to manage multiple projects at one time successfully
• Have the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse work environment
• Have an interest in exploring the natural world
• Be comfortable living in a rural environment
• Be diplomatic
• Have Windows, web software experience
• Be flexible with schedule
• Must bring own transportation to commute to program activities – mileage will be reimbursed.
• Must be able to pass county school background screening

Physical Demands 

This position requires the applicant to walk unaided up and down hills and over uneven terrain, bend, stoop, reach above their head, use fine and gross motor skills, and work in close quarters. The applicant must have normal visual acuity at near and far distance with correction and hear the spoken word with correction. The applicant must be fluent in English. The position demands frequent exposure to inclement weather. While performing the duties of this job, the applicant is regularly required to sit and work at a computer. The applicant is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, touch objects, tools, controls, and talk fluently. The applicant must occasionally lift and move heavy objects weighing up to 75 pounds.

Compensation

All housing and meals will be provided to the intern for the duration of the internship period. (When the dining hall is not open, a meal stipend of $75/week will be provided in place of prepared meals). A $1,000 stipend is provided upon completion of the internship. Informal studio space in Ridgeway classroom will be available during non-teaching/program hours. 

To Apply 

The internship will remain open until filled. Send cover letter and resume addressing relevant experience and interest in the internship, personal contact information, and email contact information for at least three professional references (a minimum of three shall be from an employer) hrmanager@penland.org. Please put 2021 Fall Internship in the subject of the email. 

We look forward to hearing from you!