Summer Internships

2025 Anderson Ranch Internship & Award Program

We will accept applications from December 16th, 2024 through March 3rd, 2025. Acceptance notifications will be communicated on a rolling basis but no later than March 28, 2025. Click here to apply.

Internship Dates

The start date of the program is May 19th, 2025 and ends in September at an agreed-upon date. Specific arrival and departure dates are arranged by department and the academic calendar needs of the intern.

Practical Experience & Professional Development Award

The Anderson Ranch Internship & Award Program offers an intensive learning experience that includes rigorous full-day workshops, studio observation, teaching, and support within a world-class art-making environment. Interns participate in educational seminars, lectures, and roundtables designed to enhance their overall experience. This internship opportunity adheres to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) guidelines. Academic credit may be available through various participating colleges and universities, as well as through the applicant’s home institution.

Upon satisfactory completion of the summer term, each intern receives a Professional Development Award of $5,000. This award is not intended as a replacement for wages; rather, it is designed to support future educational or artistic endeavors as participants pursue their artistic and professional goals. The award is issued as a cash grant reported on IRS Form 1099, box X. Interns are required to provide feedback to Anderson Ranch on the impact of their award within six months of receipt. 

Expense Support

Anderson Ranch covers intern expenses for room and board during the internship period in Aspen/Snowmass, CO. Additionally, transportation expenses incurred by interns will also be reimbursed by Anderson Ranch. This support ensures that interns can fully focus on their learning and artistic development without the burden of accommodation or travel costs. 

About Anderson Ranch Arts Center

Anderson Ranch Arts Center is a year-round visual-arts not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization with a 55-year history of providing transformative experiences that celebrate artists, art-making and creative dialog, at the intersection of craft and the global contemporary art world. Anderson Ranch brings together both aspiring and internationally renowned artists who come from across the country and around the world to test new ideas, explore new disciplines and techniques, hone their art-making skills, engage in meaningful dialog and connect with thought leaders in the artistic community.
Anderson Ranch’s campus is an artistic community nestled among the pristine peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The Ranch campus consists of 14 buildings providing 55,000 square feet of facilities including eight studio buildings, a gallery, a lecture hall, café, store, administrative offices, a student dormitory, as well as residential apartments and cabins. State-of-the-art equipment allows cross-disciplinary experimentation within the mediums of ceramics, woodworking, photography, digital fabrication, painting, sculpture and printmaking. The campus is an oasis of renovated 19th-century cabins and barns that sit alongside contemporary designed buildings, all within the renowned cultural and recreation communities of Aspen/Snowmass, CO, and the Roaring Fork Valley. Anderson Ranch cultivates a culture of experimentation and collaboration, offering world-class art-making facilities and equipment across diverse mediums, experienced visiting faculty and access to the highest quality staff.

Mission

Anderson Ranch’s mission is to enrich lives with art, inspiration and community. We achieve this by offering:

• Workshops: Providing intensive 1-3-week workshops for artists of all levels and all ages that both improve technical art-making skills and provide transformative experiences for art makers.
• Advanced Mentoring Programs: Offering three-year mentoring programs that advance artistic practice and careers in the arts.
• Artist Residencies: Providing 5 and 10-week long juried Artists-in-Residence programs, which give emerging and mid-career professional artists the time, space and resources to develop new work using our world-class facilities.
• Visiting Artist Experiences: Providing flexible and unique curated experiences to support established national and international artists seeking a retreat to experiment in new mediums or with new techniques and ideas, supported by our staff.
• Anderson Ranch Editions: An artist’s workshop and print publisher program for hand-printed limited-edition lithographs, screen-prints and etchings by established artists.
• Community Engagement: Hosting lectures, discussions, seminars and special events that build a community that appreciates, understands and supports art-making within the global contemporary art world and the human experience for both Anderson Ranch guests and the local community.

Artistic Internship Program Overview

The Artistic Internship Program connects career-focused artists with Anderson Ranch’s flagship Summer Workshop Program, offering a hands-on educational experience. This program is tailored to provide undergraduate visual arts students with valuable career experience in assisting and teaching, while also granting access to professional networks and facilitating career exploration. In 2025, a select group of 16 individuals will be accepted into this competitive program, ensuring a focused and enriching experience for all participants.

Applicants can apply in the following areas:

• Ceramics (3)
• Children’s Program (2)
• Digital Fabrication (1)
• Painting, Drawing & Printmaking (2)
• Photography & New Media (3)
• Sculpture (1)
• Woodworking & Furniture Design (1)
• 2D Floater (1)
• 3D Floater (2)

Key learning outcomes include:

• Participants in this program will benefit from a hands-on experience in the studio workshop program by assisting teaching faculty and staff.  By working closely with experienced professionals, successful participants will complete the program with enhanced knowledge and skills, having had the opportunity to learn from and observe over a dozen top art faculty within their area of focus. This program is designed to equip participants with the competencies needed to pursue professional teaching roles or studio management positions.
• The internship provides a comprehensive immersion in the visual arts through active involvement in lectures, auctions, seminars, exhibitions, and artist talks hosted on the Anderson Ranch campus. Interns gain valuable insights and broaden their understanding of contemporary art practices in a dynamic environment.
• Additionally, participants will have access to valuable professional development opportunities. Networking with key stakeholders—including professional artists, nationally recognized teaching faculty, art collectors, curators, gallerists, and art dealers—enables interns to build meaningful connections. The program also includes professional development seminars led by Anderson Ranch staff to support interns in building their careers within the art world.

Please note that interns should not expect to be entitled to employment at the conclusion of the internship.

Position Description

Interns work closely with full-time professional staff, gaining hands-on experience in studio facilities, equipment, and supply management. During the internship, participants will deepen and expand their artistic practice while assisting a diverse rotation of highly experienced faculty from top colleges and universities across the country. These faculty members lead intensive one- or two-week workshops, providing interns with exposure to varied teaching styles and artistic techniques. Interns will actively support both faculty and students, gaining insights into curriculum design, group instruction, individual mentoring, and student development. By the end of the program, interns will have had the opportunity to learn from over a dozen top artists and faculty members within their focus area, preparing them for future roles in teaching or studio management.

Professional Development Seminars & Networking

Beyond studio and teaching experience, the internship program emphasizes career development and professional connections. Interns participate in monthly professional development seminars led by senior artistic directors. These seminars cover key topics such as job applications in the art world, graduate programs, artist residencies, photographing and presenting work, writing artist statements, and planning exhibitions. Each intern is assigned a staff mentor for guidance and support throughout the program. Networking and extracurricular activities also provide opportunities to build peer and professional relationships.

Artistic Studio Practice

Interns are provided with shared, rotating studio spaces to explore their artistic practice. The internship concludes with a group exhibition showcasing the work of all interns, hosted by Anderson Ranch, offering a platform for participants to present their achievements and growth.

Eligibility Requirements for the Internship & Award Program

• Age Requirement: All interns must be at least 21 years old by the program start date, May 19, 2025.
• Educational Qualifications: Applicants for the Wood & Furniture, Sculpture, Digital Fabrication, and 3D Floater positions must possess a B.A., B.F.A., or an equivalent degree by the start of the program to qualify for consideration. Anderson Ranch will require official documentation verifying the degree.
• Technical Qualifications: Applicants for the Children’s, Ceramics, Painting & Printmaking, and Photography & New Media departments must possess relevant technical skills and work experience in their respective fields
• Personal Attributes: Candidates should demonstrate a strong desire to learn, grow, and collaborate effectively within their specific areas and across the Anderson Ranch community.

Internship Commitment and Responsibilities:

• Time Commitment: Interns are expected to dedicate a minimum of 45-50 hours per week in studio environments.
• Participation in Programs: Interns will also engage in Anderson Ranch public programs and events, which may occur outside of regular business hours.
• Evening and Weekend Duties: Some programs may require evening responsibilities, such as studio monitoring, as well as weekend commitments.
• Studio Support: All interns will assist with studio maintenance, setup, and faculty transportation as part of their responsibilities.
• Scheduling: A personalized schedule will be created collaboratively between each intern and their department mentor to accommodate program requirements and needs.

Selection Criteria for Applicants:

Applicants will be evaluated competitively based on the following criteria:

• Relevance to Field of Study: Connection to the field of visual arts or alignment with career goals. Priority will be given to undergraduate students in visual arts.
• Experience and Qualifications: Demonstrated experience, qualifications, or preparation that indicates potential success in the internship.
• Application Quality: Carefulness, quality, and thoughtfulness in the application materials submitted.
• Learning Outcomes: Clarity in articulating the desired learning outcomes of the internship and how the internship host will facilitate those learning experiences.

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Through these internships, we aim to increase access for emerging artists from historically underrepresented and marginalized groups, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students, students receiving financial aid, as well as non-traditional and first-generation college students. Our goal is to enhance their educational experience and expand their future career possibilities in the arts. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences, ensuring that all participants can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the artistic community.

Responsibilities & Qualifications by Department

Children’s Program

Staff Mentor: Emily Katebini

Responsibilities:

• Maintain flexibility, patience, and energy while accommodating the changing needs of students ages 4-15.
• Assist faculty in delivering engaging workshops and provide support to students throughout their learning experience.
• Organize and prepare materials for activities, ensuring the studio space and supplies are well-maintained during summer workshops.
• Supervise and ensure the safety of young children, overseeing the use of materials, snack breaks, lunchtime, and time before and after workshops.
• Provide assistance in the turnover of adult studios, ensuring a smooth transition between sessions.

Qualifications:

• Experience or a strong interest in working with children is essential.
• Broad knowledge of art materials and techniques to effectively support student projects.
• Familiarity with a variety of digital media techniques, including basic knowledge of digital photography, video, animation, 3D printing, and robotics.
• Basic proficiency in coding, Arduino, Tinkercad, and Rhino is valuable but not necessary.
• A proactive and adaptable approach to support the diverse needs of students in the program.

Painting and Printmaking 

Staff Mentors: Liz Ferrill, Lindsey Yeager

Responsibilities:

• Assist faculty and students in the Painting and Printmaking studios, demonstrating self-motivation and an anticipatory approach to studio needs.
• Support instructors by preparing studio equipment and materials for workshops.
• Conduct studio orientations, explaining safety rules and protocols to faculty and students.
• Guide students and faculty in locating supplies and tools within the studios.
• Assist faculty during demonstrations and provide support to students in learning new techniques relevant to the workshop.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of painting techniques and a significant background in printmaking, including the workflow of an active community print shop.
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to maintaining a clean and organized studio environment.
• Comfort and adaptability in moving between painting studios and the print shop, ensuring effective support in both areas.

Photography & New Media

Staff Mentor: Andrea Jenkins Wallace, Esther Nooner

Responsibilities:

• Actively assist in summer workshops, providing support to both faculty and students.
• Learn how to effectively assist instructors and support students during workshops.
• Troubleshoot computer and printer issues as they arise.
• Organize and assist with field trips related to the curriculum.
• Monitor weekly evening lab sessions and perform general lab and building maintenance, including weekend responsibilities.
• Gather materials for demonstrations and other instructional activities.

Qualifications:

• Strong technical understanding of camera equipment, digital and film capture, and digital workflow, including proficiency in Photoshop, Lightroom, and Epson printers and scanners.
• Attention to detail and a genuine desire to learn are essential.
• Experience in teaching or assisting with photography or digital media courses is highly desirable.
• Additional knowledge of analog and alternative processes, programming languages (such as Processing), general computer maintenance, and proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is preferred.

2D Floater

Staff Mentors: Andrea Jenkins Wallace, Liz Ferrill, Lindsey Yeager, and Esther Nooner

Responsibilities:

• The 2D floater intern will rotate between Painting, Drawing & Printmaking and Photography & New Media departments.
• This intern will assist in workshops across these areas each week, adapting to specific workshop requirements.
• Support the Coordinator and Faculty in the facilitation of workshops.
• Perform duties such as setting up demonstration materials, assisting workshop participants and faculty, keeping the studio and work areas clean, and performing other tasks as necessary.
• Participate in evening monitor hours to support ongoing projects and ensure a safe working environment.

Qualifications:

• Experience and knowledge in both areas is highly desired.
• Experience in digital printing, manual camera use, painting and printmaking techniques. Please refer to the descriptions above for more details.
• A willingness to learn and adapt to the unique needs of each workshop area.

Ceramics

Staff Mentors: Betsy Alwin, Joanne Seongweon Lee

Responsibilities:

• Actively assist in summer workshops by providing support to both faculty and students.
• Assist in loading, unloading, and firing various types of kilns, including electric, gas, wood, and soda.
• Mix glazes and prepare materials for use in workshops.
• Help maintain a clean and organized studio environment, including cleaning and organizing equipment.
• Support daily tasks such as managing class schedules and assisting faculty in preparing for demonstrations and lectures.
• Participate in evening monitor hours to support ongoing projects and ensure a safe and healthy working environment.

Qualifications: 

• Interns should have an intermediate to advanced level of ceramic hand-building skills and/or wheel-throwing skills.
• Basic knowledge of mold-making and slip-casting techniques is a plus.
• Assistants will be knowledgeable about firing electric and/or gas kilns. They will load, fire, and unload kilns as specified by the Ceramic Coordinator. 
• Experience firing other atmospheric kilns such as wood and soda are preferred but not essential. 
• A willingness to learn new techniques and firing skills are essential.
• Experience mixing glazes, mixing slips and reclaiming clay as needed is required. 
• Attention to detail, customer service experience, flexibility and the ability to work closely on a team are required. 

Internship Duration: Ceramic interns are encouraged to remain through September 20, 2025, to maximize their learning experience and contribute to the program.

Digital Fabrication

Staff Mentor: Emil Gorman

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support to students from various disciplines during summer workshops.
• Assist students, faculty, and Visiting Artists with project output and troubleshooting throughout the workshop sessions.
• Learn to maintain, service, and operate all equipment in Anderson Ranch’s Digital Fabrication Lab. 

Qualifications: 

• Proficiency in CAD software, such as Rhinoceros or Fusion 360, as well as the Adobe Suite, is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with equipment in the Digital Fabrication Lab, which includes FDM and SLA 3-D printers, 3-D scanners, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and 4-axis CNC routers, is preferred but not required.
• A willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes in digital fabrication.

Sculpture / Woodworking and Furniture

Staff Mentor: Betsy Alwin, Lane Preston, William Lanzillo

Responsibilities:

• Play an integral role in workshops, contributing to the functionality of the sculpture space.
• Organize the class schedule and assist faculty with workshop preparations and activities.
• Maintain and upkeep the shop, ensuring a safe and efficient working environment.
• Work one-on-one with students to help them realize their artistic visions and provide guidance throughout their projects.
• Address safety incidents and prevent hazardous situations, ensuring a safe experience for students and faculty during workshops.

Qualifications:

• Background in or a strong willingness to learn a variety of sculpture techniques, including welding, wood fabrication, bronze casting, plaster, and mixed media construction.
• Significant experience in woodworking, including knowledge of basic joinery and safe operation of woodworking machines.
• Familiarity with other materials such as metal, paint, and mixed media construction is beneficial.
• Suggested experience with computer technology, software, video projection, sensors, and kinetics.
• A proactive approach to safety and a commitment to helping maintain a secure workshop environment.

3D Floater

Staff mentors: Betsy Alwin, Lane Preston, William Lanzillo, Emil Gorman, Joanne Seongweon Lee

Responsibilities: 

• The 3D floater intern will be rotating between all 3D areas: Sculpture, Wood/Furniture, Digital Fabrication and Ceramics 
• This intern will assist in workshops across the 3D department each week, adapting to specific workshop requirements.
• Support the Coordinator and Faculty in the facilitation of workshops.
• Perform duties such as setting up demonstration materials, assisting workshop participants, keeping the studio and work areas clean, closely monitoring safe machinery use, maintaining equipment under the supervision of the area coordinator and performing other tasks as necessary. 
• Participate in evening monitor hours to support ongoing projects and ensure a safe working environment.

Qualifications:

• Proficiency with 3D software and the safe operation of wood / sculpture machinery is essential.
• Possess knowledge of basic woodworking techniques and joinery. 
• Possess knowledge of basic sculpture techniques including metalworking machinery such as sanders, saws and plasma torches. 
• A strong understanding of different materials used in 3D art-making processes is preferred.
• Experience and knowledge in all areas is highly desired, including 3D software, machine safety protocols and ceramics.
• A willingness to learn and adapt to the unique needs of each workshop area.