Ceramics Fall Intern

2026 Ceramics Intern-Fall

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization.

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission.

The Momentary is a new contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. A satellite to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary presents visual, performing, and culinary arts. The mission of the Momentary is to champion contemporary art's role in everyday life and explore the unfolding story of contemporary American arts in an international context by actively commissioning and exhibiting outstanding works that explore new ideas and inspire action.

The Studio Ceramics Public Programs Internship at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary (CBMO) provides hands-on experience in ceramics education, studio operations, public engagement, and creative program development. Participants support a variety of ceramic-focused activities, including classes, workshops, artist demonstrations, open studio sessions, gallery experiences, and museum-wide events. Through these experiences, they gain practical skills in clay preparation and recycling, glaze mixing, kiln loading and unloading, studio organization, materials management, and visitor engagement.

The position also offers exposure to the daily operations of a working ceramics studio, helping participants develop an understanding of ceramic processes, studio safety, equipment maintenance, and the planning required to support educational programs for diverse audiences. Some scheduling flexibility is available; however, availability on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (days and evenings), Saturdays (days and evenings), and select Sundays is strongly preferred.

Applicants must be at least 16 years old.

Application Materials:
Interns that do not submit a resume AND cover letter will not be considered for this opportunity. Please answer the following questions in your cover letter when submitting your application.

1. What interests you most about ceramics and the role clay can play in engaging people through hands-on art experiences?

2. This internship involves supporting ceramic classes, workshops, artist demonstrations, and open studio activities. How would you approach collaborating with ceramic artists, instructors, and participants to create a successful and welcoming studio environment?

3. A key part of this internship is learning about ceramic studio operations, including clay preparation, glaze mixing, kiln processes, and program support. Which aspects of ceramics are you most interested in learning about, and why?

4. You will have the opportunity to research and propose ideas for future ceramic programs. What types of ceramic classes, workshops, or community engagement activities would you suggest making studio programming accessible, engaging, and relevant to a diverse audience?

5. Ceramics is both creative and technical practice. Describe how you balance attention to detail, organization, and creativity when working on projects or learning new skills.

6. Crystal Bridges and the Momentary serve a broad range of visitors. How would you help create an inclusive and welcoming environment for participants with different ages, backgrounds, skill levels, and experiences with clay?

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support ceramics public programs, including classes, workshops, artist demonstrations, open studio sessions, gallery engagements, and museum-wide events.
• Prepare and maintain studio materials, including clay, glazes, tools, and firing supplies.
• Support ceramic studio operations through clay recycling, glaze mixing, kiln loading and unloading, and general studio organization.
• Interact with visitors, students, and community members in a positive, welcoming, and professional manner.
• Follow and promote studio safety practices while assisting with equipment and materials.
• Research, develop, and propose new ideas for ceramic programming based on personal interests, community needs, and current trends in contemporary ceramics and craft.
• Contribute to the creation of engaging, inclusive, and accessible ceramic arts experiences for audiences of all ages and skill levels

Timeline:

• Anticipated
  
  Start Date:
  
  Week of September 21, 2026
• Anticipated End Date:
  Week of December 12, 2026

Schedule:

Hours:

Undergraduate students:
Up to 20 hours a week;
Graduate students:
Up to 25 hours a week

Weekly schedule to be arranged with direct…