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Program Period

Applications for the 2021 program must be received by March 5, 2021. Apprentice residency period is May 11, 2021 - May 31, 2023.



Program Details

Benefits

  • Monthly living stipend of $1,875
  • Medical, dental, and optional vision insurance (employee paid)
  • Worker's compensation
  • Paid and annual leave
  • Access to shared studio facilities (24 hour access to blacksmith shop and foundry)
    • Basic woodshop; design lab; foundry; blacksmith shop; repair and restoration lab
  • Private bedroom in shared house
  • Secure parking onsite
  • Wi-Fi in designated spaces
  • Up to three (3) apprentices living onsite
  • Up to $1,250 to be applied to educational opportunities outside of the Museum
Duties
  • Leadership role in organizing and participating in an annual group exhibition, under guidance of Museum staff
  • Design and production of Museum commissioned projects under guidance of Shop Foreman
  • Assistance with educational programs, including classes, school, and summer programs
  • Weekly onsite demonstrations
  • Daily interaction with museum visitors
  • Assistance during exhibition change
  • Assistance during events, including set up and break down
  • Shop maintenance and cleaning
  • Participation in all Museum events including openings, lectures, and artist talks



Eligibility

  • Artists not currently enrolled in an academic program at the time requested apprenticeship would take place
  • Must have received BFA in Metalworking, Sculpture, or comparable training and experience
  • Must have experience with forging techniques, welding, and steel fabrication
  • Able to lift a minimum of 75 pounds
  • Must be able to speak basic English
  • Pass a background check



What You Need to Apply

A full application includes the following:

  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Letter of interest, outlining your specific interest in apprenticing at the Metal Museum and how program participation will affect your practice
  • Three letters of reference
  • A PDF with least 20 images of recent work that includes:
    • One (1) image per page with the title, date completed, materials, size, and attributions listed
    • Work that displays a wide range of techniques and scale (e.g. personal work, sculptural, and architectural)
    • You may include work that you have meaningfully participated in making, but you did not design, with appropriate credit to the shop/artist and designer



Goals

By the end of two years, the apprentice will be competent in small and large scale forging techniques; be able to operate power hammers, welders, and other shop equipment; and be able to design and produce architectural and sculptural work. The apprentice will be exposed to a wide variety of art and artisans, will have the opportunity to meet and work with prominent blacksmiths from across the country, and will have experience teaching students of all ages.