I'm Fine Internship

I found the internship through my supervisor, someone who I have been involved with since I was in the sixth grade, and she has been helping me find new opportunities in the local art scene. I’m fine. is a non-profit art community that organizes workshops where people are invited to create clay masks, while also promoting the discussion of mental health. 

I did a little bit of anything that was needed, from creating masks, helping with demos, helping set up the gallery... etc. I am most proud of getting to connect with a handful of people and getting to hear their stories about why they are creating their masks. I got a taste of what it is like to work/run a nonprofit, community art group, which was very important to me. I learned to help a person with little to no art experience channel their thoughts and ideas into the thing that they were
creating. 

The main thing that I’ve gained from this internship was the various methods of how I could create a space that both invites people to talk about difficult subjects and use that to create something/interact with my own work. And I’ll be taking all of this and putting it towards my thesis (To Die In The Woods).

Greenwich House Pottery

I found out about Greenwich House Pottery by asking my department chair, David East, if there were any internships that could improve my wheel throwing skills. David replied that there were not internships specifically for that, that he knew of, but he did send me some studios in New York, and Maryland that he knew were good for interns. I secured it by following the application instructions, which required me to send in my resume, cover letter, portfolio, and 2 references. I listed David, and Sarah Barnes, MICA Ceramics Studio Manager, both of whom have worked closely with me. I only put my best work in my portfolio. I also used my graphic design skills to make sure my application materials were well designed. Then, I went on GHP’s instagram and website to find out more about them to make my work and application more relevant.

GHP is a community organization that offers classes to people interested in ceramics. Danny Crump is the studio manager, so he also interviewed me. As a studio manager, he has to make sure the studio runs smoothly, and that requires him to: fix equipment, train interns and techs, manage and order supplies, and oversee the studio. As an intern, I bounced from every area. Some days I would be in the kiln room loading or unloading work. Other days I would mix glazes, or maybe mix and pug 300+ pounds of clay. There would also be administrative tasks like making signage for the studio, or making class chips, which helps with organizing student work. One project I really enjoyed was helping to make 3 clay pedestals for Rirkrit Tiravanija’s piece for the Ceramics Now exhibition at GHP. I had not touched clay for awhile since my summer study abroad program ended, and it was great to stretch some muscles. I am most proud of applying for this internship. Before this year, I had felt under-qualified for so many opportunities and jobs, which meant I did not apply for anything. Now I feel like I’ve overcome that feeling. 

Because of this internship I am more confident in my skills as ceramicist, and feel less anxious about my future. I have learned that no one really knows what they are doing, but those who work hard and continue making work will eventually have an opportunity come to them. I am so happy that I have learned how to talk to people, on a more professional level, since this internship. Before this summer, I always felt very nervous asking people questions, now I feel less nervous. This internship has showed me that I am able and willing to work in a community studio environment. This means that I am more prepared to be a studio tech after I graduate, which is one, of many, jobs that are available to ceramic majors.

Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts/Dandelion Spring Farm

My name is Elizabeth Langyher and I am a Junior Ceramics major. As a sophomore, I began exploring agriculture and its relationship with ceramic art forms in my studio classes. I became very interested in planters and the process of seeding and transplanting sprouts due to my experience with growing and maintaining a large garden at home for the past several years. At the same time I was investigating this, the head of my department, David East, was putting together a ceramic studio/organic farm internship that would explore food, clay, studio work, and an opportunity to learn about organic farming.

The two organizations, Watershed and Dandelion Farms, are direct neighbors and this proximity was the inspiration for the internship. Watershed is an organization that aims to give artists an opportunity to work in a communal studio and have the freedom and means to make their work. Dandelion Farms is owned by Beth Schiller and is a MOFGA certified organic farm that promotes community and a healthy farm to table lifestyle.

            After hearing about the opportunity, I thought it would be perfect for me and would provide experience and insight into agriculture that would feed into my studio practice. I applied with a resume, cover letter, essay, and portfolio and was given a tentative acceptance several weeks later. I was later given a final interview by Watershed’s studio manager, Reeder Fahnestock , who was also my direct supervisor, and officially accepted as one of two interns for a three week session. I was able to fund the trip through the Meyerhoff Internship Fellowship.

            As an intern, I worked as a studio assistant for Watershed, performing the same duties as the summer studio staff. These duties ranged from grounds keeping to making clay to reorganizing and relabeling dry materials to checking in with resident artists and making sure that the studio is working for them. On the Farm, I was also inducted into the staff and into the regular schedule of the day, working with the apprentices daily on every part of the farming process. I regularly harvested crops as well as seeded and transplanted them. I also participated in creating structures to protect the plants from harsh weather and bug infestations. Of the whole experience I have to say that I am proud of being able to keep up with the staff in both organizations, but specifically at the farm. It was relentless, hard work and I walked away feeling very satisfied with myself for rising up to that challenge.

            Above all, I left the internship with a wealth of knowledge. From interacting with the residents, about 15 artists from all over the country, I gained insight into life as an artist after school that I felt was very important to learn directly. Learning about their career paths was very helpful, as was hearing about the career history of the farm apprentices and the opportunities there. While I still maintain very loose career goals, I feel that this experience has simply expanded my horizons. For example, I never would have seen myself wanting to farm and now I want to explore this line of work after school. As a student, I intend to further explore the connection between food and ceramics, using the new vocabulary that I’m gained from this experience, and I am very grateful to have participated in this internship for this clarified focus.