Assistantship Program

Applications for the Fall 2024 term are due Wednesday, April 10, at 11:59 p.m., EST.

A work exchange including professional development, technical workshops, and studio engagement:

July 15, 2024 – January 24, 2025

The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio (CMGS) Studio Assistantship is an educational opportunity designed for emerging artists who have recently completed an undergraduate degree program in glass or who are pursuing a professional career working in glass. This six-month program provides practical, professional studio experience in a museum setting. Studio Assistants contribute to the Studio’s operations by assisting with public glass demonstrations, public and college classes, maintenance, audio-visual support, and special events for up to 20 hours a week. As public representatives of the Chrysler Museum of Art, Studio Assistants must have strong verbal and interpersonal skills and be willing and eager to be positive contributing members of the team. Studio Assistants must have significant (2–3 years) glassblowing experience and be able to lift at least 50 lbs. The Assistantship includes a $3000 stipend, paid in installments. Housing and food are not provided.

There are two competitive six-month assistantship sessions per year:

• Spring Semester: Late January – Late July
• Fall Semester: Late July – Late January

Time Requirements:

People with full-time responsibilities (school/job) are highly discouraged from applying as they are unable to take full advantage of the program and its benefits. Assistants often seek part-time employment. Assistants’ part-time jobs are taken into consideration when scheduling.

Each Studio Assistant is assigned weekly Studio responsibilities supporting CMGS programming and studio-related projects approximating 20 hours a week.

Additional involvement throughout the semester could include:

• Performance Glass Series (monthly: approximately 6 hours including dress rehearsal and performance)
• Working with/assisting the Visiting Artist Series, guest artist visits, and lecturers
• Participation in two-day Studio sales (commission-free)
• Community arts district projects/group projects

Outside these stated responsibilities, Studio Assistants can expect to spend ample time each week focused on their personal artistic practice, including:

• Weekly 3-hour mentored professional development workshops (detailed curriculum outlined below)
• Research relating to professional development workshops
• 2 hours a week of personal hot shop time (additional time available)
• Weekly 3-hour technical skill sessions that address topics driven by Assistant interests, including stained glass, neon, flameworking, powder printing, enamels, sculpting, and blowing

Assistants are provided:

• A $3000 stipend, paid in installments
• Glass Studio access from 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., 7 days a week (with some additional evening hours)
  Public hours are Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Access to the cold shop during Studio open hours (restricted to space availability)
• Kiln access (restricted to space availability)
• Flameworking access (restricted to space availability)
• Gallery space to mount an exhibition
• Partial scholarship awards to CMGS classes taught by Studio staff
• Commission-free participation in the Studio’s semiannual sale
• One-year Museum Membership
• The opportunity to work with world-recognized masters in our Visiting Artist Series, guest instructor classes, and innovative glass performances

Weekly professional development workshops include:

• Behind-the-scenes looks into museum careers with tours of the Chrysler Museum of Art collection,
  conservation, storage, and Jean Outland Chrysler Library’s research facilities
• Research of the Museum collection followed by a project design or proposal
• Professional workshops, including personal biography, artist statement, resume, and museum proposal development/review
• Artist documentation and image archiving practices
• Business cards, website development, and newsletter production
• Public speaking seminar
• Basic artist business practices: invoicing, pricing, accounting, and taxes
• Best application practices and submission for three artist opportunities

Eligibility 

• Recent graduates with BFA or BA in glass or equivalent experience in the field are eligible for the Studio Assistantship
• Students currently enrolled in college are not eligible due to time restrictions

Resident Assistant

During each session, the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio accepts one Resident Assistant. The Museum provides an apartment for this assistant during the duration of the term. This assistant has additional responsibilities and is expected to have more glass and studio practice experience. The Museum is not able to sponsor or facilitate visas. Please note in your Letter of Interest if you would like to be considered for this position.

Applicants should submit the following using the form below:

• A letter of interest, addressed to the Studio Manager, outlining studio experience and personal goals for the program
• Current resume
• Five to ten images of your work
• Image list correlating to images
• List of three references with contact information

Please send questions to the Program Coordinator at lberry@chrysler.org.

*Previously accepted assistants may reapply for additional terms, and if selected, may participate in up to two sessions total, which need not be consecutive.

Download a pdf.