ARTIST’S ASSISTANT INTERNSHIP

LOCATION: Bellingham, WA COMPENSATION: Unpaid Internship, 20% profits of each painting sold by intern HOURS: 10-15 hours/wk BENEFITS: Flexible hours, option to work from home on certain tasks, holidays and school breaks off, free painting instruction. DURATION: One year commitment.

DESCRIPTION

Established local watercolor artist and instructor is seeking an intern to assist with a busy painting, teaching, and promotion schedule.  The intern hired for this position should expect to be involved in all aspects of the artist’s tasks including: preparing classrooms and workspaces, transporting work to and from galleries, scheduling, communicating with clients, managing website and sales, and coordinating social media.  There will also be lots of time spent outdoors while painting and teaching on location.

The benefits to the intern include working along side an accomplished and skilled artist with decades of experience, learning the ins and outs of artistic career management and growth, experience in producing workshops and gallery shows, and gaining valuable experience building an e-commerce website and brand. 

In return the intern should bring essential skills to this position: excellent communication, attention to detail, the ability to work independently, and most importantly, a strong interest in the arts – specifically the visual arts.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Photograph paintings and edit images for printing and to share digitally.
• Document events such as workshops, shows, and painting sessions.
• Develop and design promotional materials.
• Operate and manage social media applications.
• Build, operate, and manage website and e-commerce store.
• Manage and coordinate artist's schedule.
• Transport paintings and materials to different work sites.
• Assist in artist’s daily tasks, such as running errands, delivering and shipping paintings, and client and student communication.
• Promote sale of paintings.
• Work to secure future shows and opportunities.

REQUIREMENTS

• Graphic Design experience, proficiency with Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, In Design (must own computer and software).
• Social Media experience, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills: perfect grammar, ability to convey information with accuracy and interest.
• Excellent organizational skills
• Must own and be able to skillfully operate digital camera.
• Experience building and running a website.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Current undergraduate student or undergraduate degree.
• Art experience

MAJORS

Art, Business, Music, Marketing

ARTIST BACKGROUND

Michael Heath is a professional watercolor artist and instructor with decades of experience.  He was born in 1951 in Columbus, Ohio and grew up on a farm where he enjoyed roaming over hundreds of acres of adjacent fields and forests.  This early freedom became a way of life that solidified into an intense love of the outdoors, which quickly became both subject and studio for him.  Before beginning college he was drafted to fight in the Vietnam War.  Upon returning, he was able to complete get his degree in Fine Arts. He has been included in countless gallery shows, held various teaching positions, and traveled and painted widely.  Michael prefers to paint from life and is extremely prolific, concentrating more on the painting side of his career than the business and marketing side. 

He is most often found, paintbrush in hand, supplies spread around him, along the Salish Coast, in the Cascade Mountains, along the banks of the Nooksack River, or teaching in various locations in and around Bellingham.

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION:

•   Send current resume that includes, education, work, and pertinent extracurricular information.
•   Attach cover letter explaining why you are interested in this position, why you believe you would be a good fit, and a little bit about yourself (for example: favorite artists, authors, aspirations, favorite travel experiences, fun facts about yourself).
•   3 References