Sculpture Intern

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts. Meijer Gardens is ranked among the 100 most visited art institutions in the world. The organization embraces the concept of a major cultural attraction centering around horticulture & sculpture. Meijer Gardens' commitment is to create a legacy of lifelong learning, enjoyment, and a rich cultural experience for generations to come. 

 

Department: Sculpture                                    

Supervisor: Manager of Collections & Exhibitions Preparation

Pay Type: Part-time, Non-exempt, Seasonal

Schedule: This position is approximately 30-40 hours per week, primarily scheduled Monday through Friday during operating business hours.

 

All interns must be available for a minimum of 10 weeks between June and August and participate in the required internship program sessions. These sessions are held every Wednesday for 3 hours and are included as part of your weekly schedule.

 

Position Summary: The Sculpture Intern is responsible for helping with the maintenance and conservation of the outdoor sculpture collection. This includes daily rounds of cleaning, washing, and waxing bronze sculptures. The intern will also assist with temporary exhibition changeovers and ongoing exhibition upkeep.

 

• Gain hands-on experience in the conservation of bronze sculptures, learning key methods and techniques.
• Learn and practice proper art handling procedures to ensure the safety and preservation of artwork.
• Assist with the installation and daily care of the Chihuly exhibition, including routine maintenance of loaned works.
• Support preparation and installation efforts for upcoming exhibitions.
• Develop practical, museum-based experience in art handling and exhibition support, providing valuable skills for future careers in museum and gallery settings.

• Welcoming: Fostering joy and an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.
• Excellence: Approaching all we do with world-class intentionalism.
• Innovation: Embracing the future to create unique and engaging experiences in art, culture and nature with a commitment to creativity.
• Integrity: Operating with honesty, transparency and accountability throughout the organization.
• Stewardship: Preserving and enhancing our community, physical, cultural, and financial resources for current and future generations.

Working Conditions: Basic mobility is expected in offices, grounds, and exhibition areas. Ability to observe details at close range and communicate information accurately with others. Engage in occasional object manipulation with or without assistance, and efficiently navigate the workspace to access essential resources. Ability to regularly move up to 20 pounds and frequently up to 50 pounds (i.e., load, unload, and move supplies, medium to heavy weight tools, and equipment). Occasionally ascends/descends a ladder. This job operates in a professional indoor office environment, across grounds, and exhibition areas. Occasionally, may be required to work outdoors under inclement weather conditions.