Resident Internship Program
“A Craigardan residency is one of the best things I have done in my life.” - Mia Vodanovich
Resident Internship positions are available to early-career individuals who have a strong interest in the ceramic arts, the culinary arts, and/or farming. Craigardan seeks individuals who are actively engaged and productive people who are curious and wish to discover more about the intersections of food, farming, and the arts. Resident Interns (RIs) are integral members of Craigardan’s community serving as both artists/chefs/farmers-in-residence and interns on staff. This is an excellent opportunity for emerging artists, beginning chefs, and aspiring agriculturalists to receive a free residency experience while gaining a wide range of skills in a supportive, experiential learning environment. And, the internship can add significantly to a professional resume and portfolio.
Resident Internships are educational work exchange positions. Each participant receives a full fellowship ($2300 weekly value) towards a free residency, mentorship, hands-on learning, housing, a farm share, free access to all programs, and studio access in exchange for 30 hours per week of work on the community farm, and/or in the studio. This time will include rotating chore responsibilities on the Community Farm, in the kitchens, and in the Farmhouse. RIs are expected to spend an additional 10 hours per week on their own individual projects and attend all lectures and special programs. The internship program is a rigorous, 40 hour-per-week commitment; and participants receive support, encouragement, knowledge, an enriching residency experience, and professional development opportunities. RIs have the unique opportunity to spend three months or more at Craigardan, meeting dozens of amazing artists and scholars from around the world, working in all disciplines - the people and connections are a highlight of the experience.
As with all residents, RIs are responsible for purchasing any additional groceries needed beyond the farm share and pantry, and preparing their own meals in the family-style kitchen. Participants are encouraged to take time to explore outdoor activities and cultural opportunities in the Adirondacks and in the Champlain Valley; regions known for hiking, rock-climbing, biking, fishing, canoeing and swimming, along with food gatherings, music festivals, and multi-cultural events. All RIs are responsible for any additional personal expenses and a car is required.
Four RI focus areas are available:
Farm Resident Internship
Clay Studio Resident Internship
NEW* Culinary Resident Internship
A combination of any two! (i.e. Farm + Clay, Farm + Culinary, Clay + Culinary)
Each internship is a minimum 3-month position (12 weeks).
Farm Internship
The Farm RI will work directly with Craigardan staff in all aspects of our small-scale, working farm from seedling to harvest. This position allows aspiring farmers to gain valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of a small diversified farm. RIs will gain technical skills and hands-on experience through hard, rewarding work. RIs practice sustainable food production, seasonal food preparation and preservation, and land stewardship as they become ambassadors for a more sustainable food culture and a stronger food system.
Responsibilities:
No more than 30 work hours per week, with an average of 5-6 hours of work per day, 5-6 days per week on the farm and in the forest under the direction of the farm manager; hours will include weekends and special events. (schedule may vary based on farm needs)
10 hours of personal project work per week dedicated to the RI’s area of interest
working with animals, planting and harvesting vegetables, weeding, property and flower garden maintenance, pastures and trails, and building/maintaining equipment and infrastructure
assist with farming workshops, the community farm program, and the Farm Store
assist with preserving seasonal harvests using root cellar storage, freezing, canning, fermentation, butchery, etc.
assist with farm cleanup and maintenance
Present a slide lecture or other presentation to program participants and the public as part of the Applebarn lecture series.
Requirements:
a positive attitude
must be able to safely and repeatedly lift 50 lbs and perform moderate to heavy physical labor indoors and outdoors in all weather
ability to prioritize tasks and work independently as well as in a team
excellent communication and time management skills and the ability to work collaboratively
interest in the intersection of food, farming and art and a strong desire to live, work, and participate communally in a remote, mountain environment
interest in the residency program and attendance at weekly programs and lectures
A degree in agriculture or a related field is not required; though applicants should be those who have gained some hands-on experience, are serious about a future in agriculture and farm-to-table eating, and are highly motivated to continue their education
A vehicle, waterproof work boots (muck boots), work gloves and clothing
Advance financial planning to allow for 3+ months during the program without income
What Farm RIs learn / What they Do:
Farm chores for all animals and gardens, including irrigation
Seeding, planting, weeding, pest management, and harvesting vegetables and herbs
A variety of techniques to open new fields and make beds without heavy machinery using animals, plastic and mulch techniques, and hand tools
Working with livestock to increase fertility and productivity for vegetable and pasture production
Maximizing production on limited acreage - both for animal grazing and vegetable production
Animal Husbandry including pasture rotation, fencing, and animal health for pigs, sheep, and chickens
Harvesting and assembling a weekly farm share, food for the Free Food Fridge, and Egg Share programs
Composting and closed-system techniques
Processing vegetables - pickling, freezing, cooking
Prepping and cooking a variety of products and ingredients with a focus on seasonal and local foods
Working efficiently and effectively on the farm and in the kitchen
Property and trail maintenance; as well as using farm equipment, hand and power and tools
Clay Studio Internship
The Clay Studio RI will work directly with Craigardan staff in the organization and execution of all studio processes, classes and workshops, kiln firings, and general studio maintenance. This position allows an aspiring ceramist with the opportunity to work with and assist professional artists, gain valuable teaching, technical, and organizational skills, and develop their artistic voice. RIs receive access to studio space and opportunities to sell work in the farm store gallery.
Responsibilities:
No more than 30 work hours per week, with an average of 5-6 hours of work per day, 5-6 days per week under the direction of the executive director; hours will include weekends and special events (schedule may vary based on organizational needs)
10 hours of personal work each week dedicated to own studio practice
ordering materials, making and reclaiming clay, mixing glazes, loading and firing kilns, stacking wood, handling student work
maintenance of the studio and completing general clean up and studio projects
studio assistant for classes and community outreach projects with the opportunity to teach
organizing studio critiques and meetings
present a slide lecture or other presentation to program participants and the public as part of the community lecture series.
Requirements:
a positive attitude
must be able to safely lift 50 lbs and perform moderate to heavy physical labor indoors and outdoors
a BFA or BA with a concentration in ceramics preferred, and/or an extensive pottery apprenticeship, or equivalent experience; college juniors or seniors enrolled in a BFA or BA program with a concentration in ceramics will be considered
basic knowledge of studio equipment and operations
ability to prioritize tasks and work independently as well as collaboratively
excellent communication and time management skills
enthusiasm for working in a complex studio environment with others
interest in the intersection of food, farming and art with a strong desire to live and work communally in a remote, mountain environment
interest in the residency program and attendance at weekly programs and lectures
applicants are those who are serious about their future in the ceramic arts and who are interested in building upon their skills and developing a strong portfolio
A vehicle, work boots, work gloves, and a respirator
Advance financial planning to allow for 3+ months during the program without income
What Studio RIs learn:
How to organize, operate and maintain a professional working and teaching studio
Electric, wood, and salt kiln prep, firing and maintenance
A deeper understanding of ceramic materials including clay body and glaze development, research, testing and mixing
How to teach community ceramics classes
Materials inventory, ordering and sales
How to organize and lead special events such as open studio days, community workshops, and studio critiques
How to work efficiently and effectively in a dynamic studio environment
Culinary Internship
The Culinary RI will work directly with Craigardan staff in all aspects of our culinary arts program from harvest to plated meal. This position allows aspiring chefs and hospitality workers to gain valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of a farm-to-table culinary arts program. RIs will gain technical skills and hands-on experience through hard, creative, rewarding work. RIs practice harvest and inventory, seasonal food preparation and preservation, and culinary techniques as they become ambassadors for a more sustainable food culture and a creative food system.
Responsibilities:
No more than 30 work hours per week, with an average of 5-6 hours of work per day, 5-6 days per week on the farm and in the kitchens under the direction of the farm and kitchen managers; hours will include weekends and special events. (schedule may vary based on farm needs)
10 hours of personal project work per week dedicated to the RI’s area of interest
assist with vegetable harvest to understand food production
assist with meal preparation, culinary workshops, weekly events, and the Farm Store
assist with preserving seasonal harvests using root cellar storage, freezing, canning, fermentation, butchery, etc.
assist with kitchen cleanup and maintenance
Present a slide lecture or other presentation to program participants and the public as part of the Applebarn lecture series.
Requirements:
a positive attitude
must be able to safely and repeatedly lift 50 lbs and perform moderate physical labor indoors and outdoors
ability to prioritize tasks and work independently as well as in a team
excellent communication and time management skills and the ability to work collaboratively
interest in the intersection of food, farming and art and a strong desire to live, work, and participate communally in a remote, mountain environment
interest in the residency program and attendance at weekly programs and lectures
A degree in culinary arts or a related field is not required; though applicants should be those who have gained some hands-on experience, are serious about a future in food and farm-to-table eating, and are highly motivated to continue their education
A vehicle, waterproof work boots for the garden, and a hat or hair covering for the kitchen
Advance financial planning to allow for 3+ months during the program without income
What Culinary RIs learn / What they Do:
Harvesting vegetables and herbs
Assembling a weekly farm share, food for the Free Food Fridge, and Egg Share programs
Composting, minimal waste, and closed-system techniques from the kitchen perspective
Processing vegetables - pickling, freezing, cooking
Prepping, cooking, and serving a variety of products and ingredients with a focus on seasonal and local foods
Working efficiently and effectively on the farm and in the kitchen
Program and event planning and management from a creative culinary perspective
Ordering and inventory for weekly programming and events
Kitchen maintenance and oversight in an active, creative environment
The Resident Internship Application Window Opens on September 15
TO APPLY:
**A new resident internship application form will be available on September 15th. Check this page for updates. All applicants will be interviewed via Zoom as part of the process. Application period for Resident Internships begins on September 15th for the following summer and remains open until positions are filled.
This is a minimum 12-week commitment.
PLEASE NOTE: All RIs are responsible for their own transportation (vehicle required) and any personal tools or expenses. The internship program requires a large time commitment and does not leave time for part-time jobs. We strongly recommend financially planning ahead in order to take full advantage of this opportunity. RIs are required to carry basic personal health insurance or other documentation showing healthcare support. All RIs must adhere to Craigardan’s staff personnel policies and the Community Agreement. Applicants are welcome to schedule a visit and/or speak to staff prior to applying.