Scholars @ Silver Eye
Scholars @ Silver Eye are senior level college students from Point Park University, Chatham University, The University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University, or other Pittsburgh area universities, who have been selected to participate at Silver Eye Center for Photography in a year-long, intensive, work-based training program, which develops hands-on, fine art skills alongside curatorial and arts non-profit management training.
Students undergo a competitive application process for this position, and are paid or are granted academic credit through their institutions for their time at Silver Eye. The Scholars spend 8 hours at the Center each week, which includes a mandatory weekly all-staff meeting. These meetings are designed to compliment the topics the students cover in their academic studies, and focus on different topics each week.
The Scholars learn the ins and outs of working in an arts non-profit, working towards developing a deeper understanding of our mission. They also help to create artist-centered exhibitions, and support the creative and community based work we do. Scholars @ Silver Eye gain fine art skills through working in our digital photography work space, the Lab @ Silver Eye, and gain curatorial and research skills while assisting in the development and implementation of exhibitions at Silver Eye.
Students interact with artists and arts professionals in and outside of the gallery through field trips, and engage with our diverse and curious public audience at exhibition openings and programs, or while sitting at the gallery’s front desk. Scholars @ Silver Eye become an integral part of Silver Eye’s creative community, and are a valued member of our team.
Scholars @ Silver Eye Are: Active members of a creative community Undergraduates currently studying art, photography, or art history Collaborators with Silver Eye staff and the other student Scholars
Scholars @ Silver Eye Learn: How an arts non-profit works, and how we support artists and communities. To perform effective curatorial research. To write and communicate clearly for a general audience about contemporary art. How to work with artists from all over the country to produce original exhibitions, screenings, and publications. To develop and enhance practical skills including: fine art printing, scanning, framing, matting, digital retouching, art handling and installation.
Commitment: Scholars @ Silver Eye is a year long internship with Silver Eye Center for Photography. In addition to individual student schedules at the gallery, the group meets weekly to dig into specific topics and case studies related to work the fine art world, the arts non-profit sector and the museum field. Scholars also serve as the public face of the gallery during their weekly shifts, sitting at the gallery’s front desk, where they greet visitors and educate the public about our exhibitions. Attendance at Silver Eye events and exhibition openings is required, as are some Saturday shifts.
This work is paid with a weekly commitment of 8 hours.
Eligibility: Scholars @ Silver Eye are senior undergraduate students with a demonstrated interest in photography, graphic design, arts education, art history, arts administration and museum studies. Our program provides an opportunity to learn about the operations of a non-profit art institution and work alongside an exciting range of emerging and mid-career artists. While previous experience working in a museum, arts non-profit, or gallery setting is not required, candidates must have strong communication and writing skills, and a desire to learn about working in a creative field.
About: Silver Eye promotes the power of contemporary photography as a fine art medium by creating original exhibitions, unique educational programing, and a space for artists to learn, create, and connect through our digital lab. Our programs are dedicated to supporting the work of emerging, mid-career, and under-recognized artists and sharing that work with our diverse audiences in engaging and meaningful ways.
Interested in becoming a Scholar? Email: helen@silvereye.org