Founding director and sculptor, Melanie VanHouten, established the 501(c)3 nonprofit Josephine Sculpture Park (JSP) in 2009 on land that was her grandparent’s farm. JSP is a donor-supported public park that features over 70 artworks along 2 miles of mowed trails across 40 acres of native meadows, fields, and forests. The park is FREE and open every day from dawn to dusk. It is Kentucky's only sculpture park.
Our Mission is to connect people to each other and the land through the arts. The Park provides creative arts and nature education to the community and transformative opportunities to artists while conserving the beauty of Kentucky’s native, rural landscape.
Our Vision is to be a leader in our community that respects and reflects diverse voices and ideas through shared, creative experiences and responsible land stewardship practices.
The staff and board are committed to advancing social justice and cultural equity. JSP is a space where everyone should feel safe and welcome, and a space to play, create, grow, and heal together.
Frankfort, KY
United States
To Apply: Please email (1) resume or CV, (2) cover letter and (3) list of 2 to 3 references to jeri@josephinesculpturepark.org with your desired session (spring, summer, or fall) in the subject. Applications are also accepted through Handshake. Spring semester: Due Sunday, January 12, 2025. Summer: Due Sunday, March 2, 2025. Fall semester: Due Sunday, June 1, 2025. Applications accepted on a rolling basis; if you miss a deadline, please still apply.
Studio Assistant Internship
About Josephine Sculpture Park (JSP): JSP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and is Kentucky’s only sculpture park, located in Frankfort. The mission is to connect people to each other and the land through the arts. The Park features over 70 contemporary artworks among 2 miles of mowed trails, meadows, fields and woodlands across 40 acres. JSP also exhibits over 30 sculptures and murals across Frankfort/Franklin County through the Art in Public Places (AIPP) program. JSP’s vision is to be a leader in our community that respects and reflects diverse voices and ideas through shared, creative experiences and responsible land stewardship practices. JSP believes the arts are for everyone. Learn more at josephinesculpturepark.org.
Title: Studio Assistant Intern
Supervisor: Assistant Director
Reports To: Park Manager
Start Date: Accepting applications for spring ‘25, summer ‘25, and fall ‘25 sessions with flexible start and end dates
Hours: 10-15 hours per week, flexible within Tuesday-Friday (some weekends available)
Compensation: Applicants are encouraged to work with their institution to secure academic credit and internship funding, as available. JSP will work with your institution as needed to comply with their internship program requirements. JSP may be able to offer additional compensation, pending 2025 budget approval.
Work Summary: Assist Park Manager in artwork maintenance and repairs, (de)installation, and site preparation for artworks on exhibit at JSP and around Frankfort/Franklin County through the Art in Public Places (AIPP) program. Prepare and maintain the land for artwork (de)installation with an ethic of conservation and stewardship. Assist artists-in-residence and visiting artists in artwork creation, site preparation, installation, and public programs, as applicable. Provide special event support, as available.
Responsibilities
- Maintain and repair artworks on exhibit at JSP and through AIPP (i.e. cleaning, painting, sanding, welding).
- De-install and install sculptures on exhibit at JSP and through AIPP.
- Prepare and maintain the land for artwork installation and exhibition, with an ethic of conservation (i.e. mulching, weed eating, pruning, mowing with as little impact on the land as possible and design to balance native wildlife habitat with the artworks).
- Repair and install artwork signs at JSP and through AIPP.
- Maintain an organized, clean, and safe studio space.
- Assist artists in residence and visiting artists in artwork creation, site preparation, and installation.
- Assist staff, artists in residence, and visiting artists in public programming, such as preparing supplies and grounds, assisting with program delivery, and cleanup.
- Assist staff in special event support, as available.
Minimum Requirements: Passion for the mission of the organization. Excellent communicator. Flexible. Willing to work hard outdoors and learn new skills that involve manual labor. Preferred (but not required) experiences: 3D art and design; welding; woodworking; construction; landscaping, trail maintenance, or related.
To Apply: Please email (1) resume or CV, (2) cover letter and (3) list of 2 to 3 references to jeri@josephinesculpturepark.org with your desired session (spring, summer, or fall) in the subject. Applications are also accepted through Handshake. Spring semester: Due Sunday, January 12, 2025. Summer: Due Sunday, March 2, 2025. Fall semester: Due Sunday, June 1, 2025. Applications accepted on a rolling basis; if you miss a deadline, please still apply.
People of color, women, trans and gender non-conforming individuals, LGBTQ+ folks, people with disabilities, and creative visionaries who want to enjoy the work they do are encouraged to apply.
JSP will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information (including family medical history), past, current or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.