Collections Intern - Artists Archives of the Western Reserve

Position Overview: 

We are seeking a motivated college intern to join our Museum Collections team. This internship offers valuable hands-on experience and an opportunity to learn all aspects of managing a collection in a small institution. They will benefit from the experience of working for a small museum with a small but experienced staff capable of handling a diversity of projects. In our organization, opportunities exist to learn many more skills as employees must “wear more hats.”  

Key Responsibilities: 

As a Collections Intern will work alongside the experienced collections staff, under the guidance of our Collections manager. They will support the team with daily operations and administrative tasks: 

• Learning and understanding the accessioning process for new work 
• Photograph new work (includes editing using Adobe software) being added into the Museum’s collection 
• Organizing and storing artwork according to best preservation practices 
• Entering the information relating to each work or to the Archived Artist, into the AAWR Past Perfect electronic database.  
• Interns will also aid in receiving works of art as they are delivered to the facility for exhibition 
• Preparing work for loans to other institutions 
• They will be taught correct art handling methods 
• Attending demonstrations of correct preparation of framed works for exhibition 
• As part of the AAWR team interns will participate in meetings and contribute ideas to ongoing projects or committees 
• They may be asked to conduct research on a particular artist, or research an art making method as part of their project. 

Qualifications: 

Currently enrolled in a college or university, preferably pursuing a degree in Art History or Studio Art 

• Strong interest in or experience in any of the following: printmaking, painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, glass, or textiles 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 
• Some familiarity with photo editing software like Photoshop or Lightroom 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Attention to detail, and strong organizational skills 

Duration: Summer 2026, June 4 – August 4, 2026 

28 hours per week / 4 days on site includes lunch / 252 hours total 

Fridays are set aside for Education days, except for June 19(Juneteenth), and July 3rd (Independence Day observed).