Art Internships

The internship program was generously supported by “Women Supporting the Arts”, http://www.martinarts.org/women.asp , a community of women philanthropists who inspire, educate and encourage women to strengthen the arts and cultural environment in Martin County.  Women Supporting the Arts is a program of the Arts Foundation of Martin County and offers grants to support arts enhancement opportunities for Martin County artists and arts-related projects, programs and scholarships. 

Next February will mark the beginning of the third year of the art internship program WSA funded last December. There have not been any major changes to the program, except for the new faces that appear in my studio every six months. The structure remains the same… finding interested art students, employing them in my studio, sending them on with hands-on experience. I’ve asked a few of them to write a paragraph or two about their experiences in the program (see below). It has been a very successful program for me and for the students, and I truly appreciate your support in this endeavor. The program is based on the following idea:

Many students at the high school and college level are discouraged from entering the field of art thinking it would not be a viable vocation. I am seeking additional funding to continue an internship program for the young people of Martin County who have an inclination toward the art field giving them a chance to see what kind of tasks, skills, energy and effort is involved in that career in addition to the making of art.

During 2006, my interns were located through the art teachers at Martin County and Jensen Beach High Schools, an interested kid coming by my booth at an art show, and referrals from a business contact. I employed a total of eight students over the past seven months, with wages totaling $1598.25 through August 6, 2006. WSA contributed $500 toward that total.

I have already begun recruiting students beginning the new school year, and anticipate paying out $2000 in wages to them over the next six months. These students will continue to assist me with the fabrication and production end of my business. I am asking for matching funds of $1000.

I would like to continue adding students to the program to replace those that graduate or start working full time in other jobs, as well as keep employing the kids that want to continue the internship. Finding students has evolved into a word of mouth process from a network of teachers, students and professionals who know about the program.

Requirements for students: they should be willing and eager to learn, have reliable transportation, not mind repetitive work and commit to a certain number of hours (at least 20) for the program.

As an artist, I provide an adequate work space, a professional work environment, and pay $7.50 per hour. In addition, I will be available to review each student’s portfolio, providing professional critique and encouragement.

My qualifications: I’m a full time working artist with a graduate degree in business. My art has evolved from original canvas paintings to limited edition giclees, note cards, posters, calendars and postcards. As a result, I can provide a unique opportunity for our community’s young artists to receive training in the area of production, packaging, marketing, bookkeeping and ground preparation.

Here is a summary of the last six months:

Four of the eight students have completed 20 hours in this time period.
Three of these four continue to work past their twenty hours.

Areas of work included: note card fabrication, canvas preparation, mat cutting, print fabrication, art marketing, framing, helping out at shows, and miscellaneous activities.

Specific tasks assigned to students were based on two criteria:

1) Need for the task to be accomplished for my shows and trips
2) Aptitude of the student for the task

I found that some students liked certain tasks much better than others. I believe that people that do what they like do a better job and enjoy their working time better. Also, if a student does not have an aptitude the job must be redone resulting in double the work. Here’s an example: I assigned color collating mats to a student, however it turned out he is color blind. I assign that task to someone else from now on.

Each student is responsible for keeping track of their hours, totaling them up and giving me a figure to pay whenever they want a check. This puts the timekeeping responsibility on them, and makes them actually think about the importance of accurate accounting of time. I don’t have regular pay periods, rather I pay the students when they tally up the total and ask me for a check. They could do this every week if they like, however most like to save their wages for a larger check.

I have recently added an internship link on my website: http://www.fishartista.com/internships.htm

In summary, one of the most frustrating and challenging obstacles for an independent artist is to have time to actually CREATE ART. This program provides me as a painter that time, as well as giving interested students hands on experience in the art field.

Thanks for your support,

Kim Rody

Student Remarks:

       Working with Kim Rody has taught me valuable lessons that I will be able to use throughout my life. I now have an understanding of what an artist goes through to make their art known. By helping Kim, I've realized how much work she does, such as painting the actual picture, getting them printed and sized, stretching them, getting brochures ready to send out, and having open houses at her own home. Also, being able to have a job like this where I can set my own hours, it teaches me to set my priorities straight.

       She works with my schedule and if I can't come in, we set up another day. I've learned to be more organized with my activities and this is something that I will use while I'm in college and have more schooling and a different job that may require me to be there longer. Kim also makes me feel welcome in her home. If she asks me to do a task, and I don't quite understand, I'm not scared to ask her. Also, if I'm ever thirsty, she'll offer me a drink. Even if I can only stay a couple of hours that day, she'll be ok with it and won't make any remarks. I've enjoyed my time working for Kim Rody and plan on doing so as long as I can.

 Brittany S.

I’ve worked with Kim Rody as her intern for a year until I went away to art school. In that time what I learned that I value most is the business aspect of being an artist. She has helped me to be confident in my own work as a beginning artist and feel comfortable selling my own pieces. Although I am still in school I have been able to get my artwork in the market and begin my career while still in the process of attaining my degree. As her intern I also enjoyed my time spent being in a creative environment and gained much motivation to keep developing my own skills. If anything, working as an intern for a successful artist, like Kim Rody, has given me valuable insight into what it’s like to have a career in the arts and helped in my decision-making to go ahead and pursue a higher education at Ringling School of Art and Design. Because of my experience I feel ahead of the game in knowing how to make myself a successful artist and to feel it as a real achievable possibility.

Samantha N.

Young artist showcased at Stuart gallery
- TCPalm.com
July / August 2006

Working under Kim Rody has been perhaps the most rewarding job that I have ever had. The experience of learning under an artist has affected me in many ways. When I reflect upon my work, I find that I have walked away with not only monetary compensation, but also an array of skills and knowledge of culture.

In this job I have learned how to cut mats into frames and arrange a painting in them. I may be able to find another job that requires mat cutting when I attend college. Doing this type of work teaches the importance of precision and organization. I have also learned filing and cleaning techniques throughout my employment.

Through personal perception, I have viewed into the inspiring life of an artist. Ms. Rody always tells me that if I don’t like my profession, I can always change it and even use skills from my previous profession in my new one. Kim Rody used to sell insurance, yet she didn’t like it and left to pursue a career in art. It’s alright to make changes when things aren’t going your way. If I don’t like my job as an orthodontist, which I plan to be, then I can always leave it behind and find something that I like to do more. I also study techniques while working that can help me to pursue a career as an artist if I choose to.

In conclusion, I love working under the supervision of Kim. Not only is the money nice, but I am learning new things and perceiving a different world from my own. It is my top priority to work for her in the future.

Lee P.

Working for Kim Rody is an amazing experience for me and I look forward to coming and working every chance I get. I have many duties as her artist assistant including mat cutting, canvas stretching, taping prints, and even business applications like managing mailing lists and customer relations. Also, I get to observe her in action, and I try to take pointers from her technique. The skills I learn from working for her I can apply later in life even if I'm not an artist. Also, I learned that art is a lifelong journey, and you can pick it up at any time. Ms. Rody is an inspiration for me and I'm glad I decided to work for her as an artist's apprentice.

Ashley A.