Art History Internships
Experience That Sets You Apart
Internships give Art History students the chance to gain hands-on, real-world experience while exploring possible career paths. These beyond-the-classroom opportunities allow you to apply what you’ve learned in your courses—such as research, writing, and visual analysis—in professional settings. As an Art History major at UNC Asheville, you can earn academic credit through an internship while gaining valuable experience and building your résumé. Internship placements may include museums, galleries, cultural and arts organizations, historic sites, archives, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Opportunities are available in Asheville, across the United States, and around the world.
College grads have completed at least one internship
Provided by The UNC Asheville Career Center
Employers prefer to hire candidates with relevant work experience
Provided by The UNC Asheville Career Center
Interns receive full-time offers
Provided by The UNC Asheville Career Center
Internships (ARTH 302)
Art History 302 internships offer 1-4 credit hours. Studio majors can use 302 courses for elective credits only.
Students and supervisors should complete the Internship Contract prior to establishing the internship. The supervisor should complete the Internship Evaluation Form once the internship has concluded.
ArtsAVL
Contact: Executive Director, Katie Cornell (katie@artsavl.org)
Range of duties includes exhibition support and maintenance; writing and research; website and newsletter layout and design.
Asheville Art Museum
Contact: Kristi McMillan (KMcMillan@ashevilleart.org)
Range of duties includes assistance in Curatorial and Education Departments and may include preparation and installation of exhibitions, collections management and research, managing art camps, and updating online media. Students should consult with faculty contact and apply via instructions on museum website. Application may include a writing sample.
Arts for Life
Contact: Annie Rogers (annie@artsforlifenc.org)
Art therapy serving critically ill children through Mission Hospital
*Requires two semester commitment (or paid summer internship)
Black Mountain College Museum + Art Center
Contact: Alice Sebrell, Program Director
Range of duties includes exhibition support and maintenance; writing and research; archiving; correspondence; computer design and development. In becoming more independent and experienced, duties can become more focused. Student should consult with faculty contact and apply via instructions on museum website.
Center for Craft
Contact: Marilyn Zapf, Assistant Director and Curator (mzapf@centerforcraft.org)
Range of duties includes assistance with installation of exhibitions; research for grants and exhibitions and organizing receptions and fundraising events. Student docent opportunities also available. Students should consult with faculty contact and apply via CCCD website for internships and docent training.
Momentum Gallery
Contact: Jordan Ahlers, jordan@momentumgallery.com
Range of duties includes maintenance, correspondence, and exhibition support. In becoming more independent and experienced, duties can become more focused.
Open Hearts Art Center
Contact: Debbie Harris, debbie@openheartsartcenter.org
Range of duties include assistance with studio classes, installation of artwork in community businesses, assistance with fundraising events, research for grants, clerical duties; Open Hearts Art Center is a day program for adults with developmental disabilities.
UNC Asheville Art Galleries
Contact: Carrie Tomberlin (ctomberl@unca.edu)
Typical duties: installation of exhibitions; coordinate events; assist with photographic documentation, press releases, and website information.
State Office of Archives – Western Branch
Contact: Heather South (heather.south@ncdcr.gov)
Typical duties: archival work with images/documents from Black Mountain College
Jump Start Your Career with an Internship
Jump Start Your Career with an Internship
The UNC Asheville Internship Program offers structured, funded internships each fall, spring, and summer, offering students real-world experience aligned with their academic and career goals. With support from the Career Center in internship matching opportunities, students with at least 60 completed credit hours are eligible to participate. Participants develop learning objectives tied to career readiness competencies and may earn academic credit. The program includes preparation workshops, employer interviews, and ongoing support to help students gain meaningful professional experience.
Ready for What's Next?
In the Bachelor of Arts in Art History program, experience a transformative and immersive education that prepares you for a meaningful career in the art world. Small class sizes, hands-on learning, and a holistic curriculum enrich your time at UNC Asheville and empower you to reach your full potential.