International Fine Print Dealers Association Intern (Temporary)

Company Description

Hello, art person! We’re so glad you’re here.

When you think of an art museum, you might picture paintings or sculptures. But art is so much more than the “traditional” forms you’re used to seeing in galleries. Nobody knows that better than Portland. Our city is bursting with all kinds of art forms–from craft beverages and comic books to artisan chocolate and collectible sneakers. There’s no one way to make art, and there’s no one way to be an art person.

That’s why you belong here. We’re a place that has room for all kinds of art (and art people).

We are a dynamic institution with multiple locations. Adjacent to the Museum campus in downtown, Portland, PAM CUT // Center for the Untold Tomorrow is an inclusive, modern, and welcoming hub serving a broad range of artists and audiences across all media art. Also nearby is the nonprofit Rental Sales Gallery representing regional artists. Across the river, in SE Portland PAM CUT’s Tomorrow Theater embraces cinematic storytelling in all its form through unique one-night-only events.

Job Description

The Portland Art Museum has been awarded a grant from the International Fine Print Dealers Association Foundation (IFPDA) to fund one paid, part-time internship for 2026.

The eight-week internship offers a rare opportunity to work directly with the prints of the Portland Art Museum, a collection of graphic arts spanning more than 500 years. The intern will report to the Senior Curator of Prints and Drawings along with the Curator of Asian Art and will gain valuable experience in cataloguing, researching, and handling works of art on paper.

In this role, you will

Approximately Two-thirds Of The Intern’s Time Will Focus On Western Prints, And One-third On Asian Prints. (For a Three Day Per Week Schedule, Two Days Would Focus On European And American Graphic Arts, One Day On Asian Works On Paper.) Based On The Candidate's Interests, Projects Could Include

• Assisting Dr. Chapin and Dr. Kenmotsu with the preparation of the upcoming exhibition they are co-curating, The Modern Mezzotint. This exhibition will feature American, European, Japanese, and Korean artists. The intern will be trained in cataloging, will assemble research materials, and may be invited to draft exhibition labels.
• Assisting Dr. Chapin with cataloguing and research for an exhibition of Old Master prints from the collection. The intern will be trained in cataloging and will assemble research materials.
• Assisting Dr. Kenmotsu with cataloguing and research for an exhibition of the stencil prints and original stencils of Watanabe Sadao (1913-1996). The intern will be trained in cataloging, will assemble research materials, and may be invited to draft exhibition labels.
• Further projects, if time allows, would include assisting the curators with incoming acquisitions and other collection-related projects.
• Contact artists to discuss non-exclusive licences.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  
  

To be successful in this role, you have these requirements

• Graduate student in art history with completed coursework in one or more of these areas: Renaissance art; twentieth- and twenty-first century American and European art; and/or Japanese art is preferred
• Prior museum experience or experience working with works on paper strongly preferred, but not required
• Proficiency in a foreign language preferred, such as French, Spanish, or German
• Demonstrated attention to detail with strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently
  
  

If you have any questions along the way including wanting to talk about a nontraditional career background, please reach out to HR.

Job conditions & physical activities

• Schedule/Hours: 21 hours per week for 8 weeks. Workdays will be determined in consultation with the curators and will fall between Monday to Thursday. The start date is flexible, with an anticipated start in early to mid-June 2026
• Onsite/Not Remote
• Extensive computer work
• Frequently sits for extended periods while performing computer work, research, and data entry
• Frequently uses hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling delicate works on paper
• Frequent close visual acuity to review artwork details, printed materials, and digital records
• Occasionally stands and walks throughout museum offices, galleries, and collection storage areas
• Occasionally bends, reaches, and stoops to access materials, files, and collection items
• Occasionally handles and moves lightweight materials such as archival folders, mats, and boxed prints, typically up to 10 to 15 pounds
• Occasionally performs fine motor tasks requiring precision when handling fragile artwork and archival materials
  
  

This list highlights key physical and environmental conditions related to the role but is not an exhaustive representation of all job requirements. Additional tasks and expectations may apply based on operational needs.

Benefits

• This is a non-exempt, temporary role with an anticipated start date in early to mid-June 2026 and an end date 8 weeks from the start date
• The budgeted compensation falls within pay grade C ($17.17 minimum - $18.43 midpoint - $19.69 maximum), based on experience
• Accrued sick time
• Employee discounts
  
  

Application Process for the IFPDA Intern

Ready to join our team? To be considered please submit your resume, cover letter, responses to the supplemental questions, and four references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application materials will be screened and interview candidates will be selected and notified by email. All applicants will be notified once the position is filled.

Application deadline

We will begin reviewing applications immediately, so please apply as soon as possible. The closing date is subject to change at any time.