Arrowmont Internships
The Internship Program at Arrowmont is a great opportunity for those who are interested in learning about nonprofit administration or seeking practical experience in an arts organization. Interns live and work on campus for 2-3 months, becoming a pivotal part of the Arrowmont Community during our busy workshop sessions. Learn more about internships.
2025 Summer Events Intern: Alex Aureden
We are always happy to welcome a new Events Intern to Arrowmont! This internship entails working closely with our Director of National Programs to create after-hours events and experiences for our workshop students. A warm and welcoming personality and ability to work with autonomy are of utmost importance. The 2025 Summer Events Intern, Alex Aureden, joined us from Upstate New York. To continue learning more about Alex and what brought her to the arts and Arrowmont this summer, continue reading below!
Q&A
Tell me a little bit more about yourself! Where are you from, and how did you get into the arts?
The beginning of my childhood was in Fayetteville, Arkansas before moving to Upstate New York. I am very lucky in that I was surrounded by art as a kid, my mom worked at a few different community art centers where I spent a lot of time taking classes and wandering around absorbing the creativity! Although I didn’t go to school for art, I continued being interested in it and spent my Senior year of college researching quilting as lesbian archival practice.
Tell us more about your artwork and studio practice. What are the mediums you primarily work in, and themes that your work explores?
My primary practice is as a writer. I write personal essays as well as poetry. My academic research had to do with how fantasy impacts interaction with history, an idea which is bleeding over into my creative writing. I am currently exploring writing fiction in service of non-fiction, and am working on a story about growing a mermaid tail as a way to think through illness and loss. Outside of writing, I love to try out any craft medium I can!
What interested you the most in the Arrowmont Events Internship?
What was most compelling to me about the Arrowmont Events Internship was the opportunity to be in a community of people who have intentionally gathered to create together, sharing their skills and knowledge. Through hosting the events, I get to be a part of building that space.
What have your responsibilities been as the Summer Events intern?
My responsibilities as the Events Intern include facilitating artists talks at Slide Nights, hosting evening events such as movie nights and karaoke, and performing safety checks every night at lock up.
Tell us one magical story from your time here at Arrowmont.
By far my most magical night at Arrowmont was at a bonfire I was hosting. We were all sitting around eating smores when I heard someone shout “bear!”. This alone would not be a unique Arrowmont experience but this was unlike any other bear sighting I have had. A momma bear was walking down the path with her two cubs and the cubs stopped to play for quite a while. They chased each other around and then tumbled down the hill. It was so sweet and not something I think people get to see very often.
You were able to take a national workshop as part of your internship. How did that experience impact you?
The national workshop that I took at Arrowmont was the first non-academic art class I have taken as an adult. It was wonderful to dedicate so much time to make art in a way that I haven’t since I was a kid, completely without expectation or the pressure of an assignment. It reminded me of the fun in making art!
What have been the most valuable learning opportunities you’ve had during your internship?
This summer has taught me a lot about creating spaces where people are comfortable just being themselves. Everyone at Arrowmont is so genuine, and so excited about sharing what they are passionate about – something which can be really vulnerable.
What advice would you give to a future Events Intern?
My advice to a future intern would be to say yes to opportunities to explore the area around Arrowmont! It can be pretty overwhelming trying to settle in, but Arrowmont is surrounded by natural beauty and places that are unique to eastern Tennessee and completely worth experiencing.
How has your experience at Arrowmont as the 2025 Summer Events intern impacted you?
I have fallen in love with the world of craft! Before Arrowmont, I thought arts and crafts were only for afternoon projects; I had no idea that places like this existed. I feel like I have been let in on a secret that I am very lucky to know. I hope to attend other craft schools and keep on learning.
Are you interested in becoming an Events intern? Are you wanting to expand your knowledge in nonprofit administration and the arts?
Contact Kelly Hider at [email protected] or call 865-436-5860 extension 31 for more details on next year’s internships!
