Inklude Studio
Employment Opportunities
Inklude Studio is a program of Little Friends. Information about employment opportunities currently available at Little Friends can be found on the Little Friends website.
Internship and Volunteer Opportunities
Inklude Studio accepts internship and volunteer applications on a rotating basis throughout the year. Opportunities are available in two categories - Studio Facilitators and Business of Art Mentors. We encourage undergraduate and graduate students to apply for an internship at our studio to earn academic credit. We also welcome professionals and seniors to apply as studio volunteers. As a studio volunteer, you’ll be using your skills and expertise to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
The artists at Inklude Studio are interested in working in a variety of mediums; including, drawing, painting, sculpture, furniture design, bookbinding, printmaking, textile design, sewing, weaving, quilting, photography, video, animation and more.
If you have artistic skills to share, please contact us.
How to Apply
Please submit completed application, cover letter and resume by mail, email or fax to our administrative office. Be sure to indicate which position you are applying for in your cover letter.
Submit completed application, cover letter and resume to:
Human Resources Department
Little Friends
140 N. Wright Street
Naperville, IL 60540
Phone: (630) 355-6533
FAX: (630) 355-3176
E-mail: HR@lilfriends.com
Studio Facilitators
Studio Facilitators work directly with artists with developmental disabilities. Typically, facilitators work one-on-one with an individual artist in our studio. Duties include: assisting the artists in our studio with developing their projects from initial idea to finished piece, encouraging them to explore a wide range of materials and techniques, providing general instruction, and researching exhibition and sales opportunities.
Individuals working directly with adult artists at our studio must submit to a background check and be available to complete the specialized training we provide. Inklude artists are in the studio Monday through Friday 9am to 3pm - Studio Facilitators may choose their schedule during these days/times.
Photography Facilitator
This position is ideal for interns or volunteers with digital photography skills. Duties include: providing general photography instruction (basic camera operation, photography terminology, composition, etc.), introducing Inklude Studio artists to the creative possibilities of photography, assisting them in documenting the work being made in the studio and putting together a portfolio.
This is an unpaid position. College credit may be earned. Schedule is flexible.
Quilting Facilitator
This position is ideal for interns or volunteers with hand-quilting, machine quilting, binding and finishing skills. Experience with a variety of piecing techniques (strip, foundation, English paper piecing, etc.) is also needed. Duties include: assisting the artists in our studio with developing their projects from initial idea to finished piece, providing general instruction, and researching exhibition and retail sales opportunities.
This is an unpaid position. College credit may be earned. Schedule is flexible.
Fiber and Textile Arts Facilitator
This position is ideal for interns or volunteers with weaving, knitting, crocheting, felting, needlework/hand embroidery, surface design or related skills. Duties include: providing basic instruction on how to use looms, knitting machines and other equipment, demonstrating how to make improvised looms, encouraging Inklude Studio artists to explore a wide range of materials and techniques, etc.
This is an unpaid position. College credit may be earned. Schedule is flexible.
Accessories Design Facilitator
Many of our artists are interested in creating handbags, messenger bags, backpacks, hats, scarves, and shoes. If you have experience designing and constructing accessories and would like to share your skills with artists in our studio - please contact us.
This is an unpaid position. College credit may be earned. Schedule is flexible
‘Building Things’ Facilitator
Many of our current group of artists have expressed an interest in ‘building things’. Ideas have ranged from creating plush toys to building furniture and much more. If you have experience creating soft sculpture, building/refinishing/upholstering furniture, model making, paper engineering, puppet building, or other sculpture/construction/build skills you’d like to share - please contact us.
This is an unpaid position. College credit may be earned. Schedule is flexible.
Jewelry Making Facilitator
This position is ideal for interns or volunteers with wirework and beading skills. Experience making beads using paper, polymer clay, fabric, etc. is also welcome. Duties include: assisting the artists in our studio with developing their projects from initial idea to finished piece, encouraging them to explore a wide range of materials and techniques, providing general instruction, and researching exhibition and retail sales opportunities.
This is an unpaid position. College credit may be earned. Schedule is flexible.
Drawing and Painting Facilitator
This position is ideal for interns or volunteers with experience using acrylic paints, oil pastels, watercolor paints and pencils, markers and other drawing and painting mediums. Duties include: working with Inklude Studio artists to develop their drawing and painting skills (color mixing, shading, perspective, composition, etc.).
This is an unpaid position. College credit may be earned. Schedule is flexible.
Business of Art Mentors
Our goal is to have Inklude Studio artists included in as much of the studio's operations as possible - so they may develop practical business skills; as well as, develop their creative skills. Business of Art Mentors are needed for a variety of projects including: logo design and branding, artwork pricing, marketing, sales, art licensing, grant research, writing (artist bios, product descriptions, proposals, etc.), exhibition design/development, contracts, portfolio preparation and more. If you are available to help us ‘get down to business’ - please contact us.