Intern @ DMC:

Since its inception, DMC has fostered the professional development of current students through its internship program. In exchange for academic credit, interns experience first-hand all aspects of running an arts-based non-profit organization. In consultation with their On-Site Supervisor and Faculty Mentor, interns complete individualized projects, assist with recurring organizational needs, and serve as staff interfacing with members and visitors.

student opportunity

Vanessa Guajardo, Fall 2026

I am interested in the relationship between personal identity and nostalgia and how that reflects an individual's identity. In my works (primarily paintings) I explore these themes through child-like wonder with bright colors, texture, and heavy line work. Oftentimes I also recreate feelings related to personal identity through allegorical paintings, or recreations of my youth. I tend to stick with oil painting because I enjoy the slow drying aspect of the paint, and how easy it is to manipulate or blend the material. As an artist I tend to have multiple ideas/narratives all at once when working on a piece, and change my mind suddenly at times during the process of making art, thus battle with finding a determined end goal for a piece. 

I joined DMC as an intern out of curiosity of what the experience would be like and what I could learn while here. I’ve always wanted to engage with the art community more, and I find that this is a great way to be at the heart of the Denton art community. I was interested in learning about what it takes for a non-profit to thrive, from the workshops, marketing, organizing, and networking. I wanted to know every little detail of the behind the scenes to keep a community space up and thriving throughout the seasons. 

Instagram: oblivious2eyes

Lily Couvillion, Summer 2026

My work reflects the world around me and what I love about it! My pieces are inspired by nature, vintage and antique designs, or objects and relationships that are important to me. From a technical standpoint, I bring in my creative ideas with lots of mixed metals contrast, colors from enameling, patinas to add a vintage feel or another layer of depth, and more. I also love to add interactive aspects to my pieces, as it helps lean into the whimsicality and creativity I crave in my art!

I enjoy being a DMC intern as it has helped me learn about the business side of the art world, and discover all of the behind the scenes things it takes to keep a business up and running. I love being able to help and support the Denton art community, and create content to promote a wonderful local nonprofit business. I also enjoy using their amazing studio and resources to further my experience as a metalsmith!

Instagram: lilycouvilionart

Zoë Urban, Fall 2025

I am interested in wearable sculpture and how my art can interact with and adorn the body. I experiment with this idea by creating pieces ranging from large costume sculptures to small practical jewelry pieces. I am a queer woman, and I love celebrating women, femininity, and relationships between people in my work. I do this through delicate ornamental forms and use them to create theatrical art jewelry. The goal of these pieces is to decorate and enhance the body, transforming it into a performance. I am inspired by the fashion and costume design world and take fabric forms like bows and paisley patterns and translate them into metal. This idea matured into creating a narrative for my pieces. I want real people to be able to own and wear my pieces every day to celebrate their own identity. I work primarily in silver, but I enjoy playing around with other metals like steel and aluminum. I also enjoy adding color to my work by incorporating gemstones or surface treatments to the metal.

I wanted to intern at DMC so I could explore other sides of the art world. As a maker, backend work can feel daunting. With my normal coursework at UNT, we don’t get a lot of practice with things like social media, event planning, or facilitating workshops. Working with DMC gave me the freedom to explore what interested me and be a part of a charming art space in Denton. Interning at DMC allowed me to dip my toes into important work like flyering, creating newsletters, and consistently posting on social media. I also got to meet local artists, grow my network, and learn from real people who are involved in the art world and making a living doing so. DMC taught me valuable skills that I use in my practice and in growing my career.

Instagram: zoesurbanart

Aubrey Clapp, Fall 2025


I joined the DMC as an intern for the opportunities it offered. I got to meet and collaborate with other makers, and get an idea of how a business would approach workshops, studio space, and the sale of crafts made by local artists and artisans.

Instagram: aubreys_baubles

Angel Pendant

Castle Bird Ring

Vine Earrings