Spring 2026 Interns of the Master Craftsman Studio: Where Ideas Take Shape

Tucked within Florida State University’s Facilities department, the Master Craftsman Studio (MCS) is a place where imagination meets craftsmanship. This spring, a new cohort of four interns has stepped into the studio, bringing fresh perspectives, curiosity, and creativity. The Master Craftsman Studio operates as a unique auxiliary within FSU Facilities, specializing in custom artwork for campus and beyond. From bronze sculptures to stained glass to woodworking, the studio plays a key role in shaping the visual identity of the university. 

The Spring 2026 interns represent a dynamic mix of disciplines—including Studio Art, Anthropology, Interior Design, and interdisciplinary studies. What draws them together is a shared desire to work with their hands, expand their creative practice, and experience what it means to create art on a professional scale. For the interns, the MCS environment offers far more than observation—it’s a full immersion. Interns are embedded in the studio’s daily workflow, collaborating with professional artists, and contributing to projects from concept to completion for both public and private clients. 

“My favorite part of working at Master Craftsman is definitely how unique the space and the people are. There are so many different mediums being used, and it’s been really cool to see how each one has real-world applications,” shared Kamila Cascardo, Spring ‘26 MCS intern. 

Rather than being assigned isolated tasks, interns become active contributors. They assist in fabrication, help prepare installations, and, in some cases, even participate in design discussions. This exposure provides a rare look into both the creative and operational sides of professional art production. For many interns, this means developing not only technical skills, but also problem-solving abilities and confidence in collaborative environments. 

In addition to contributing to studio projects, interns are also encouraged to explore their own creative interests. The studio provides opportunities for personal experimentation, allowing interns to step outside of assigned work and develop independent pieces. Interns take advantage of this time to try their hand at different practices such as individual stained glass designs or experiment with glass fusing—processes that combine artistry with technical precision. This creative freedom not only helps interns build their portfolios but also fosters a deeper sense of ownership and artistic voice. 

The Master Craftsman Studio plays a vital role in shaping the visual identity of FSU. Many of the pieces created in the studio, including sculptures, signage, and architectural elements, become permanent fixtures across campus. For the interns, this adds an extra layer of meaning to their work. The projects they help create won’t just be graded or critiqued; they’ll be installed, experienced, and remembered. 

“I was very excited when I saw the opportunity to intern with Master Craftsman Studio. In many of my classes, we often looked at the campus signs and artworks, and when I learned that they were all created at Master Craftsman Studio, I was inspired. I wanted hands-on experience in a place where design becomes reality,” shared Sarah Dwaikat, Spring ‘26 MCS intern.  

By the end of the semester, interns leave with more than just new skills. They carry with them a deeper understanding of what it means to create art in a professional, collaborative environment. The Spring 2026 interns of the Master Craftsman Studio are not just learning how to make; they’re learning how to think, adapt, and contribute as artists in the real world. In doing so, they become part of a legacy of craftsmanship that continues to shape Florida State University. 

For more information on the internship program and other ways to get involved with the Master Craftsman Studio, visit: https://facilities.fsu.edu/services/operations/master-craftsman-studio/get-involved