ceramic residency programs

Belger Crane Yard Studios continues to host national and international artists through its Residency program. A residency provides ceramic artists the opportunity to expand their body of work or create a special project that may be outside the scope of their routine studio practice. The residency program gives driven, self-directed artists opportunities for rigorous professional development and enhanced self-sufficiency practices. Within the studio community, resident artists engage in constructive dialogue and immerse themselves in their work. Residents foster the development of the studio’s creative environment and create outreach opportunities within the local community. Outreach opportunities include teaching classes or workshops, giving public presentations, and critiques. Through community involvement, residents create educational opportunities for the appreciation and critical understanding of ceramics, thus employing and evolving Belger Crane Yard Studios as an innovative, artistic resource.

We begin accepting applications for our Artist in Residence program in January, for residencies beginning in August.


FOUNDATION RESIDENCY

This residency program is open to artists looking to further their artistic and professional careers and gain experience in a working studio environment. In addition to artistic development, residents will learn about the operation of a large studio by contributing to the studio’s daily maintenance. Responsibilities may include mixing glazes, firing kilns, and ensuring the studio is kept neat and orderly. This residency is ideal for artists who have recently completed their undergraduate or graduate degrees, who thrive in a shared, communal studio environment, and are preparing for the next step in their professional pursuits.

Term: 1-year, and possible additional 1-year renewal with review (max 2 consecutive years per artist)

Application Deadline: March 1st, 11:59PM CST

Requirements:

  • Recently completed undergraduate or graduate degree

  • Submission of the following items:

-Completed application form

-Artist Statement

-CV/Resume

-Letter of Intent briefly outlining specific project goals for the residency term

-15-20 digital images saved in JPEG format at 300dpi & corresponding image list

-Two Letters of Reference (can be sent directly from Recommenders)

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the maintenance and productivity of the studio environment, including assisting with firings, cleaning and/or other up-keep during 12 hours of weekly monitoring shifts

• Aid and advise studio members with inquiries

• Participate in studio-sustaining activities through design, production or education

• Donate a small work to the BCYS collection

Benefits:

• Semi-private studio space with personal storage

• Materials stipend and discounts on supplies from Crane Yard Clay

• Firing stipend and discounted firing rates

• Mentoring in the operation of a working clay studio

• An exhibition at the end of the residency term

• Opportunities to participate in the development of the following:

- Production/Distribution of designs

- Catalog Creation

- Essays

- Exhibitions


VISITING ARTIST RESIDENCY

This residency is for mid-career artists looking for opportunities for professional development in their body of work or areas such as technical and conceptual exploration. Ideal for faculty on sabbatical or professional looking for a new perspective, this residency offers a brief but focused incubation in a community studio environment.

Term: 1 to 6 months

Application Deadline: March 1st, 11:59PM CST

Requirements:

  • Five years of experience as a professional artist

  • Submission of the following items:

-Completed application form

-Artist Statement

-CV/Resume

-Personal Statement

-Written proposal with clearly articulated goals for the residency term

-15-20 digital images saved in JPEG format at 300dpi & corresponding image list

Responsibilities:

• Donate a piece to the BCYS Collection

• Community interaction through at least one of the following:

- Workshop

- Artist Talk

- Mentoring

- Artist critiques

Benefits:

• Large Semi-Private Studio space

• Discounted Materials and Firings

• Exhibition Opportunity