This program is made possible in thanks to the
Sweetwater Center for the Arts is pleased to announce the launch our Artist in Residence program!
This program is designed for self-motivated, local and regional, artists who are seeking to advance their artistic career, craft, or a specific project within the community arts studio setting. Applications for the Fall 2026 residency will open May 1.
This new initiative marks a significant milestone in Sweetwater’s ongoing commitment to supporting artists in our region, creating opportunities for growth, exploration, and connection through community-based studio practice. The residency would not be possible without the support of the Singer Family Creative Endowed Fund, whose involvement has been instrumental in the development of this program, as well as the highly anticipated Sweetwater Artist Member Initiative (SAMI), which will further enrich the ecosystem of artists we serve.
Designed to provide space, time, and support for artistic development, the Sweetwater Artist in Residency Program will welcome local and regional emerging artists into our ceramic studio for a three-month tenure. Residents will have access to our fully equipped ceramics facilities, and are encouraged to pursue self-directed projects while engaging with the community arts environment that defines Sweetwater. The residency is open to artists looking to refine their craft, expand their body of work, and contribute meaningfully to a shared creative space.
Artists selected for this opportunity will join a vibrant, multidisciplinary arts center where collaboration, mentorship, and experimentation are celebrated. We look forward to welcoming the first resident to become part of this exciting new chapter at Sweetwater!
ARTIST BENEFITS
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Access to Sweetwater’s fully equipped studio, equipment, and facilities during operating hours
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Designated studio shelf
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$500 monthly stipend
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Sell artwork in Sweetwater retail space and mobile art unit, SweetRide
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Use of expendable studio materials (pugged clay, underglazes, and studio glazes)
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10% discount on Standard Clay purchases through Sweetwater
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One complimentary Sweetwater class in any media year of residency
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Access to 6 months of Sweetwater Artist Member Initiative benefits
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Solo exhibition in the Oliver Family Lobby and Gallery at conclusion of residency
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Artist Talk at opening reception of solo exhibition
ARTIST RESPONSIBILITIES
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Dedicate a minimum of 8 hours a week toward making at Sweetwater
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Dedicate 2-3 hours a week assisting Sweetwater’s Ceramic Studio Technician
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Instruct one, 3-hour specialty workshop geared towards community students the semester of residency
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Instruct one, 3-hour specialty workshop geared toward Sweetwater teaching artists the semester of residency
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Create works for a solo exhibition in the Oliver Family Lobby and Gallery, June 4-July 16
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Create a vibrant, dynamic environment through dialogue, exchanging of ideas and conversation
STUDIO FEATURES
- 12 pottery wheels (11 Brent B, C, or CXC, 1 Shimpo Whisper)
- 1 Bailey slab roller
- Nider Pugmill/ Mixer
- 1 Skutt 1027, 3 phase electric kiln
- 1 Skutt 1217, 3 phase electric kiln
- 1 L&L e18m, 3 phase electric kiln
- GR Pottery forms
- Various plaster slab molds
- Underglazes, washes
- Plaster wedging and reclaim tables
- 24 studio cone 6 glazes
- 6 sculpture stands with wheels
- Banding wheels
- Throwing bats
- Pot lifts
- Basic clay tools, ceramic jewelry tools
STUDIO CLAYS
- Standard Ceramics 553 Buff (Stoneware)
- Standard Ceramics 112 Speckled Brown (Stoneware)
*These reclaimed clay bodies will be available for resident use at at no cost. For new boxed clay, residents receive a 10% discount on purchases. Residents may use a separate clay body, but will be responsible for their own containment and reclaim of said clay body within the studio.
SCHEDULE
Winter/ Spring 2026 Session: Jan. 12 – April 17
Applications closed
Fall 2026 Session: Sept. 14 – December 11
Applications open: May 1, 2026
Deadline to Apply: July 17, 2026
Artist notification: August 7, 2026
TO APPLY
Please have the following prepared
- Artist Bio and Artist Statement
- Statement of intent
- 1-2 professional references
- 10 high quality photos of your work
