Residency Program

A residency at Pottery Northwest is an opportunity to work within a community of individuals that share a passion for the creative act. Much more than a studio rental, it is a situation that holds the potential for dialog and exchange of ideas as well as technical expertise.

A residency may be a stopping place on the way to one’s own studio, to or from a graduate program, or it may be a change from working alone designed to refresh one’s perceptions and renew a commitment to the work. The experiences forged in this environment where successes are celebrated and trials are shared, have the potential to shape careers and alter lives.

We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds, age groups, and experience levels who are actively engaged in and committed to their work. There is no degree requirement.

A residency at Pottery Northwest is for a finite period of time. Generally, the duration is six months to two years. Along with sales and exhibition events, there are possibilities for teaching assignments. Applicants are chosen for the quality of their work, a perceived potential for growth in their work, and the ability/willingness to contribute to the community within the studio.

Facilities

Pottery Northwest is a professional clay facility comprising 7200 square feet in an early 1900’s brick building at Seattle Center with an adjoining outdoor kiln yard.

Our equipment includes potter’s wheels, a slab roller, an extruder, a spray booth with compressor, clay mixer, and various workshop tools (saws, grinders, etc.). A dedicated glaze area stocks a full complement of materials. We have both electric and gas fired kilns, including soda and raku kilns and – a wood-fired pizza oven. We have recently upgraded our studio heating and lighting systems and added air filtration. There are a variety of semiprivate spaces available for residents.

Residents have 24 hour access to the studio.

Artist Responsibilities and Expenses

With opportunity comes responsibility. Resident artists are expected to pursue their own work in the studio at least 20 hours per week. There is the obligation of a “shop job” of less than 2 hours per week. In addition, residents are expected to participate in a mandatory shop cleanup each quarter.

Efforts are made to keep studio costs low for residents. Currently there is a monthly studio fee ($140), and residents are responsible for materials and firing fees.

An encompassing description of a residency is that it will be mutually beneficial to the individual and the organization.

Application

Deadline for a residency application for 2009 is May 1.

The application process requires the following:

• Ten images of recent work that has been completed within the past year. A CD of images is preferred, but slides will be accepted.
  
• One letter of recommendation from an established figure in the ceramic field.
  
• A brief resume.
  
• A statement of intent. What do you hope to accomplish during your tenure? It is understood that work changes and evolves.
  
• An interview is part of the application process, and may be in person or over the phone.

Submit the above to:

Residency, Pottery Northwest
226 1st Ave. North
Seattle, WA 98109

If you wish your materials returned, please include an SASE or make other provisions.