Become an Artist-in-Residence
For over 25 years, resident artists have been advancing their careers at Clay Art Center. Our Residency program, which commences each year in September, is uniquely designed for emerging artists who need time and space to develop their voices.
Residents gain invaluable experience working in a community environment, teaching classes, sharing their technical knowledge and expertise, and managing many jobs around the studio.
Clay Art Center provides a supportive ceramic community while appreciating the need for privacy and independent work. Read more about our current Artists-in-Residence. Do you have an interest in community engagement? Consider applying for the Westchester Community Fellowship.
Applications for the 2026-2027 Artist-in-Resident cycle are due Wednesday, April 1, 2026 by 5pm ET.
Reach out to ed@clayartcenter.org with any questions.
Benefits
One year program commencing each September, which provides the following:
Private 10' x 10' studio space, and access to glazes, equipment, and kilns.
Free firing.
Payment for studio assistance $19/hour for 9 hours/week (approximately $684/month).
Attendance at visiting artist workshops and lectures held at Clay Art Center.
Regular critiques with fellow Artists-in-Residence and Clay Art Center staff.
Registration at the NCECA Conference (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts).
Paid teaching opportunities (approximately 3-5 adult, youth, and/or community arts classes per term and additional one-time classes).
Solo exhibition in Clay Art Center Gallery at the end of the program.
Access to professional development opportunities.
Responsibilities
One year commitment beginning September 1, 2026, with the opportunity to apply for a second year at the discretion of Clay Art Center.
9 hours of studio responsibilities on a weekly bases, including, but not limited to, mixing glazes, pugging clay, and firing student work.
During the residency, we ask that the residents and fellows create 5 vases of varying sizes for our annual fundraiser in October.
Requirements
A strong foundational base in the medium of ceramics, as well as a clear direction in their own artwork.
All applicants must be U.S. citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents.
BFA or MFA highly recommended.
Timeline
Overview: Residency begins September 1, 2026 - ends August 20, 2027
April 1, 2026 by 5pm ET: Applications Due
May 2026: Notifications
Incoming Residents:
August 27, 2026: New Residents can access their space
September 1, 2026: Residency welcome and orientation
August 20, 2027: Residency ends (for single year residents only)
Applications are due on April 1, 2026 by 5pm ET and will include the following:
Statement of Interest: Address what you hope to achieve in your residency at Clay Art Center. Please include your goals related to artmaking, teaching, and community engagement.
Artist Statement
Resume
2 professional references with name, contact information, title, and your relationship to both
10 digital images of finished work completed during the last 2 years
Image List with Title, material, process, date, and dimensions
Please label and format all documents as follows:
Written documents must be submitted as PDFs and should include your name at the top of each page.
Images must be submitted as JPGs or PNGs.
Format all file names as LastNameFirstNameDocument.pdf and all images as LastNameFirstNameImageNumber.jpg (i.e.: ChoyKatherineResume.pdf and ChoyKatherineImage1.jpg).
For questions, email ED@clayartcenter.org.
Selection Process
All applications are reviewed by our Residency Committee. Spaces in the program are made available as current residents reach their term limit. The number of spots available is not known until the time of application review. Living space is not provided.
Clay Art Center encourages applications from historically underrepresented communities in the ceramic arts. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or military or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Clay Art Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Artists-in-Residents 1998 - 2026:
1998-1999 Robert Mueller
1999-2000 Chikako Morioka
2000-2001 Susan Barbehenn
2001-2002 Kelli Damron, Steve Lee
2002-2003 Tracy Shell, Kelli Damron
2003-2004 Myung Jin Choi, Tracy Shell
2004-2005 Michelle Tobia, John Chewukun
2005-2006 Heather Houston, Michelle Tinner
2006-2007 Mari Ogihara, Kyla Toomey
2007-2008 Kyla Toomey, Elina Toperman
2008-2009 Shanna Fliegel, Andrew Coombs
2009-2010 Andrew Coombs, Jon McMillan, Shanna Fliegel
2010-2011 Caitlin Applegate, Kristina Stafford
2011-2012 Jeffrey Schwarz, Cory Brown, Caitlin Applegate, Catie Newman**
2012-2013 Kelsey Duncan, Mike Stumbras, Kelly O'Sullivan**
2013-2014 Kelsey Duncan, Lindsay Scypta, Ron Geibel, Gabby Sia**
2014-2015 Matthew Smith, Ron Geibel, Kelley Donahue, Lindsey Francis**
2015-2016 Kelley Donahue, Max Seinfeld, Chris Pickett, Jose Tlaczani**
2016-2017 Logan Wall, Max Seinfeld, Natalia Arbelaez, Teddy Poneman**
2017-2018 Logan Wall, Michael Cerv, Zoey Scheler, Dana Reifer**
2018-2019 Zoey Scheler, Christine Fashion, Nikki Lau, Luke Wilde**
2019-2020 Austin Coudriet, Christine Fashion, James Webb, Nicole Peters**
2020-2021 Austin Coudriet, Maria Spiess, Breana Hendricks**
2021-2022 Able Broyles, Anny Chen, Maria Spiess, Breana Hendricks**
2022-2023 Anny Chen, Jon Green, Avery Wells, Jess Levin**
2023-2024 Evelyn Mtika, Jess Levin, Schuyler Forsythe, Stephanie Perez**
2024-2025 Evelyn Mtika, Carley Holzem, Christine Raposas, Stephanie Perez**
2025-2026 Carley Holzem, Christine Raposas, Alvaro Villa, Stephanie Perez**
In 2011, we initiated the Barbara Rittenberg Fellowship and the Westchester Community Foundation Young Artist Fellowship, thanks to generous support from the Rittenberg Memorial Fund and Westchester Community Foundation.
**Westchester Community Fellow