Be a Studio Artist

Build Your Practice. Share Your Knowledge. Inspire Others.

Clayworks is excited to announce a transformative approach to our Studio Artist Program that will strengthen our mission to promote ceramic arts and advance artists in our community. This new cohort-based model expands access by creating opportunities for more artists to participate in the program, increasing the program’s reach and overall impact.

Beginning March 1, 2026, twenty-one selected artists will join three distinct cohorts of seven artists each, with each cohort following a three-year term and the opportunity to apply for one renewal (for a total of six years).

Studio Artists will have access to exceptional facilities and resources, including dedicated shelf space (8' x 2' x 4' with 5 shelves), a shared common workspace, and 24-hour access to state-of-the-art equipment featuring 8 electric kilns, a 30 cubic foot gas kiln, an 11 cubic foot gas kiln, salt and raku kilns, slab rollers, extruders, and professional clay preparation equipment. Additional benefits include a spray booth, clay available at cost, reduced firing fees, and access to Clayworks classrooms and facilities. Each cohort will culminate their three-year journey with a dedicated exhibition in the Clayworks Gallery, celebrating their artistic growth and community contributions.

Review the materials below to learn more about the program structure, applications, and deadlines, with applications being accepted October 17 - November 7, 2025.

Program Focus

The Studio Artist Program seeks artists who value strong community, technical mastery, and compelling artistic vision. While this program values technical skill and individual artistic development, community involvement is at the heart of the Studio Artist experience—from collaborating with your cohort members to mentoring students. This application explores your ceramic expertise, artistic goals, and commitment to contributing meaningfully to this vibrant artistic ecosystem that supports ceramicists at every level of their journey.

  • By introducing time-limited artist cohorts, more artists will have the opportunity to participate, increasing the program’s reach and overall impact.

  • The new structure supports diversity and inclusion by creating space for more emerging and underrepresented artists to benefit from the Program.

  • Defined 3-year terms will promote deeper engagement, goal-setting, and accountability for both the artists and the organization.

  • A rotating cohort of artists encourages a continually evolving and vibrant creative environment, rather than a static one.

Artist responsibilities and Expectations

  • Pay a monthly fee. Monthly fees for a cohort are locked in for the full 3-year term. Monthly fee is $225/month.

  • Agree to the Terms and Conditions/Code of Conduct for Clayworks Studio Artists, as described in the Clayworks Studio Artist Lease Agreement.

  • Participate in semiannual sales is strongly encouraged. Sales are typically held in March/April and December of each year.

  • Volunteer for some Clayworks community events including First Fridays, and semiannual sales.

  • Actively mentor and support other members of the studio artist program. Such mentorship may include:

    • Providing feedback on artistic direction and encouraging others to develop their unique style and voice. 

    • Sharing insights into the business side of being a studio artist, including marketing and pricing.

    • Offering encouragement and support to help colleagues navigate the challenges and frustrations that come with artistic practice. 

    • Simply being present and available to answer questions or provide help to other studio artists.

    • Being a model and support to students in the Clayworks community.

  • At the beginning of each program year, cohorts will partner with Clayworks staff to develop customized annual objectives that reflect their evolving skills, community involvement capacity, and artistic growth trajectory. Through this guided collaboration, each cohort will design their own personalized roadmap that includes:

    • Technical skill development tailored to the cohort's collective learning needs

    • Community engagement opportunities that leverage individual strengths and interests

    • Leadership growth experiences that emerge organically throughout the program

    • Collaborative goals that build upon the cohort's unique talents and contributions to the broader Clayworks community

    This flexible approach ensures that expectations evolve based on cohort strengths, emerging opportunities, and the specific ways each group can best contribute to Clayworks' vibrant ceramic arts ecosystem throughout their three-year experience.

Timeline & Important Dates

  • September 24, 2025: Program announced

  • October 17, 2025: Application period begins

  • October 27, 2025, 12-1pm: Virtual Information Session Registration Required

  • October 29, 2025, 6-7pm: In - Person Information session Registration Required

  • November 7, 2025, 11:59pm: Application deadline

  • December 15, 2025: Applicants are notified

  • March 1, 2026: New cohorts begin their first term

Cohort Information

To facilitate a smooth transition to our new program model, we're offering three cohorts with varying term lengths that serve as different entry points for artists at various stages of their careers. Once this inaugural group completes their terms, all future cohorts will follow the standard three-year format. Cohort preference will be ranked in each application.

Cohort A

  • Class of 2028

  • 2-year term (March 1, 2026-February 29, 2028)

  • Can apply for up to 2 additional consecutive cohorts (total: 8 years)

Cohort B

  • Class of 2029

  • 3-year term (March 1, 2026 - February 28, 2029)

  • Can apply for one additional consecutive cohort (total: 6 years)

Cohort C

  • Class of 2030

  • 4 year term (March 1, 2026 - February 28, 2030)

  • Can apply for one additional consecutive cohort (total: 7 years)

The Studio Artist Program seeks artists who value strong community, technical mastery, and compelling artistic vision. While we value technical skill and individual artistic development, community involvement is at the heart of the Studio Artist experience—from collaborating with your cohort members to mentoring students. This application explores your ceramic expertise, artistic goals, and commitment to contributing meaningfully to this vibrant artistic ecosystem that supports ceramicists at every level of their journey.

Application Overview

    • Kiln experience and safety knowledge

    • Glaze and surface treatment experience

    • Additional specialized ceramic Knowledge

    • Sales & exhibition experience

    • Teaching and knowledge sharing

    • Community leadership and event organization

    • Mentoring and supporting others

    • Community engagement goals or plans

    • Broader volunteerism and community service

    • Artists statement

    • Artistic goals and development

    • Cohort preference ranking

    • Portfolio

      • 10 high-quality images of recent work (within the last three years)

      • Image details (title, dimensions, clay body, firing method, year)

      • Artist resume or cv

      • Letters of recommendation (optional)

Selection Process

Studio Artists for the incoming cohort will be selected through a juried process conducted by an independent panel of ceramic experts, which can include professional ceramic artists, academics, and gallery owners, chosen annually by the Executive Director.

The jury will thoroughly review all completed applications based on the submitted materials, including written responses, artistic statements, and portfolio work.

Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status via email no later than December 15, 2025, and selected artists must confirm their acceptance or decline their Studio Artist position in writing by January 1, 2026.

Information Sessions

  • October 27, 2025 - Virtual Session

    12-1pm

    Can't make it in person? Join our online information session to get all the same essential details about the Studio Artist Program application process from the comfort of your own studio. Perfect for those with scheduling conflicts.

    This program is in a Q & A format. Please come prepared with questions.

    Register

  • October 29, 2025 - In-Person Session

    6-7pm

    Clayworks Gallery - 4506 Monroe Road

    Join us in person to learn about the application process, ask questions directly to Clayworks staff, and connect with other prospective applicants. Get insider tips on crafting a strong application and hear detailed explanations of the cohort structure.

    This program is in a Q & A format. Please come prepared with questions.

    Register

Ready to Apply?

Take the next step in your ceramic journey by joining a cohort of artists committed to both individual growth and collective support. The application process begins October 17, 2025, and we look forward to discovering how you'll contribute to our vibrant artistic community.

Please Note:

  • Monthly Studio Artist Rent: $225

  • Applications Open: October 17, 2025

  • Applications Due: 11:59pm, November 7, 2025

  • Potential applicants can tour the studio M-F, 10am-5pm, or Friday, October 3, 5:30-8:30pm, or Friday, November 7, 5:30-8:30pm. Tours must be scheduled. Please contact Erin Taylor at etaylor@clayworksinc.org, to set up time for a tour.

  • Questions? Contact Adrienne Dellinger, Executive Director, at adellinger@clayworksinc.org or at (704)344-0795 ext 1.