Organizer Information:

Sweetwater Center for the Arts, supported by the Singer Family Creative Endowed Fund. This program is designed to provide space, time, and support for artistic development within a vibrant, multidisciplinary arts center.

Title & Description:

Applications will soon open for the Sweetwater Artist in Residency Program (Ceramics).

This program welcomes local and regional emerging artists into a fully equipped ceramic studio for a three-month tenure. Residents are encouraged to pursue self-directed projects while engaging with the community arts environment that defines Sweetwater. Artists selected for this opportunity will join a space where collaboration, mentorship, and experimentation are celebrated.

Category:

Ceramics & Pottery.

Eligibility:

  • Who: Self-motivated, local, and regional emerging artists.
  • Studio Hours: Must dedicate a minimum of 8 hours a week toward making at Sweetwater, plus 2-3 hours a week assisting the Ceramic Studio Technician.
  • Community Instruction: Must instruct two 3-hour specialty workshops during the semester (one geared towards community students, and one geared toward Sweetwater teaching artists).
  • Exhibition: Must create works for a solo exhibition in the Oliver Family Lobby and Gallery and give an Artist Talk at the opening reception.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Financial Support: A $500 monthly stipend.
  • Workspace & Equipment: Access to a fully equipped studio during operating hours (featuring 12 pottery wheels, 3 kilns, slab rollers, pugmills, banding wheels, and more).
  • Materials & Sales: Free use of expendable studio materials (reclaimed/pugged clay, underglazes, washes, and 24 studio cone 6 glazes). Residents also receive a 10% discount on new boxed Standard Clay purchases. Artists can sell artwork in the Sweetwater retail space and their mobile art unit, SweetRide.
  • Additional Perks: One complimentary Sweetwater class in any media and 6 months of Sweetwater Artist Member Initiative (SAMI) benefits.
  • Exhibition: A solo exhibition at the conclusion of the residency.

Application Requirements:

  1. Artist Bio and Artist Statement.
  2. Statement of intent.
  3. 1-2 professional references.
  4. 10 high-quality photos of your work.

How to Apply?

Submit your application materials online via the Sweetwater portal once the application window opens.

Key Dates:

  • Applications Open: May 1, 2026.
  • Application Deadline: July 17, 2026.
  • Notification Date: August 7, 2026.
  • Fall 2026 Residency Session: September 14 – December 11, 2026.

Location:

Sweetwater Center for the Arts, Sewickley, Pennsylvania, USA.

Contact Information:

Website & Application Link: https://sweetwaterartcenter.org/artist-in-residence/