Clay Break ~~~

The non-ceramic-artist’s ceramic arts residency.

Mission

Clay Break is a ceramics residency tailored to artists whose primary training and focus lie outside of ceramics.

UARK Ceramics is a thriving community of ceramic artists, educators, and students with an interest in fostering a rich dialogue about clay’s role in contemporary art. Clay Break is an opportunity for us to open our doors and share our facilities and knowledge with artists who are clay-curious. The program was conceived with an awareness that for those who want to familiarize or reacquaint themselves with the material, locating a supportive environment that also provides a significant time period for uninterrupted development can be a challenge. We want to help. Our commitment is to provide the time, space, facilities, and a supportive community to assist our residents in the creation of a body of new works in clay—we wish to give our residents a break from the established routines of their practice, and help them discover something new for themselves in clay.

Program

A furnished studio is provided, along with stocked ceramic materials, kiln firings, and a modest stipend. UARK Ceramics faculty and graduate students will be available to help familiarize residents with basic studio processes and help guide them through technical problems as they arise. The duration of the residency, and timing varies according to the needs of the residents and availability of space and faculty support. Most residents stay for 8-10 weeks.

Requirements

We expect our residents to be generous and conscientious community members who demonstrate a high level of commitment to a healthy, productive, and engaged studio community, as well as to their own work. To this end, we ask that the residents maintain regular studio hours throughout their term, perform one public lecture during their stay, conduct 1-2 studio visits per week with graduate or advanced students, and engage in communal studio activities when possible (potlucks, exhibition openings, etc). We also request that one piece made during the residency be donated to the UARK Ceramics Teaching Collection.

Studio Space and Materials

Private studios are available for residents. These spaces vary in size (200-400 square feet), and offer easy access to kilns, mixers, raw materials, and all other studio equipment. Access to studios is 24/7. Dry materials, studio glazes, and kiln firings are included in the residency. Residents are responsible for any materials they wish to employ that we do not typically stock. Residents are also responsible for packing and shipping of works produced at the end of their residency.

Honorarium, Accommodations, and Materials

Artists typically receive a modest honorarium intended to help offset living expenses. Travel and accommodations must be arranged by the resident. We’re able to help you with recommendations and have relationships with several local rental companies.

Eligibility and Selection

Emerging, mid-career, and established artists who are looking for an opportunity to work in clay are welcomed. Currently, residents are being selected through invitation. Recommendations and outside nominations to the program are welcome. If you are interested in recommending an artist for Clay Break, please email Mathew McConnell (msmcconn@uark.edu).

Check out our past resident profiles here.