2025/26 Ceramic Artist in Residency Program

The Ceramics Residency

An immersive 8-month residency for artists working in clay to deepen their practice, experiment boldly, and root themselves in a vibrant coastal community

Why Artists Choose the Ceramics Residency

The Mendocino Art Center has long been a gathering place for ceramic artists from around the world. Our residency provides time, space, and resources for makers to hone technique, expand conceptual approaches, and engage in meaningful dialogue with peers. With 24-hour studio access, on-site housing, and opportunities to exhibit, this residency is designed to foster both rigorous practice and community exchange.

Practice-Based, Artist-Led

Ceramic Artists in Residence (AiRs) are invited to pursue self-directed projects throughout their time at MAC. Residents may focus on developing a new body of work, experimenting with unfamiliar techniques, or deepening their exploration of clay in conversation with other artists and the natural landscape of Mendocino.

Community + Exhibition Opportunities

  • Main Gallery Exhibition – All ceramic residents are invited to exhibit their work in a month-long show in April.

  • Teaching & Engagement – Opportunities may be available to teach workshops, lead demonstrations, or host open studios.

  • Peer Cohort – Residents live and work in close proximity, sharing meals, critiques, and conversation in a supportive community.

Shared Resources and Amenities

Residents have 24/7 access to MAC’s fully equipped ceramics studios, including:

  • Glaze Lab

  • Slab Roller

  • Extruder

  • Pug Mill

  • Clay Mixer

  • Kilns: 2 Electric, 2 Gas, Wood (train), and Wood/Soda (catenary arch) — one of the few women-run woodfire kilns in the county.

  • Affordable on-site housing is available.

  • Private bedroom with shared kitchen and bathroom: $700/month.

Housing:

Residency Term

October 1, 2025 – May 15, 2026 (8 months)

As part of the residency, each participant is expected to support in maintaining the shared spaces and ceramics department functionality for four hours a week. This includes supporting with:

  • Cleaning the studio

  • Loading the kilns

  • Restocking materials

  • Taking inventory 

Work study

Cost

To support the cost of the residency, we request a contribution of $700-1000/month for housing, plus materials and firing fees as applicable. Please indicate your ability to contribute in your application.