Islay's Blog :: Opportunity: Refined VII: Inspiration read more »

Jackson's Blog! :: Cruise Night - Madrid! read more »

Islay's Blog :: I'm new here... read more »

Ceramics Cooperative

The Ceramics Cooperative is designed to assist emerging to mid-level artists in growing and strengthening their creative practice in a supportive, cooperative environment. We encourage artists to work together, learn from each other and collaborate in the development of a strong Steel Yard ceramics department.

Download the Application: 2012 Ceramics Coop Application and Contract (doc)

Membership period:

The 2012 residency runs from March 15th, 2012 - December 15th, 2012

Membership Requirements:

  • Payment of monthly resident fee:
  • FULL RACK: $130 ($1,170 annually)
  • HALF RACK: $75 ($675 annually)
  • (responsibilities are the same regardless of membership level)
  • Attendance at scheduled workdays (4-6 hours a month)
  • Attendance at studio safety and kiln safety training
  • Attendance at introduction studio class
  • Attendance at closing procedure training
  • Completion of monthly chores (This will be in development in year one)
  • Adherence to all rules and policies of the Ceramics Cooperative and Ceramics Department.

Application Process:

Applications are due no later than 5 PM February 1, 2012

  •  All candidates must submit:
    • 6 digital images of current work (standard format .jpg @ 1920x1920pixels, 72dpi)
    • A current resume
    • A narrative description of work or process and reasons for wanting to be part of the SY residency program (no more than 2 pages)
    • A completed and signed residency contract (download links above and below)
    • A completed Studio Access Contact sheet
    • Annual membership fee of $30

Applications may be submitted digitally via email, on CD or in person.

Send applications to:

or
Attn: Ceramics Cooperative
The Steel Yard
27 Sims Ave.
Providence, RI 02909

Selection Process:

In 2012, coop member selection will focus on merit-based acceptance** that takes into account the overall diversity of experience level, individuals’ areas of specialty and other variables that will best serve to develop a strong, supportive coop population whose members will benefit from the exchange of skills and knowledge. This strategy is designed to meet the Steel Yard’s mission by supporting a growing number of artists in developing their independent practices and studios.

Prior residents and/or applicants will note that this strategy differs from our prior intent to select members through a juried process and to limit the residency to a two-year period. As is often that case at the Steel Yard, experience teaches us new things-and the last two years of the coop’s development have proved this to be true once again. Moving forward, we reserve the right to change our selection process based on the coop’s growth and changing direction.

Notification: Applicants will be notified no later than March 1, 2012.

**EXCEPTION : All instructors in the Steel Yard’s community programs will be offered member status for the term they are teaching. Instructors who are already members will have their fees waived but will need to move their materials onto shared instructor racks. To clarify: instructors are limited to one shelf on a rack. If instructors want a full rack or a half rack, they may apply to the cooperative and have their fees waived by 1/3 for the term they teach.

What is included?

  • Full rack = One red rolling rack for personal storage (4 Shelves), or
    Half rack = Half of one red rolling rack for personal storage (2 Shelves).
    All other clay department space is common.
  • Unlimited use of non-programmed clay department space during non-teaching times and 24-hour access, except when the Steel Yard is closed. (For access, the clay department doors will be kept on a lock box).
  • Equipment use includes:  Kilns, slab roller, wheels, pug mill, and extruder.
  • Materials: some shop glazes provided (This will be in development in Year One),
  • 4 firings per month for the full rack, and 2 firing per month for the half rack, each extra firing is $30.
  • A late fee of $20 applies if members are 30 days late with monthly membership fee
  • If a member becomes 2 months overdue on fees, her/his shelf will be cleared. No notice will be given. No exceptions will be made.
  • Members must meet all of the requirements outlined in this document as well as be active in the cooperative to remain in good standing.

Download the Application for more info: 2012 Ceramics Coop Application and Contract (doc)