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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: Ceramics Cooperative Contract 2010 (doc)

Membership period:

The 2010 residency runs from March 15st, 2010 - December 15th, 2010

Membership Requirements:

  • Payment of monthly resident fee:
  • FULL RACK: $130 ($ 1,300 annually)
  • HALF RACK: $75 ($ 750 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 January 29, 2010

  •  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 (this document)
    • A completed Studio Access Contact sheet
    • Annual membership fee of $30

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

Selection Process:

In 2010, the ceramics cooperative is initiating a competitive, juried process with a term limit of two years.** 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. It is expected that the cooperative’s program’s capacity will grow during this time, expanding the number of available spaces as well as initiating an artist-in-residence program.

Notification: Applicants will be notified no later than March 1, 2010.

**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: Ceramics Cooperative Contract 2010 (doc)