As a registered 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, Cub Creek Foundation is committed to assisting emerging artists in the development of their careers. Our Artist-In-Residence program offers individuals the opportunity to develop skills, network, and find their voice within the field of the Ceramic Arts. Unlike the structured curriculum of Academia, our program emphasizes self-driven, experiential learning within a communal living/working environment to develop real-life experience. Residents are given 24/7 studio access and full control over their personal development. In addition to working in the studio, Artists-In-Residence can anticipate contributing to the day-to-day tasks of maintaining a thriving ceramics studio.

Located on 100 acres of rolling hills and woods, our rural setting provides the unique opportunity for artists to fully immerse themselves in their development with few distractions. Many artists take this time to develop new bodies of work, explore sustainability by researching wild clays found on the property, or participate in communal wood firings.

After 33 years teaching ceramics at SUNY Cortland, program founder, John Jessiman left the academic environment feeling dissatisfied with the Universities lack of funding and commitment to the arts.  After a year-long search, he found a 100 - acre property in central Virginia and began planning another venture.

The seeds for Cub Creek were sown in 1976 when John taught a summer program at Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, MT. There, he had a small group of highly talented and committed students that in a short time with intensive work, made great progress. This became the vision for his new program. After moving,  John met with others that shared this vision and Cub Creek Foundation was formed.

Since its establishment, Cub Creek Foundation has been home to over 100 residents from around the world.

JOhn Jessiman

Program Founder & Director Emeritus

Upon his retirement from a 33 year teaching career at SUNY Cortland, John moved to Appomattox, VA and established Cub Creek Foundation. During his time as the program’s director, John organized and took part in the the construction of the program’s facilities and kilns while working closely with over 100 resident artists from around the world. In 2024 he retired as the program director, yet continues a prolific work ethic in his own on-site studio . John continues to play an integral role in the community and development of Cub Creek Foundation.

John has thirty-three years of University teaching experience, including three summers teaching with Val Cushing at the Alfred summer program. He has conducted many workshops throughout the U.S. He started wood firing in 1962 as a graduate student at Alfred with Ruth Gowdy MacKinley and in 1965 built his first wood fire kiln. John believes in sharing all his experiences and acquired knowledge.