Residency program
The focus of the Cub Creek residency program is to assist emerging clay artists with the development and advancement of their careers. Resident artists are given the time, space, and access to facilities in which to freely pursue their individual goals. Unlike other programs which offer extensive structure and guidance, our residency program is best suited for those who are self motivated in the studio, have a strong personal work ethic, and are able to communicate with others and solve problems as a team.
Over the course of their stay, each artist grows individually while working closely within the communal environment provided by Cub Creek. In addition to showing commitment to their own studio practice, residents are expected to assist in the basic daily operations of living in a rural environment. Tasks include lawn maintenance, basic upkeep of facilities, cleaning, and managing trash/recycling.
Current Artists-In-Residence
click the image below to learn more about each artist
About the Residency Program
-setting-
Cub Creek Foundation is located on a 100 acre, partially wooden property 20 minutes from the nearest town. This secluded setting removes many distractions of city living and allows residents to focus on their work in a quiet, natural setting. The nearby small towns of Appomattox and Farmville, provide access to many shops, stores, restaurants, and opportunities for part time jobs.
-studio-
The communal resident studio accommodates up to six artists - each of whom are provided a 20’ x 20’ workspace with access to a variety of wheels, shelving, and work tables. The studio is also equipped with basic construction tools, a ball mill, and a manual rock crusher.
-resident house-
The resident house is a short walk from the studio, and offers each resident with a private bedroom with shared kitchens, laundry, and communal living areas. Many garden plots are available next to the house for residents to grow their own vegetables.
-wild clays-
In addition to an extensive inventory of commercially prepared clay and glaze ingredients, residents have the unique opportunity to the explore the property’s numerous deposits of wild clays. These resources have been the backbone of many residents’ experiences throughout the program’s history.
-kilns and wood firing-
Cub Creek Foundation is home to a variety of wood-fired kilns that provide residents with frequent opportunities to fire and explore different styles. The heavily forested property allows for the sustainable collection of fallen timber for fuel. Gas, salt/soda, and electric kilns are also available.
-community-
One of the most rewarding aspects of the residency program at Cub Creek is the ability to work and live communally within a small group of artists. Residents are expected to maintain an attitude of respect and compassion for one another.
-resources-
Upon arrival each resident will receive a copy of the Cub Creek handbook - written by founder, John Jessiman. Believing that emerging artists should have a rich and diverse understanding of the ceramic arts, John created this book to cover important information regarding materials, firing process, glaze and slip formulas, as well as issues of historical and technical importance. Frequently, residents and the director meet over dinner to discuss issues raised in the handbook, review recent firing results, and explore technical, historic, and aesthetic concerns.
-Resident Fee-
The monthly fee of $675 provides provides access to the following:
-private studio space (approx 20’ x 20’) with access to materials, kilns, and equipment
-private bedroom with shared kitchen, laundry, communal living space, all utilities
-Access to kilns and equipment.
Cub Creek does not charge for wood firing, but electric and gas firings are charged at cost
Please note, residents are responsible for their own food, transportation, and personal tools and equipment. Commercially prepared clay and glaze materials are available for purchase at cost.
There are many part time jobs available for our residents in our community.
