by Carole Epp | Jan 28, 2021 | call for entry, emerging artist, residency opportunity, workshops
McKnight Artist Fellowship for Ceramic Artists
The McKnight Artist Fellowship for Ceramic Artists recognizes and supports outstanding mid-career ceramic artists living and working in Minnesota. Applicants should demonstrate a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and artistic excellence and may be working in any mode—functional, sculptural, relational, performative, etc.
Two $25,000 grants are awarded annually. Fellowship support may be used for: experimenting with new techniques and materials; purchasing materials and equipment; collaborating with other artists; and pursuing education, exhibition, or travel opportunities. McKnight Fellowship recipients will be featured in a workshop and an exhibition with a corresponding catalogue at the end of their grant year.
Applications are due Friday, May 21, 2021, by 5 pm CT.
>McKnight Artist Residency for Ceramic Artists
The McKnight Artist Residency for Ceramic Artists program provides exceptional mid-career ceramic artists with an opportunity to be in residence for three months at Northern Clay Center. Up to three, 3-month residencies are awarded each year.
Each resident artist will receive a $6,000 award, studio space provided at no cost, and a glaze and firing allowance. Artists also present a public lecture, and are featured in a catalogue and group exhibition at Northern Clay Center.
Applications are due Friday, May 21, 2021, by 5 pm CT.
>Warren MacKenzie Advancement Award
The WMAA provides an opportunity for students, apprentices, and recent graduates to continue their ceramic research and education for a period of up to twelve consecutive months within the grant year, further expanding their professional development.
One or two cash awards, up to $3,000 each, are made annually for travel, education, or research.
During the grant year, the recipients can research a new technique or process, study with a mentor or in an apprenticeship setting, travel to other ceramic art centers or institutions for classes and workshops, collaborate with artists of another media, and travel. Proposals to fund large capital equipment purchases will not be accepted.
Projects must take place between May 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022. Recipients contribute project updates to NCC’s social media and are required to give a public presentation at their school or other institution. See updates from past recipients at northernclaycenter.blogspot.com.
Applications are due Friday, April 9, 2021, by 5 pm CT.”
>Emerging Artist Residency
The Emerging Artist Residency (EAR) program encompasses two unique Fellowships, designed to provide up to three ceramic artists with an opportunity to be in residence for one year at Northern Clay Center, where they can develop their own work, as well as exchange ideas and knowledge with other ceramic artists. The residency culminates in an exhibition in NCC’s galleries the January following the residency.
Applications are due Friday, April 9, 2021, by 5 pm CT.
>Minnesota New Institute for Ceramic Education
Now entering its seventh year, MN NICE is a rigorous program developed in collaboration with Program Head Ursula Hargens. MN NICE provides personalized professional development for artists who are serious about taking the next step in their ceramic evolution. The program is designed to respond to the changing needs of emerging makers with high-level training and mentorship in ceramic materials, history and theory, and professional practice. Through innovative instruction and individual mentorship, artists build skills, knowledge, and insight.
Priority deadline to apply is June 1, 2021.
Learn more about grants programs at Northern Clay Center here: https://northernclaycenter.org/artist-services/
by Carole Epp | Jan 21, 2021 | job posting
Northern Clay Center seeks college students, recent graduates, and ceramic hobbyists, ages 18 and up, for our summer camp positions. Each summer, we provide opportunities for over 15 assistants and 1 intern to help run our camp programs and to gain classroom experience.
The Dona Turbes Summer Studio Intern will work closely with the studio technicians to provide studio and classroom support for summer clay camps at NCC. The Intern will gain broad experience in the behind-the-scenes technical operations of a large community art center, including technical work and help with special events. In addition, s/he will have the opportunity to work as an assistant in the Clay Camp programs as described above.
Interns will be responsible for:
Preparing materials and supplies for weekly youth camps at NCC, including loading and unloading kilns
Leading by example through safe use of materials and equipment in the studio
Sorting and packing camper projects to prepare them for pick up
Other special projects as they arise
Intern Requirements:
Experience working with clay is essential. Interest in working with young people, or adult education, is helpful. Dependability, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal skills are a must.
Internship Duration:
The start and end dates of the internship are somewhat flexible. Preferred start date is June 8, 2020. Interns must be able to commit to at least 10 weeks from June 14 to August 20, 15 – 20 scheduled hours per week, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm. Specific dates will be discussed with interns.
Compensation:
A stipend will be paid on a weekly basis, dependent on the number of weeks scheduled. The total of the stipend shall be no more than $1000.00. The intern will have classroom studio access, and may also choose to enroll in a free NCC summer adult class. The intern may request limited days off for other obligations, travel, family time, etc.
Application deadline:
All internship applications must be received by Friday, April 2, 2021. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. You may still apply for the assistantship after this deadline. You may still apply for the assistantship after this deadline.
About the Internship:
Dona Turbes was a long-time staff member at Smith-Sharpe Fire Brick Supply, a Minneapolis-based refractory supply, founded in 1924. She helped many potters and teachers across the country purchase kiln building materials and kiln furniture. This internship is funded by SSFBS and contributions in honor of her memory.
TO APPLY
Your application should include:
A letter of interest describing your qualifications for the position and how you will benefit from a summer at NCC. Send your letter as a PDF.
A resume (not more than 1 page) outlining your clay and teaching experience. Send your resume as a PDF.
Contact information for 2 references who can speak to your clay experience and/or work ethic. Send your reference sheet as a PDF.
3 images of current ceramic work. Submit images as JPEGs at 72 ppi.
Email your application to Samantha Longley at samanthalongley@northernclaycenter.org
Documents should be submitted as PDF files and images as JPEGs at 72 dpi. Applications may be mailed (with images on CD) to: Northern Clay Center, attn. Samantha Longley, 2424 Franklin Avenue East, Minneapolis, MN 55406.
All applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Please specify if you are interested in the Assistant or Intern position, or both. Applicants not offered the internship may be offered assistantships.
Northern Clay Center is an equal opportunity employer.
Visit our website for more info: https://northernclaycenter.org/about/apply/#internships
by Carole Epp | Jan 10, 2021 | workshops
Description
Would you make it in a slump? Would you prefer it on a hump? Join NCC studio artist Olivia Tani in the studio for a two-day workshop to revolutionize the possibilities of utilizing hump and slump molds in your own making routines. Watch and absorb demonstrations of her masterful techniques using molds to transform slabs into carefully considered, dynamic plates, then practice a similar process where a mold is just the beginning. You’ll drape, carve, and incorporate wheel techniques to shape and trim your form, and add a foot. You’ll examine and integrate every square inch of surface as you plan, build, reduce, and smooth a large plate. Learn about making your own bisque mold off of another form or on the wheel, how to construct and what to consider. Bring your own mold to use during the workshop. It can be an existing plaster or bisque mold or even a ceramic, plastic, or metal form. X2: Saturday & Sunday, February 20 & 21, 12 — 4 pm Instructor: Olivia Tani Fee: $115 non-members (members recieve 5% discount)
Find out more HERE and see a listing of other upcoming workshops and events!
by Carole Epp | Aug 23, 2020 | workshops
American Pottery Festival guest ceramic artists from across the country will illuminate and celebrate the honor in, and value of, the millions of ways to be and live and create in the U.S. This year, APF features a virtual conference and an exhibition and sale.
APF artists will offer weekday interactive virtual workshops and a full weekend of demonstrations, panels, and lectures, all with the opportunity to immerse yourself in their worlds and pose questions. In addition, everyone is welcome to join us nightly, Wednesday through Saturday, for evening social hours and artist lectures.
The festival is a five-day opportunity to choose from an array of finely-crafted objects from engaging artists, available for purchase both in-person with ticketed gallery appointments and online.
Learn more and get tickets: https://www.nccshop.org/american-pottery-festival
American Pottery Festival 2020 Invited Artists include:
Ashley Bevington, Patty Bilbro, Andy Bissonnette, Doug Casebeer, Pattie Chalmers, Amanda Dobbratz, Justin Donofrio, Sanam Emami, Brett Freund, Stuart Gair, Guillermo Guardia, Mike Helke, Peter Jadoonath, Randy Johnston, Bill Jones, Kathy King, Forrest Lesch-Middelton with Arash Shirinbab, Jordan McDonald, Catie Miller, Ronan Kyle Peterson, Tricia Schmidt, Mike Tavares, Sandra Torres, Daniel Velasquez, Kurt Brian Webb
WORKSHOPS:
Doug Casebeer & Randy Johnston: Between the Idea and the Making
Thursday, September 3, 9 am – 5 pm
Friday, September 4, 9 am – 4 pm
This workshop is a rare opportunity to spend uninterrupted (virtual) time with internationally-recognized ceramic artists Randy Johnston and Doug Casebeer. They will focus on the exchange of ideas involved in making pots related to form and function with sculptural intention. This engaging and memorable workshop, filled with personal discussions about traditional and new ways of making, surface decoration, wood firing, soda firing, gas firing, and their relationship to contemporary ceramics, will come to you from their personal studios and is fully interactive.
Virtual Workshop price includes a Clay-Along Kit and bisque firing of pieces created during the workshop: $225
NCC Members and Educators: $200 | Students: $115
Virtual Workshop Only: $170
NCC Members and Educators: $150 | Students: $75
Kathy King: Unearthing Story – Friday, September 4, 9 am – 5 pm
Kathy King, ruler of the narrative vessel, invites you into her world full of texture, feminism, and critical perceptions. Her sensual carvings on utilitarian vessels work as a conduit to provoke impressions of gender, sexuality, and the influence of popular culture on the stories we believe. Journey with King as she demonstrates her vessels from conception, to creation, to carving. She will demonstrate her sgraffito and carving techniques and share the influence and crossover of printmaking and mixed media in her work. As you absorb her process, lean in to unfolding the story you have to tell, whether it be personal narrative or thematic perspectives, and explore profound ways to share and embody them through the physicality of clay.
Virtual Workshop price includes a Clay-Along Kit and bisque firing of pieces created during the workshop: $130
NCC Members and Educators: $115 | Students: $75
Saturday Virtual Workshop Session
Description
September 5, 10 am – 4 pm
All-day Virtual Workshop Pass: $45
NCC Members and Educators: $35 | Students: $30
To use your member, educator, or student discount, please email salesgallery@northernclaycenter.org or call 612.339.8007 during business hours.
10 – 11 am
Tippy Maurant chats with Patty Bilbro, Guillermo Guardia, Catie Miller, & Mike Tavares: Inside the Potter’s Studio
We launch into our weekend of virtual demonstrations with our tradition of coffee and a behind-the-scenes dialogue between a talented cast of makers. There will be insights into the life and times of a studio artist, candid conversations about everything from failed kilns and challenges with the material, to studio realities and personal collections, to navigating this year’s challenges through art. You are invited to listen to the stories behind the pots you love.
11:15 am – 12:30 pm
Ashley Bevington & Tricia Schmidt: Allusive Zoomorphism
Ashley Bevington and Tricia Schmidt will transform a wheelthrown form, Bevington through adding adapted features and lavish texture, and Schmidt through building embellished creatures onto and incising them into form. Discover the use of animals as symbols in their work that speak to their own personal experience and the human condition, and contemplate these connections in your own life.
1 – 2:45 pm
Sanam Emami & Forrest Lesch-Middelton: History Repeats Itself
Discover the historical and cultural influences and collaborations in Sanam Emami’s deliberate patterns and Forrest Lesch-Middelton’s intricate designs and poetry. Since both artists draw from Middle Eastern design, join them as they discuss this common thread and demonstrate the distinct sensibilities of their individual works. Emami will demonstrate her stencil and slip techniques and Lesch-Middelton his volumetric transfer process. This dynamic duo will leave you curious and craving a surface evolution of your own.
3 – 4 pm
Andy Bissonnette & Justin Donofrio: Ordering a Surface
Andy Bissonnette directs us to contemplate mysteries achieved by hand, and Justin Donofrio’s rhythmic objects ask us to reflect on our relationship with the earth and ways we attempt to control it. Join them as they demonstrate their different approaches to designing and executing an ordered surface and the layered assembly and carving processes that serve the entrancing rhythms of their work.
https://www.nccshop.org/product/saturday-workshop-session/2712?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=164
Sunday Virtual Workshops
Description
September 6, 10 am – 2 pm
All-day Virtual Workshop Pass: $35
NCC Members and Educators: $25 | Students: $20
To use your member, educator, or student discount, please email salesgallery@northernclaycenter.org or call 612.339.8007 during business hours.
10 – 11 am
Catie Miller: Transfixing Transfers
Travel through layers of hand-drawn motifs, vibrant color, symbolism, and playful intention as Catie Miller demonstrates her illustrated surface transfer technique. Miller’s fresh forms are as alluring as her ritualized process, and the inviting combination elevates our perception of everyday objects and recasts them as beloved home staples that contribute to and ground tradition. Be equipped to experiment with transfers of your own, better the marriage of form and surface, and be inspired to define a narrative language unique to the way you interpret the world.
11:15 am – 12:45 pm
Amanda Dobbratz & Mike Tavares: Earthenware and Extracurricular Activities
Join Amanda Dobbratz and Mike Tavares as they discuss their fondness of a common material and demonstrate their different approaches to earthenware. Stay intent as they bring forms to life and share conversations about influences in their work and how their creative energies overflow to other avenues like Tavares’s Clay Siblings Project, Dobbratz’s design work and teaching, and other arenas that inform or have grown out of their ceramic practices.
1 – 2 pm
Mike Helke, Peter Jadoonath, & Jordan McDonald: Endurance of the Object
Every object tells the story of an interaction with its maker. We will end our weekend together with a time of sharing and reflecting on a medium that captures and preserves moments in time and how the artist and object persevere and evolve together. Join Mike Helke, Peter Jadoonath, and Jordan McDonald as they casually build objects in tandem, share how their careers have adapted and grown over time, and how their making endures and is shaped by the unexpected turns of life. Chat with them about building successful pottery sales, career triumphs and failures, and the importance of the clay community as they together navigate a new way of making.
https://www.nccshop.org/product/sunday-workshop-session/2713?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=164
To use your member, educator, or student discount, please email salesgallery@northernclaycenter.org or call 612.339.8007 during business hours.
https://www.nccshop.org/product/doug-casebeer-randy-johnston-between-the-idea-and-the-making/2710?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=164
by Carole Epp | Jul 14, 2020 | residency opportunity
Minnesota New Institute for Ceramic Education (MN NICE) is an advanced certificate program that provides personalized instruction, mentorship with renowned makers, and professional training for artists who are serious about taking the next step in their ceramic education.
With additional options available to license space the studios at NCC, and limited work-exchange opportunities, apply to become part of the next cohort beginning in-person (with appropriate safety strategies) this September, 2020.
Now entering its seventh year, MN NICE is a rigorous program developed in collaboration with Program Head Ursula Hargens. MN NICE provides personalized professional development for artists who are serious about taking the next step in their ceramic evolution. The program is designed to respond to the changing needs of emerging makers with high-level training and mentorship in ceramic materials, history and theory, and professional practice. Through innovative instruction and individual mentorship, artists build skills, knowledge, and insight.
MN NICE includes weekly intensives as well as artist lectures, gallery tours, and studio visits with established artists to take advantage of the rich ceramic resources throughout the Twin Cities. The program strives to support emerging artists both artistically and professionally.
The program consists of three 8-week blocks, beginning in September and ending in May. During each block, the group meets for weekly seminars and visits to museums, galleries, artist studios, and lectures. Throughout the year, participants have individual coaching sessions with leading professionals in the field, helping them to focus their research and development of work. The program culminates with the submission of a portfolio and a group exhibition in NCC’s Emily Galusha Gallery.
If you have questions about the history of MN NICE or joining next year’s cohort, please make Samantha Longley, Education Coordinator your first point of contact at [email protected] or call her directly at 612.339.8007 x309
Deadline: Limited time to apply.
Learn more & apply: https://www.northernclaycenter.org/minnesota-new-institute-ceramic-education
