STARworks Ceramics
Artist Residency & INTERNSHIP programs
Applications for Fall 2026 - Summer 2027 are now open - details below
Deeply rooted in our community, Starworks fosters meaningful connections between visiting artists and local makers, creating opportunities for exchange across education, professional practice, and studio development. Visiting artists are encouraged to meet, learn from, and work alongside potters from the Seagrove area—one of the oldest and largest pottery communities in the United States—gaining insight into a living ceramic tradition while contributing their own perspectives and skills.
Resident, Intern, and Guest ceramic artists at Starworks benefit from studio spaces located adjacent to the Starworks Clay Factory—an exceptional resource for artists interested in working with raw, locally sourced materials. This close connection allows artists to test, research, and develop their own slips and glazes using unprocessed regional clays. Starworks also offers custom clay blends upon request. Many artists are surprised by the range and beauty of these wild clays, each with its own distinct character and material qualities.
Resident Artists and Interns are all chosen based on the quality and strength of their work, clearly expressed goals for the residency, and certain dynamics that fit the studio at a given time to foster excellence and a diverse creative atmosphere at Starworks Ceramics Studio.
Upcoming Applications: Applications are NOW OPEN and are due by April 15
See below for details.
Resident Artists
Resident artists are selected based on a competitive pool of applicants from across the country and abroad working in sculpture, functional pottery, and design. Residents are provided with time to push personal, professional, technical and conceptual limits. Ceramic artists who are at a crucial stage in their career, requiring an opportunity to experiment, refine and formalize studio practices are encouraged to apply.
Duration is 3 months. No application fee. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required. Includes studio space and 300lbs of Starworks Clay. Residency fees: $250-$375 per month for housing. Firing and material fees are based on usage. Opportunities include sales through Starworks Gallery. Responsibilities: Give one public Artist’s Talk, Leave one or two pieces of work for the Starworks collection.
2026-2027 Sessions for resident artists:
Fall 2026 Session: September 15th, 2026 - December 15th, 2026
Spring 2027 Session: January 18th, 2027 - April 15th, 2027
Summer 2027 Session: May 17th, 2027 - August 13th, 2027
We currently have three types of Artist Residencies available.
Learn more and find the link to apply below.
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Available to ceramic artists who are at a crucial stage in their career, requiring an opportunity to experiment, refine and formalize studio practices.
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Available to artists who can commute to Starworks throughout their residency.
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Available to artists, educators, and scientists who are interested in testing, researching, and exploring local materials.
Ceramics Interns
Starworks Ceramics internships are for students who have completed initial courses of ceramics study or artists who are early in their careers and seeking more experience. This is a work-exchange program offering practical training, mentorship, and professional development.
All ceramic internship positions are one year in duration, require 20 hours per week, and include a $1,200 monthly stipend, 300 lbs of Starworks Clay every 6 months, personal studio space, and opportunities to work alongside resident and visiting artists. No application fee. Interns are responsible for their own housing, firing fees, and materials. These roles are physically demanding and require frequent standing and walking, as well as the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 60 pounds. Opportunities include leading workshops, and sales through Starworks Gallery. We also ask interns to give one public Artist’s Talk, and leave one or two pieces of work for the Starworks collection.
2026-2027 Session for ceramic interns: July 2026 - July 2027
We currently have three ceramic internships available.
Learn more and find the link to apply below.
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Studio Intern — One Position Available
Ideal for students who have completed introductory ceramics coursework (B.A./B.F.A. or equivalent experience) or early-career artists seeking to strengthen their studio skills.
Responsibilities include:
· Assisting resident and guest artists
· Mixing clays and glazes
· Loading and firing kilns
· Maintaining the clay studio and equipment
· Testing clays and assisting with ceramic production
· Assisting with events, workshops, and fundraisers
· Occasional work in the supply shop or clay factory
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Supply Shop Intern — One Position Available
Designed for emerging artists interested in ceramic materials, retail operations, and customer engagement.
Responsibilities include:
· Assisting customers and providing product information
· Maintaining the retail space
· Answering phone calls and processing online orders
· Loading customer purchases and moving materials
· Operating a forklift (training provided)
· Assisting with events and workshops
· Occasional work in the clay factory and studio activities
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Clay-Making Intern — One Position Available
For artists interested in developing in-depth knowledge of clay materials, processing, and quality control.
Responsibilities include:
· Producing clay in the clay factory
· Preparing batches for clay production
· Maintaining clay-making equipment and facilities
· Assisting with clay testing and quality control
· Occasional work in the supply shop, events, fundraisers, workshops, and studio activities
Guest Artists
Professional guest artists will be invited to Starworks to provide expertise and artistic inspiration during residency periods.