STARworks Ceramics
Artist in Residence Program
Starworks Ceramics Artists enjoy the benefit of having large clay studio spaces situated next to the Starworks clay factory. This proximity creates a great opportunity for artists interested in unprocessed local NC materials to test, research and develop their own clay-bodies, slips and glazes.
We can also make custom blended clays for artists at their request. You will be amazed to see all of the beautiful wild clays that are locally sourced, each with its own character and attributes!
Our residency studio is a shared work-space for interns, residents and guest ceramic artists. Facilities include large studio spaces placed side by side, supporting a collaborative and energetic educational environment. These eight generous spaces serve to inspire a creative studio atmosphere and perpetuate an elevated commitment to ceramic craft and art.
Our involvement with the community allows Starworks to facilitate a connection between our residents and local artists in order to encourage an exchange of educational, professional, and studio practice development. We encourage visiting artists to meet, learn from, and work with local potters from the Seagrove area, one of the oldest and largest pottery communities in the United States.
Resident artists, regional resident artists and materials-based research artists 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.
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. Residencies are three months in duration.
Regional Resident Artists
This is the opportunity to local artists who are able to commute to Starworks (1 hour drive each way or less). Residencies are three months in duration.
Materials-Based Resident Artists
This is the opportunity for artists as well as other researchers interested in ceramics, historical ceramics, or other research who are interested in testing and researching North Carolina clay materials during their time at Starworks. Residencies are three months in duration.
Ceramics Interns
The Starworks Ceramics internship is for students who have completed initial courses of ceramics study (B.A./B.F.A. or equivalent experiences) or artists who are early in their careers and seeking more experience. Interns have the opportunity to work at Starworks. Responsibilities include mixing clays and glazes, loading and firing kilns, general studio maintenance, helping in the ceramic supply shop, helping with events, classes and workshops, and other duties. Interns will have studio space, where they can work alongside great guest artists and residents in our community studio. This position requires 20 hours /week with $1,200/month stipend. Internships are one year in duration.
These interns are frequently required to stand and walk, and must be able to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 60 pounds frequently.
Clay Making Interns
The Starworks Ceramics clay making internship is for students who have completed initial courses of ceramics study (B.A./B.F.A. or equivalent experiences) or artists who are early in their careers and are seeking more specific knowledge about clay materials including testing and processing. Responsibilities include working in our clay factory to make clays, testing clays, loading and firing test kilns, general maintenance for clay testing area and clay factory, helping ceramic supply shop, events, classes and workshops and other duties. Clay Interns will have studio space, where they can work alongside great guest artists and residents in our community studio. This position requires 20 hours/week in the clay factory with a $1200/month stipend. Clay making internships are 1 year in duration.
These interns are frequently required to stand and walk, and must be able to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 60 pounds frequently.
Guest Artists
Professional guest artists will be invited to Starworks to provide expertise and artistic inspiration during the residency periods. Travel expense, accommodation and stipend are provided.
Application Deadline is April 15
Starworks Ceramics is currently accepting applications for the following sessions.
Resident Artists, Regional Resident Artists and Materials-Based Research Resident Artists
Summer Session (May 15th - August 15th, 2024)
Fall Session (September 15th - December 15th, 2024)
Spring Session (January 15th - April 15th, 2025)
Internship
July 2024- July 2025
Clay making interns
No Openings in 2024
EQUIPMENT
Shimpo & Brent wheels
Shimpo mixer pugmill
Brent and Bailey slab rollers
North Star extruder
Spray booth
Electric kilns
1.7 cubic ft. test kiln
10 cubic ft. L&L kiln
16 cubic ft. Skutt oval kiln
16 cubic ft. front-loading electric reduction kiln
3-chambered wood kiln with Noborigama, glaze and salt chambers
10 cubic ft. front-loading gas kiln