Artist in Residence Program

Pictured: Laura Nave ’19, Scott Ross ’19, and Grayson Fair ’20 (in order of appearance).

About the Program

The AMOCA Artist in Residence Program, established in 2012, is one of the few long-term fellowship opportunities for ceramic artists on the West Coast. Located an hour from the desert, mountains, and beaches of Southern California and forty minutes east of Los Angeles, the residency provides artists an opportunity to produce or develop a new body of work. Beginning in 2022, thanks to enhanced support from the Windgate Foundation, additional short-term (6-month) residencies are available for artists based in Southern California.

Resident selections are based on the quality and artistic merit of the work and the strength of the artist’s residency plan. Applications for residencies for 2026-2027 will be open in December 2025. The next application deadline is January 31, 2026.

This program is funded through generous support from Julianne and David Armstrong, Laguna Clay, and the Windgate Foundation.

Future, Current, & Past Residents

Program History

AMOCA Ceramic Studio Equipment

How to Apply

Applications, submitted online, are open each year during the month of January. Residency opportunities vary depending on available funding. Applicants are strongly encouraged to sign up for the mailing list to stay up-to-date on artist opportunities at AMOCA. First-time applicants (or those wanting a refresher) should attend the upcoming virtual information session on January 13 and/or review the recorded 2025 Information Session. Feel free to contact our staff if you have questions or want to bounce ideas off us – we’re happy to answer any questions you might have!

Eligibility

Both long-term and short-term residents must be US Citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders), have DACA status, or be US Permanent Residents.

For short-term (6 month) residencies, artists must live in southern California; short-term residents should reside near enough to AMOCA to enjoy 20+ hours / week of active studio time.

Please email us at studio@amoca.org you have specific questions about eligibility.

Artist in Residence Information Session

Prospective applicants are invited to join a live information session on Zoom with AMOCA staff, alongside current/former resident artists, to learn more about the Artist in Residence program. This year’s virtual information session will be held at 12:00 PM (PST) on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The information session briefly introduces attendees to program staff, describes the program, and provides time for recent cohort of artists in residence to share their experiences. A question and answer session caps off the meeting.

Info Session

Residency applicants who are unable to attend are strongly encouraged to view the recording of the 2025 information session before applying.

Application Information

The 2026-2027 Artist is Residence Application will open in December 2025. Application information is listed below, for reference.

To complete the application, the following information is required:
– Personal contact information
– Name and contact information for two references
– Resume (in .pdf, .doc, or .docx format)
– A residency plan of no more than one page describing your proposed plans for the residency
– Four digital images with descriptions that are representative of your work

What you can expect from us:

  • 12-month Residency support includes an accommodations stipend ($1000/month), semi-private studio with 24/7 access, $100 per week living stipend, and most materials and firing fees waived.
  • 6-month SoCal Residency support includes a semi-private studio with 24/7 access, $100 per week living stipend, and most materials and firing fees waived. This residency does not include an accommodations stipend.
  • Teaching and workshop opportunities within the Studio and networking opportunities at local colleges and studios
  • A complimentary AMOCA Membership for the duration of your residency
  • Behind-the-scenes access to museum facilities and collections

What we expect from you:

  • An Artist Talk or Visual Presentation introducing yourself and your artwork to the community
  • Minimum 20 hours per week of active studio time
  • Regular participation in monthly AMOCA events
  • Occasional engagement with students, members, visitors, and the community
  • For 12-month residents, a final summary or visual tour summarizing your work during the residency

Questions? Email us at studio@amoca.org.

2026-2027 Application

Press

April 21, 2025—2025-2026 Artists-in-Residence Announced

April 8, 2024—2024-2025 Artists-in-Residence Announced

April 19, 2023—2023-2024 Artists-in-Residence Announced

April 12, 2022—2022–23 Artists-in-Residence Announced

March 5, 2021—2021–22 Artists-in-Residence Announced

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About Ceramics Studio

301 N Garey Ave Pomona, CA 91767
909.865.3146 | studio@amoca.org
The Studio is open by appointment only.

For information about museum exhibition hours and availability, please click the link below.

Museum