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 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 2023-2024 were open through January 31, 2023, and upcoming residents have been announced. 2024-2025 applications will open in late 2023.
This program is funded through generous support from Julianne and David Armstrong, Laguna Clay, and the Windgate Foundation.
Future, Current, & Past Residents
2024
Luke Shalan
Others to be announced.
2023
Kim Tucker
Natalia Arbelaez
Claudia V. Solórzano
Paige O’Toole
Jolie Ngo
2022
Amy Santoferraro
Nick Vest
Christopher Suarez
Breana Ferreira
2021
Natalia Arbelaez
Colby Charpentier
Kirstin Willders
2020
Andrew “Agusta” Smith
Grayson Fair
2019
Kevin Snipes
Scott Ross
Laura Nave
2018
Carey Nathanson
2016
Kelly Foy
2015
Carlos Espana
Lilliana Rodregez
2014
Larry Meagher
Program History
In 2012, the Artist in Residence program at AMOCA was launched and Bobby Free (Montana) became the inaugural artist-in-residence. From those humble beginnings, artists accepted into the program over the next six years were afforded a semi-private studio space, 24/7 access to studio facilities, and equipment for one to six months. Artist amenities grew in the fall of 2018, when AMOCA’s founder David Armstrong generously provided the means necessary for a local furnished apartment, within walking distance, to be provided as part of the long-term residency program. Laguna Clay (a regional ceramics supply company) became an annual program sponsor in 2019 and began providing artists a clay stipend. The Windgate Foundation made a significant grant in the spring of 2020 to increase the number of residents and underwrite the program through April 2026. Beginning in 2022, thanks to enhanced support from the Windgate Foundation, additional short term residencies are available for artists based in Southern California.
AMOCA Ceramic Studio Equipment
• Three Geil DL model gas kilns with PXG – 4 controllers (10, 20, and 40 cubic foot) The 10 cubic feet kiln has an automotive damper for controlling the atmosphere and temperature
• Salt kiln (built by Ted Neal)– 32 cubic feet
• Soda kiln (built by Ted Neal) – 32 cubic feet
• Five electric Skutt kilns and test Skutt kiln
• Three slab rollers (small 14”x40”, medium 20”x45”, and large 3’x5’)
• North Star extruder with assorted dies
• Potters wheels: Brent, Soldner, Lockerbie, and Pacifica
• Glaze area with common clay and glaze materials
• Soldner mixer
• Bluebird Pugger
How to Apply
Applications, submitted online, 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 current information session an/or review the recorded 2023 Information Session below. Feel free to call or email 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 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 were 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 information session was held on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. The information session briefly introduced attendees to program staff, described the program, and provided time for recent cohort of artists in residence to share their experiences. A question and answer session capped off the meeting.
Residency applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an upcoming info session, or to view the recording of the 2023 information session below, before applying.
2022 and 2023 resident artists Breana Ferreira and Colby Charpentier joined Museum staff for a live information session on Zoom in January 2023.
Application Information
The 2023 Artist in Residence Application (for residencies May 2023-April 2024) has passed. Application guidelines are below for reference.
– To complete the application, the following information is required:
– Personal contact information
– Resume (in .pdf, .doc, or .docx format)
– A residency plan of no more than one page describing your proposed plans for the residency (in .pdf, .doc, or .docx format).
– Five digital images with descriptions that are representative of your work.
What you can expect from us:
- Residency support including an accommodations stipend or furnished apartment, semi-private studio with 24/7 access, $100 per week living stipend, materials stipend, and firing stipend. Short term residencies, allocated for artists living in Southern California, do not include housing or an accommodations stipend.
- Teaching and workshop opportunities within the studio and at local colleges
- 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
- A final summary or visual tour summarizing your work during the residency
Questions? Email us at studio@amoca.org.
Watch the video below to learn more about the experience of Laura Nave ’19 during her residency.
Press
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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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.