2 amazing opportunities @ Northern Clay Center: McKnight Artist Residency and Fellowship

by | May 13, 2017 | residency opportunity

McKnight Artist Residency for Ceramic Artists

The McKnight Artist Residency for Ceramic Artists program, in its 20th year at NCC, intends to recognize and support ceramic artists whose work demonstrates exceptional artistic merit, who have already proven their abilities, and are at a career stage that is beyond emerging. The program is intended to provide these ceramic artists with an opportunity to be in residence for three months at Northern Clay Center, where they can develop their own work and, at the same time, exchange ideas and knowledge with Minnesota ceramic artists. Up to three, 3-month residencies will be awarded in 2017, to take place during the 2018 calendar year, through a competitive application process. NCC will invite one or two other artists through a nominative process.

Each resident artist will receive a $6,000 award (for a three-month residency), studio space provided at no cost, and a glaze and firing allowance. During the residency, each artist will present a public lecture/workshop, for which he or she will receive an additional honorarium. At the culmination of the grant period, recipients will be featured in a catalogue and group exhibition at Northern Clay Center. The exhibition will travel to 3 – 5 sites around the state of Minnesota. Recipients are also required to submit a final report at the end of the grant period.

The deadline to apply for the 2017 McKnight Artist Fellowships and Residencies for Ceramic Artists program is Friday, May 26, 2017 by 5 pm (this is NOT a postmark deadline).​

This program is made possible by the generous support of The McKnight Foundation, Minneapolis, MN.

Eligibility

  • You cannot be a resident of Minnesota.
  • You must be a ceramic artist. Your work may be either functional or sculptural in nature. Your work may incorporate other materials, but must be primarily ceramic.
  • You must have completed all formal academic training and may not be enrolled either full- or part-time in a degree granting institution by the application deadline. Applicants are NOT required to have a degree.
  • You must provide evidence of your professional achievements over a period of at least five years, through inclusion in major regional or national museum or gallery exhibitions, or juried or invitational craft shows, or receipt of other awards, grants, or fellowships.
  • Your work must demonstrate a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and excellence.
  • You may apply to only one of the organizations per year offering fellowship grants that are supported by McKnight funds. In addition, no artist may receive more than $50,000 in McKnight support in any three-year period.
  • Artists who have previously received a McKnight Artist Residency or Fellowship award in any discipline cannot apply again until three years after the date of their award. (A 2016 award recipient cannot apply again until the 2019 grant cycle.)
  • Northern Clay Center staff and board are not eligible, as well as immediate family members of Northern Clay Center staff.
  • Staff and board of The McKnight Foundation are not eligible, as well as immediate family members of foundation arts program staff.

Schedule and Application Process
The deadline to apply for the 2017 McKnight Artist Fellowships and Residencies for Ceramic Artists program is Friday, May 26, 2017 by 5 pm CST (this is NOT a postmark deadline).  The online system will not accept any applications beyond 5 pm CST, nor will incomplete applications be accepted. All applications must be received via our online form, however a copy of the eligibility requirements and application check list can be downloaded here.

Applications will be reviewed by a three-member panel, which will select recipients on the basis of perceived artistic excellence and demonstrated professional achievement. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of the selection process in July of 2017.

More information is available on our website: https://www.northernclaycenter.org/artist-services/artist-residencies/mcknight-artist-residency-ceramic-artists

McKnight Artist Fellowship for Ceramic Artists
In its 20th year of programming, the McKnight Artist Fellowship for Ceramic Artists will support outstanding Minnesota ceramic artists who have already proven their abilities and are at a career stage that is beyond emerging. Two $25,000 grants will be awarded in 2017. Fellowship support may be pursued for, but is not limited to: experimenting with new techniques and materials, purchasing materials and equipment, collaborating with other artists, and pursuing education, exhibition, or travel opportunities. The McKnight Fellowship recipients will be featured in a workshop and an exhibition with a corresponding catalogue at the end of their grant year.

This program is made possible by the generous support of The McKnight Foundation, Minneapolis, MN.

Applications for the 2017 McKnight Artist Fellowships and Residencies for Ceramic Artists program are due Friday, May 26, 2017, by 5 pm.

Eligibility

  • You must be a resident of Minnesota and have lived in the state for at least one year immediately prior to the application deadline (May 26, 2017).
  • You must retain residency in Minnesota until the end of the grant period (June of 2018).
  • You must be a ceramic artist. Your work may be either functional or sculptural in nature. Your work may incorporate other materials, but must be primarily ceramic.
  • You must have completed all formal academic training and may not be enrolled either full- or part-time in a degree-granting institution by the time of the application deadline.
  • You must provide evidence of your professional achievements over a period of at least five years, through inclusion in major regional or national museum or gallery exhibitions, or juried or invitational craft shows, or receipt of other awards, grants, or fellowships.
  • Your work must demonstrate a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and excellence.
  • You may apply to only one of the organizations per year offering fellowship grants that are supported by McKnight funds. In addition, no artist may receive more than $50,000 in McKnight support in any three-year period.
  • Artists who have previously received a McKnight Artist Fellowship award in any discipline cannot apply again until three years after the date of their award. (A 2016 award recipient cannot apply again until the 2019 grant cycle.)
  • Fellowship staff from any McKnight Artist Fellowship program are not eligible.
  • Northern Clay Center staff and board are not eligible, as well as immediate family members of Northern Clay Center staff.
  • Staff and board of The McKnight Foundation are not eligible, as well as immediate family members of foundation arts program staff.

Schedule and Application Process
Applications for the 2017 McKnight Artist Fellowships and Residencies for Ceramic Artists program are due Friday, May 26, 2017, by 5 pm.

ATTENTION!   The online system will not accept any applications beyond 5 pm, nor will incomplete applications be accepted.  In addition, hard copy applications, which can be downloaded here, must be received by 5 pm.

Applications will be reviewed by a three-member panel, which will select recipients on the basis of perceived artistic excellence and demonstrated professional achievement, using artist statements as support material. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of the selection process in June 2017.

More information is available on our website: https://www.northernclaycenter.org/artist-services/artist-fellowships/mcknight-artist-fellowships-ceramic-artists

education opportunity: Minnesota New Institute for Ceramic Education

by | Apr 13, 2017 | call for entry, emerging artist, workshops

Northern Clay Center presents an advanced ceramics studio program in collaboration with ceramic artist and educator, Ursula Hargens. The New Institute for Ceramic Education provides up to 8 months of advanced, personalized instruction for artists who are serious about taking the next step in their ceramic education.

This pilot program is designed to respond to the changing needs of students and gives non-traditional students the same quality of information and critique found in a university program.  Designed for potters and sculptors alike, the Institute will support the development of studio work and provide high-level training in ceramic materials, history and theory, and professional practices.

Participants will earn a certificate of completion through a combination of instruction and individual mentoring. The program will extend beyond the classroom to include artist lectures, gallery tours, and studio visits with established artists to take advantage of the rich ceramic resources throughout the Twin Cities, including those from academic and non-traditional routes of study, artists of other media, and arts administrators.

Get updates about MN NICE classes, visiting artists, and events on the NCC blog. 

What can you hope to achieve from this program?

By the end of the 8-month program, students will earn a certificate and will possess the technical skills, artistic context, and personal insight to build a strong and cohesive body of work. They will learn how to present and promote their work, whether they are seeking gallery representation, applying to graduate school, or selling work to the public.

MN NICE combines the best aspects of a residency, university program, and apprenticeship. Certificate recipients will establish new connections with peers and established artists in the field, build professional credentials, and create a strong body of work based on individualized instruction. The program will culminate in a final exhibition at Northern Clay Center.

“It is not without trepidation that I look toward the future, but I am eager to stretch my wings using the tools, resources, and courage I have discovered through MN NICE.
I feel honored and proud to have been a part of this program.” — MN NICE participant, 2015-16

Is MN NICE right for you?

Now in its second year, MN NICE is designed to respond to the changing needs of students and to give non-traditional students the same quality of information and critique found in a university program. Designed for potters and sculptors alike, MN NICE will support the development of studio work and provide high-level training in ceramic materials, history and theory, and professional practices. Participants will earn a certificate of completion through a combination of instruction and individual mentoring, led by ceramic artist and educator Ursula Hargens.

Hargens states, “Many individuals are eager to further their ceramic education and seek a professional credential, but family, employment, financial, and time constraints limit their ability to do so within a traditional academic structure. This certificate program is designed to fill this gap, providing a flexible, yet challenging environment that responds to the needs of non-traditional students, giving them quality information, academic rigor, critical dialogue, and critique as they develop their artistic practice and strengthen their work.”

Click here to access the application form.

Listen to a conversation between course leader, Ursula Hargens and a couple members of the first group of MN NICE students on Ben Carter’s Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast.

Find out more here: www.northernclaycenter.org/education/minnesota-new-institute-ceramic-education

upcoming exhibition: Roadside Attractions—Next 5 Exits

by | Feb 28, 2017 | Uncategorized

Mar 10 to Apr 30

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
—Ernest Hemingway

Guest-curated by Pattie Chalmers, Roadside Attractions — Next 5 Exits
reveals a vision of the allure of the wayside through the work of five
artists. These artists—Chalmers, Jeremy Kane, Peter Morgan, Mariko
Paterson, and Nathan Prouty—create works that depict the recollection of
travels, a portrayal of collected memories, nostalgia for past
Americana, and the desire to contain an experience within an object.
Viewers will recognize the expression of journeys made and imagined, and
they will be able to connect through their shared experience.

Related Events

Join us for a public artist talk by curator and participating artist
Pattie Chalmers, and artist Peter Morgan, on Thursday, March 9 at 6 pm
in NCC’s library. Register for your free seat here.

In addition, Peter Morgan will demonstrate on Saturday, March 11, from 10 am – 4 pm. Register for your free seat here.

Mariko Paterson will join us for a free workshop and slide lecture
during the closing week of the exhibition on Saturday, April 22, from 10
am – 4 pm. She will present her techniques and discuss her work. Register for your free seat here.

All of these educational events are free and open to the public. Due
to limited seating for all events, pre-registration is encouraged.

Related Resources
Pattie Chalmers’ website: www.pattiechalmers.com
Peter Morgan’s website: www.petergmorgan.com
NCECA: an interview with Morgan about his work, and inspirations
365 Days 365 Artist: an interview with Morgan
Arts Magazine: an article about Morgan’s work and studio practice
Mariko Paterson’s website: www.foragestudios.com
Ceramics Monthly: an essay by Paterson discussing the career of working potters
UPPERCASE Magazine: an interview with Paterson about her ceramic adventures
Musing About Mud blog: a technical exploration of Paterson ceramic work, including demonstrations
Nathan Prouty’s website: www.nathanprouty.com
OtherPeoplesPixels Blog: an interview with Prouty about inspiration and studio practice

job posting: Northern Clay Center

by | Feb 22, 2017 | call for entry, emerging artist, job posting, monday morning eye candy, movie day, residency opportunity, technical tuesday

Title: Exhibitions Manager

Reports To: Director
Hours: Full-time, exempt salaried position; work on some evenings and weekends will be required.
Application Deadline: Applications being accepted immediately with interviews to commence beginning mid-March, 2017.

This is a permanent, salaried position, responsible for the
management of Northern Clay Center’s exhibition program. The Exhibitions
Manager reports to the Director and supports other NCC activities as
requested. This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and
installing eight to ten exhibitions each year in two gallery spaces at
NCC. Exhibitions include a range of work by regional and national
artists, one of which travels to an additional 3 – 5 venues around the
state each year. The Exhibitions Manager jointly manages, with the Sales
Gallery Manager, the installation of the American Pottery Festival and the annual Holiday Exhibition.
The Exhibitions Manager also works closely with the Sales Gallery
Manager to ensure NCC’s presence at the annual NCECA conference.
Additionally, this position oversees the work of a part-time program
assistant, whose primary responsibilities include assisting with
installation and de-installation, shipping, and general administration. 
Finally, this position is a member of NCC’s senior team, which helps to
support all general operations of the Center, in addition to
exhibition-specific duties.

Major Responsibilities
Plan and curate, with the Director and the Exhibition Committee, the
annual schedule of exhibitions, both on-site and elsewhere as special
opportunities arise. This includes, but is not limited to the following
tasks related to each exhibition:

  • Designing, installing, and deconstructing each exhibition 
  • Packing and unpacking of artwork
  • Managing of inventory and registration of incoming artwork
  • Maintaining integrity of exhibition galleries (painting, lighting, etc.)
  • Managing special display construction
  • Production of labels, price lists, other exhibition signage, and didactic material
  • Arranging for documentation of each exhibition
  • Coordinating catalog production (an average of 3 – 4 catalogues annually)
  • Ensuring exhibition wares are photographed and listed for sale on
    NCC’s website in a timely fashion following the exhibition opening

Additional administrative duties include:

  • Corresponding with artists, dealers and collectors, and other institutions to obtain work
  • Sending and maintaining letters of agreement, contracts, loan forms, condition reports, insurance, renewal, filings, and records
  • Arranging for transportation of works for exhibitions, including
    coordinating storage of shipping crates and materials, preparing
    outgoing work for shipping, and packing and unpacking artwork
  • Ensuring artists receive payment (their commission) for sold exhibition works
  • Preparing, with advisement from Director, annual budget for program, and working within constraints of that budget
  • Assisting Director in fundraising for the exhibitions program
  • Coordinating and preparing for Exhibition Committee meetings, including scheduling and planning, and preparing minutes
  • Preparing galleries for exhibition openings, including refreshment
    set-up and clean-up with assistance from Sales Gallery and Special
    Events Manager, as well as representing the Center at exhibition
    openings and exhibition-related workshops and lectures.
  • Overseeing work of Exhibitions Program Assistant

Work with NCC’s Exhibitions Committee:

  • To review and present RFPs for the Emily Galusha Gallery
  • To secure a roster of exhibitions that showcases the full spectrum of ceramic art
  • To enable the exhibitions program to serve as an educational tool,
    introducing the viewer to the range of possibilities within the
    medium—from historical pots to contemporary studio ceramics, from
    decorative vessels to unfired clay installations, from thematic
    multi-person shows to emerging artists

Plan and implement annual tour of McKnight Artists Exhibition (to up to four venues in greater Minnesota):

  • Solicit and contract interested venues; communicate schedule and related necessary details
  • Collaborate with artists on selection of artworks from exhibition to tour
  • Coordinate design and distribution of show card
  • Coordinate delivery to and retrieval of artwork from sites; coordinate return shipping of artwork to artists
  • Work with Director of Learning and Engagement to design program content in conjunction with traveling exhibition.

Work with Digital and Marketing Manager to ensure appropriate exhibition publicity, including:

  • Gathering information (resumes, check lists, artists’ statements, images)
  • Writing newsletter text and exhibition postcard copy
  • Coordinating exhibition invitation design/print/mailing timeline and execution
  • Supplying Digital and Marketing Manager with social media and website content

Assist with the management and implementation of the installation of the American Pottery Festival and Holiday Exhibition, including:

  • Assist in provision of storage of work
  • Assist in design of exhibition and installation of wares for APF
  • Assist with packing and shipping of unsold work after APF (including APF work left after the Holiday Exhibition)

Work with Director of Learning and Engagement to plan and
coordinate artist workshops, residencies, and lectures in conjunction
with exhibitions.

Other tasks as assigned.

SALARY AND BENEFITS AND QUALIFICATIONS

This is a permanent, full-time salaried exempt position.  Salary is
commensurate with experience, and qualifications, performance, and NCC
budget. Benefits include vacation and sick time and a benefits
allowance, along with a 403(b).

Applicants should have a strong knowledge of and experience in a
gallery or museum. The ideal applicant should have at least a Bachelor
of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts degree; a Masters degree is preferred,
with a focus in ceramics. A minimum of five years of management and
administrative experience is recommended; excellent written, oral
communication, and people skills are a must. Proficiency with
Macintosh-based programs (Microsoft Office) is required; proficiency
with database, online sales, and point of sale software is preferred.
Applicants must have demonstrated ability to work well with artists,
collectors, gallerists, staff and volunteers. Applicants must be able to
lift and move substantial weight for the exhibition installation
portion of this position. Additionally, this position requires a
flexible schedule and strong time management skills.

To apply:

Please send a cover letter describing your interests and experience, a
résumé, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three
professional references to: Sarah Millfelt, Director, at
[email protected].

Northern Clay Center is an equal opportunity employer.

www.northernclaycenter.org/apply/employment