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Artist Residency Program

Our artists in residence are at the heart of this institution, acting as educators and leaders in the community.

Residency Information & Application

Residency Applications for the 2025/26 have passed
We are accepting 2026/27 applications starting January 5, 2026
Application deadline for 2026/27: April 2, 2026
https://theclaystudioofmissoula.submittable.com/submit

Artist Residency Program

The residency program at the Clay Studio of Missoula is designed to encourage the creative, intellectual, and personal growth of emerging and established visual artists. Residents should be enthusiastic and dedicated to their artwork, enjoy working with other people in a community studio setting and have working knowledge of the ceramic medium. Previous experience working in a communal setting, such as a school or community studio, is strongly preferred.

 

The Clay Studio of Missoula offers long-term (1-2 years, generally start early September), and short-term residency opportunities (2 weeks-2 months). Long-term residents are initially granted a one-year residency and are given the opportunity to extend into a second year.

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Residency Expectations

Residents are expected to contribute about five hours per week to studio and gallery upkeep—tasks include kiln loading/firing, cleaning, organizing, gallery monitoring, exhibit installation/de-installation, packing artwork, and studio improvements—plus other special projects as needed. They also assist with community outreach and fundraising events (including creating artworks), and provide technical or creative support to studio artists, interns, and students.

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Resident Benefits

Long Term Residents enjoy a dedicated semi‑private studio and 24‑hour access to all Clay Studio facilities, while Short Term Residents get dedicated table space, shelving, and the same round‑the‑clock access. All residents cover their own tools, housing, transportation, kiln and material fees. Long Term Residents are encouraged to teach paid classes to engage with the Missoula community.

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All residents are encouraged include work our sales gallery, and all long-term residents present a solo exit show near the end of their residency.

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Funding:

  • Long Term Residents: $2,500 annual fellowship plus professional development support 

  • Short Term Residents: Material and firing stipends scaled to residency duration

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Wood Fire Residency

The Clay Studio of Missoula offers a dedicated, year‑long wood fire residency (renewable for a second year with approval). Applicants must have a substantial body of work, prior wood kiln experience, the ability to lead firings, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to community engagement.

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As the wood fire resident, you will teach firing classes; coordinate with students, members, and suppliers; oversee kiln maintenance and safety; and supervise all community and class firings. In return, wood kiln firing fees are included

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Facilities

Kilns:
• two computerized 1227 Skutt kilns that are rated to cone 8
• one 1027 Skutt kiln, computerized rated to cone 10
• one 1018 computerized Skutt kiln rated to cone 10
• a few small test kilns
• soda kiln (approx 50 cubic feet)
• gas kiln (approx. 34 cubic feet)
• car kiln
• large anagama wood kiln (approx. 720 cubic feet)
• smaller wood/soda kiln
• raku kiln

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In addition, the Clay Studio has a Soldner clay mixer, slab rollers, an extruder, a variety of classroom kick and electric wheels, a stocked glaze lab, spray booth, a small light box and fade for photographing work, and other assorted studio supplies.

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About our wood kiln site
The Clay Studio of Missoula has access to two wood kilns just outside of Missoula, about a 15 minute drive away from the Clay Studio up Black Mountain. The Anagama kiln is approximately 720 cubic feet, and usually fires for 6-8 days. Our smaller cross draft kiln has about a 2 day firing period for works up to cone 10. Wood firings cannot be scheduled during periods of fire danger (usually mid-May through mid-October) and/or stage 3 air quality alerts.

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University of Montana Summer Residency

he UM Residency is open to current students or recently graduates of the University of Montana with experience and an avid interest in ceramics. From late May through late August, the UM Resident will work in the community studio space, which consists of shared community studio area, and be given five shelves to store work and supplies. For the general public, this usually costs $150/mo plus an annual membership, but all these fees are waived for the UM Resident.

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Residency benefits/obligations include:

  • 5 designated shelves in the Studio Artist communal work space

  • 24/7 access to the facility

  • A year-long membership to the Clay Studio of Missoula

  • Assist with summer guest artists workshops. For an undergraduate student working towards a career in the ceramics field, this is great opportunity to build experience!

  • UM residents will have the same obligations as other residents (studio and gallery duties up to 5 hr/wk, plus create six cups and plates for our summer High Tea fundraiser)

  • All residents are responsible for materials and firing fees

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Check back in January 2026 for the 2026 UM Residency packet as the 2025 deadline has passed

 

Submissions for the 2026 UM Residency must be made via email no later than April 6, 2026

Current Resident Artists 

The Clay Studio of Missoula is proud to support a vibrant community of ceramic artists through our residency program. Our current residents bring diverse backgrounds, creative approaches, and unique voices to our studio. Each artist contributes to the collaborative spirit of our space while developing their personal practice. Get to know the talented individuals who are shaping the future of contemporary ceramics right here in Missoula.

Past Artists-in-Residence

Over the years, the Clay Studio of Missoula has hosted a wide range of talented artists through our residency program. These individuals have helped shape our creative community and continue to inspire with their contributions to the field of ceramics. Visit our Past Residents page to discover the artists who have been part of our story.

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