The Max Thelen Studio Residency provides a quality art space for an emerging artist to create artwork and receive community support. The Residency includes a free art studio for 12 months with many additional benefits. Ideal candidates live in the Marin/San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area and can commit to regularly making art and participating in the program activities.

Art Works Downtown offers a diverse mix of studio artists and mediums in the heart of the San Rafael commercial core for regular interaction with the public. The Max Thelen Studio is a located on the street-level of the AWD complex. Art Works Downtown believes that an emerging artist will stimulate new ideas among established AWD studio artists and vice versa. Our community will be better served as they recognize and understand the importance of supporting emerging artists in their career endeavors.

Benefits:

• Free art studio, including utilities, fees and operating costs.
  • PLEASE NOTE: This residency does not include living accommodations.
  • 92 sq. ft. located in the main entrance hallway.
  • You may see the space during our public hours, Thu–Sat, 1–8pm. 
• An environment that is supportive and empathetic to the creative process.
• Solo exhibition in the Founders’ Gallery, which provides exhibition production experience.
• Waived fees for AWD membership and juried exhibitions.
• Representation on AWD’s newsletter, website, and social media.
• Exposure to large groups of visitors every month during the 2nd Friday Art Walk events.
• Scholarship granted for mandatory participation in Marin Open Studios.
• Exposure to exhibit procedures and processes.
• Exposure to the nonprofit arts organization operation.

Application Requirements

Calendar:

• Deadline to apply July 6, 2023
• Award announced in August 1 2023
• Studio Residency to commence in September 5, 2023 through August 30, 2024
• Founders Gallery exhibition: August 10–September 28, 2024

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility:

• Applicants must live in reasonable commuting distance to San Rafael CA.
• Applicants must be in the early to middle stage of their art career with a committed art-making practice.
• Visual artists will be considered.
• See list of previous residents: http://artworksdowntown.org/artists/the-max-thelen-studio-residency