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The Morean Center for Clay (MCC) is located in the Historic Train Station, positioned within the Warehouse Arts District of St. Petersburg Florida. The facility offers a variety of educational courses in ceramics ranging from intro to advanced approaches to working with clay. MCC also offers studio rentals, hosts exhibition, workshops, and other events. MCC's strongest program is our nationally recognized Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program.

The Artist in Residence Program at the MCC aims to enhance and further the educational experience of ceramic artists seeking recognition in the professional realm. Community involvement, professional development, teaching experience, and self-exploration are just a small part of MCC’s core goals for residents. Residents are comprised of individuals with their bachelor's or master's degree in fine art who are interested in working within a studio setting to continue their progression as a ceramic artist. Residents are accepted for a one-year term, but are offered a second term upon mutual agreement between the artist and MCC. AIRs are encouraged to expand their body of work, apply to shows, teach classes, and participate in group and individual critiques. A solo exhibition serves as the capstone experience for the program, highlighting the evolution of the artist and their work during their time at the MCC.

The AIR program is competitive, attracting applicants from across the nation for up to six positions each year. Artists completing the program have gone on to graduate schools or other residencies. Some have moved on to start their own working studios, work in galleries and museums, or become professors/instructors/teachers from K-12 to university level.

The residency is a work exchange program. Each resident agrees to work a total of 8 hours a week in exchange for their studio (450 cubic ft), 24-hour studio access, free firings (Electric and Gas), and discounts on clay, classes, and merchandise. Weekly hours can include, but are not limited to: assisting in workshops, sweeping/mopping, loading/firing kilns, mixing glazes, splitting/stacking wood, installing exhibitions, and assisting in the maintaining of a safe and healthy studio atmosphere. To achieve these weekly hours, residents agree to work one day during the week (9am-5pm) at MCC.

MCC also offers additional work for hire compensation to each artist in residence if desired. Residents can work an additional 20 hours a month at a rate of $11/hr for first year residents and $12/hr for second year residents. Duties that fall under these available hours include, but are not limited to: loading/firing kilns, mixing glazes, splitting/stacking wood, installing exhibitions, and assisting in facilities maintenance. Residents can also earn additional income through teaching classes at MCC and other Morean locations.

Throughout the year, MCC's event space is available for rentals (primarily weddings and other small events). Events are held in the space nearly every weekend. If desired, resident artists can earn up to $150 per event for chaperoning, and also cleaning the space before and after then event.

Affordable shared housing is available for $350/month. With the rapid growth of the city of St. Petersburg, housing is becoming more expensive and less available. Please be aware of this as our available shared housing can fit just 4 residents. Applicants wishing to live alone or with partners/pets, should consider researching current housing before accepting a residency at MCC.

MCC Facilities and Equipment Includes:
Anagama Kiln
Wood Soda Kiln
Small Train Kiln
Gas Soda Kiln
2 Cone 10 Gas Kilns
Raku Kiln
14 Electric Kilns ranging from small test to Skutt 1227
Pizza Kiln
Soldner Mixer
Peter Pugger Pugmill
Ballmill
Spray Booth

Applications are due April 30th, 2022. Residency will start August 1st, 2022 and end July 31st, 2023

Application Process:
Submitted by April 30th 2022 via Cafe Call for Entry

- $25 application fee
- 15-20 Images
- Image list
- 3 references with email and phone number contacts
- Artist statement
- Resume
- Letter of intent

Application Requirements

Submitted by April 30th 2022 via Cafe Call for Entry

- $25 application fee
- 15-20 Images
- Image list
- 3 references with email and phone number contacts
- Artist statement
- Resume
- Letter of intent

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants must have a degree from an accredited school or university before the beginning of their residency at MCC.