The takaezu studio residency
Toshiko’s single directive before her death was to maintain the studio as a resource for artists. In keeping with her wishes, we are pleased to offer residencies for ceramists, fiber artists, painters & writers.
The program is ideal for both emerging and established artists searching for an environment that nurtures experimentation & encourages the exchange of ideas between makers. Our quiet, rural location allows for vigorous, immersive studio activity, while also having urban cultural centers of New York City & Philadelphia approximately an hour away.
The residency program is organized & operated by the 501(c)3 non-profit, the Quakertown Studio Project. This organization is distinct & independent from the Takaezu Foundation.
Former resident in the ceramic studio.
View of the ceramic studio
the Ceramic residency
Residents will have 24/7 access to the studio & studio equipment, which includes a 72 cubic feet gas kiln, 18" height electric test kiln, 30" height electric Skutt kiln, large slab roller, 200-lb Soldner mixer, multiple electric & kick-wheels, as well as a functional wood-shop.
Materials are not provided. Communal firing fees, within reason, will be included in the weekly work hours. Individual firings will be charged at the cost of fuel. Generic glaze materials and access to all studio glazes will be provided. We regularly get material deliveries from Lodi Ceramic Supply & The Ceramic Shop, both of which are about an hour’s drive from the studio.
Basic pottery tool kits, carving tools, manual and power tools are available in the studio, but each artist is encouraged to bring a selection of the tools relevant to their studio practice. Otherwise, we will work with each artist to see that you are provided with the basic needs for your creative work.
THE FIBER RESIDENCY
To continue the energy Toshiko devoted to weaving with her own work & her collaborations with fiber artist Lenore Tawney, the studio is very pleased to offer space for fiber artists to work.
We have two 4’ length counterbalance looms installed, & hope to continue building our resources for artists working in these media.
An ongoing project is to integrate a ‘craft garden’ in our 3-acre sculpture park with plants that can be woven, made into paper, used as dyes, & generally be incorporated into projects. This garden is in its infancy at present.
Toshiko Takaezu & Lenore Tawney, back-strap weaving.
View of the loom-room in the resident house
Residencies for Painters, Writers, & other Media.
We encourage artists working in various other media to apply. Our multi-media facilities, sprawling outdoor gardens & community of makers make for a nurturing creative environment for any project!
‘Painting B’ by Toshiko Takaezu, 1971-1973
Lodging
The resident housing is a short walk to the studio through our sculpture garden. Each resident will have a private room with shared bathrooms. The house is furnished, & includes basic kitchen appliances, internet, laundry & dryer, bedding, stove, oven, refrigerator, and so forth. Please alert us if you are interested in bringing a pet of any kind, as it is a communal space & we must respect the wishes of all residents & the landlord.
The Takaezu Studio is in bucolic Hunterdon County, New Jersey, affording the great advantage of peace & quiet of the neighborhood, as well as the freedom from urban distractions. Another important benefit of the location is that New York and Philadelphia are each just a little over an hour away, so many of the world’s great museums, galleries, theaters and concert halls are reasonably accessible via public transport.
Having a vehicle is a huge asset at the studio, as nearby towns with restaurants and grocery stores are not walkable. While transportation is the resident’s responsibility, the studio staff will work with residents to make sure that basic needs are comfortably met.
Resident Eligibility & Responsibilities
Residents must be 18 years or older & hold a bachelor's degree in the arts, or have multiple years of professional experience. We expect residents to be dedicated, spend a majority of their time focusing on their work independently, & execute their proposed residency project.
This program, we hope, will be a means of ensuring the longevity of the studio with a constant influx of fresh artists working as temporary agents of the Takaezu studio mission. Our goal is to extend and honor Toshiko’s legacy by providing artists with time and facilities for their creative endeavors, while constantly expanding our capacity to support artists.
Residents are asked to participate for ~10 hours a week on studio activities. For ceramic residents, this can involve loading kilns, cleaning communal spaces, mixing glazes, assisting with special studio projects & events, kiln building, garden work, & other studio tasks under the supervision of the Ceramic Director. Paid teaching opportunities will be available.
Residency Costs
While the Takaezu Studio searches for funding to offset the cost of artist housing, residents will be charged $1,250/ in monthly rent.
Ceramic residents’ working hours will allow for free communal firings. Individual firings, with larger works etc., will be charged at the cost of fuel.
Materials are not provided.
Residents are responsible for their per diem.
Application Process
Resident applications will be reviewed by the Takaezu Studio board and judged on quality of work, clarity of proposal, & testimony of references. In addition, we will seek to have diversity in the stage of career of the residency cohort – a full range of recent undergraduates to established artists to professors on sabbatical, etc.
A strong project proposal will outline clearly defined goals & why this residency is appropriate for you.
-Project proposal (3,500 characters- about 500 words) in .docx or .pdf format
-Artist statement & bio (2000 character limit- about 200 words each)
-3 personal, professional, or academic references.
-Resume/CV in .docx or .pdf format.
-Portfolio of 10-20 images (.JPG format, 1-5.MB)
-Ranked choice of residency duration (1 month, 3 month, 6 month, 9 month) & starting dates.
-$10 application processing fee.
DEADLINE: In this initial phase, we will review applications on a rolling deadline at the end of each month. Regular deadlines & scheduled start dates will come in time.
Questions? Email Mmustardo@gmail.com