Artist in Residence

Program Description
The Printmaking Council of New Jersey (PCNJ) is a non-profit fine art center specializing in print and paper media. For the past 36 years, it has provided activities, exhibitions, events, and classes that support and nurture an appreciation for printmaking, photography, papermaking, and artist books. PCNJ offers an annual 6 week residency to professional artists who are interested in developing new and innovative work in printmaking and its related disciplines. PCNJ welcomes applications with diverse perspectives, personal narrative and style. PCNJ does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or socioeconomic background.

PCNJ's Artist-in-Residence (AiR) is supported by a grant from the Adolf Konrad Foundation. The Foundation, created in memory of the renowned artist, provides an opportunity to one artist each year to utilize the Council's Printmaking Studios. Adolf Konrad understood the many benefits a studio can provide for an artist who needs intense concentration to conceptualize, explore and create a new body of work. PCNJ is committed to helping arrange for the special needs of the artist, publicity for both the artist and the program, and to providing exposure for the artist's work.

Benefits for the Artist-in-Residence (AiR)

*Use of a professional studio and related equipment.
*A $1,000 stipend to support the residency and offset the cost of supplies.
*Uninterrupted time to explore new ideas and techniques.
*Interaction with a new community of artists.
*Publicity in local and regional media.
*An opportunity to exhibit work at the end of the residency period.

Residency Requirements

• In 2010, PCNJ seeks applicants working in printmaking and its related disciplines, preferably in a non-toxic format.
• The AiR MUST BE self-sufficient in a printmaking studio.
• The AiR shall use the studio in a manner that demonstrates a strong commitment to the program.
• He/she will spend at least 20 hours a week at PCNJ, which can include days, night, and weekends.
• The residency will take place during a 6 week period from May 1 - June 20, 2010.
• The AiR must provide his/her own housing and transportation to and from the studio.
• The goal of the AiR should be to complete a new body of work. This could include print editions, artist books, papermaking, and installations, among others.
• The new work will be exhibited in PCNJ's Library Gallery from Oct. 16 - Dec. 25.
• The AiR is also responsible for offering a limited number of events at PCNJ, such as lectures, demonstrations, workshops and publicity functions.
• The AiR will donate a small portion of the work completed during the residency to PCNJ.

Application Criteria
Prospective AiRs must forward a packet to PCNJ that includes:

1. Application Form
2. A professional C.V., resume, or bio.
3. One letter of reference from a professional source, such as a department Chair, academic colleague, former professor, curator, arts administrator, etc.
4. 8-10 examples of work on CD. Each image must include the artist's name, date, medium, and size. PCNJ is looking for a strong body of work, which does not need to be limited to just printmaking.
5. A one-page Artist Statement.

Other Considerations
Matriculating students are not eligible to apply. Application materials will not be returned without including a stamped, self-addressed envelope. There is no entry fee.

Calendar:
Applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2010.

Selected artist and one alternate will be notified by April 1, 2010.

Residency period will take place from May 1 through June 20, 2010.

Final exhibition will take place from October 16 - December 25, 2010.

Click here for an AiR application.

Please send applications to:
AiR Program
PCNJ
440 River Road
Branchburg, NJ 08876

For more information, please call (908) 725-2110



The PCNJ Artist-in-Resident for 2009 is Elaine Chong. Elaine's work is experimental in approach; exploring handmade paper surfaces integrated with copper wire and photography. During her residency she is creating layered calendars that fuse her past and her present together into one cohesive body of work. Elaine received her BA in Studio Art from Bloomsburg University, and her MFA in Mixed Media from Montclair State University. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Art at the College of Saint Elizabeth in Morristown, NJ.

Image: Elaine Chong, Inside Out, Handmade paper & copper wire, 13" x 13"