2027 Artist Residencies at Alchemy Art Center

Alchemy Art Center hosts a seasonal artist residency program on San Juan Island, WA with a focus on artists working in the mediums of ceramics, printmaking, fiber art, or darkroom photography. Read more about this opportunity here.

2027 Program Dates:

Cohort 1: Teaching focus:
May 1st - June 9th, 2027
 

Cohort 2: Community Art focus: 
June 13th - July 21st, 2027
 

Cohort 3: Community Art focus: 
July 25th - September 8th, 2027

Alchemy Art Center hosts a seasonal artist residency program on San Juan Island, WA with a focus on artists working in the mediums of ceramics, printmaking, fiber art, or darkroom photography.

2027 Program Dates:

Cohort 1: Teaching focus:
May 1st - June 9th, 2027
 

Cohort 2: Community Art focus: 
June 13th - July 21st, 2027
 

Cohort 3: Community Art focus: 
July 25th - September 8th, 2027

Alchemy’s AIR program is a unique opportunity to live in an immersive arts community on San Juan Island, connect with the wider SJI community via teaching and public art activities, and have focused time to create art in an environment that supports collaboration, cross-pollination, and innovation. Artists-in-Residence are encouraged to work in all of Alchemy’s focus areas (regardless of their area of expertise), and experiment with mediums they may not have tried before.

All AIR opportunities include a work exchange of 15 hours per week, a substantial component of which is community engagement. This can mean teaching adult-level classes, leading free workshops in the park, mentoring small groups of young people, or simply interacting with Alchemy’s many studio members and visitors. Ideal candidates are people who enjoy people, and who are energized and inspired by collaborative interactions.

Professional opportunities available to AIRs can include a final exhibition in one of the gallery spaces at Alchemy, a portfolio documentation project with the San Juan Public Library, an artist talk in partnership with the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, and an opportunity to sell work in our store. Artists who are newer to teaching are also encouraged to gain experience by leading free all-ages workshops in our community.

Alchemy hosts two different types of artist residencies, with different opportunities and expectations, changing with the seasons. Read on to learn more about our residency options!

Cohort 1: Teaching Focus

2027 Program Dates: 
May 1st - June 9th, 2027

The Teaching Residency is a shoulder-season residency for artists who specialize in one of our primary studio practices: ceramics, printmaking, fiber arts, or darkroom photography. Scheduled during Alchemy’s quieter months in the springtime, this opportunity is perfect for artists who are established in their practice and can offer adult-level classes. 

Ideal applicants for this residency have an established studio practice in our mediums of focus, which are ceramics, printmaking, darkroom photography, and fiber art. We are seeking applicants who are experienced in teaching adult-level classes. 

Visiting artists help us offer unique classes to our community that we would not otherwise be able to offer with our own staff/other island artists. This year, some classes we’d like to see include proposals related to alternative photo processes, intaglio, basket weaving, and painting. Please feel free to propose anything that you are excited about!

In addition to teaching, AIRs in Cohort I occasionally use a portion of their weekly hours to improve studio infrastructure and equipment. Past projects have included an electro etching tank, setting up a gas fired kiln, creating a stained glass window for the welcome kiosk, and building a cement dome storage space. 

Applicants must also be comfortable living semi-outdoors in the cooler shoulder season weather of the Pacific Northwest, and sharing communal bathroom and kitchen space with up to 10 other people.

Ideal candidates for our teaching residency are: 

• Experienced in ceramics, printmaking, fiber, or darkroom photography, or other relevant art techniques
• Have teaching experience and are comfortable leading groups
• Are adaptable, and willing to work in changing environments
• Flexible, self-motivated, and good at managing their time

Work Exchange:
AIRs contribute 15 hours per week in the form of teaching, studio managing, special projects, youth mentorship. A personal living stipend of $100 per week is included in this program.

Do you have questions? Check out our AIR FAQ here.

Cohort II & III: Community Art Focus 

Cohort II: 
June 13th - July 21st, 2027
 

Cohort III: 
July 25th - September 8th, 2027

Artists joining us for cohorts II and III support our Artists in Community program. These cohorts occur during the summer months, when Alchemy is most active in the San Juan Island community. Artists-in-Residence joining us during this time are an integral part of our summer programming, leading free workshops in the park, mentoring youth groups, working with our local summer camps, running booth activities at festivals, and more. This is an opportunity for artists looking to connect with the broader island community, share their skills, work collaboratively, and create art in a dynamic and supportive environment.  

Applicants must also be comfortable living semi-outdoors in the shifting (and often cool) summer weather of the Pacific Northwest, and sharing communal bathroom and kitchen space with up to 10 other people.

Ideal candidates for the community art residency are: 

• Familiar with ceramics, printmaking, fiber, or photography, or other relevant art techniques
• Can create and run community art workshops and activities for people of all ages, with a positive attitude
• Are comfortable leading large groups
• Have experience working with children
• Are outgoing, and feel energized and inspired by working with others
• Are adaptable, and willing to work in changing environments
• Flexible, self-motivated, and good at managing their time
• Has a driver’s license and can drive a car
• Can manage their time through the week to lead multiple activities in multiple locations

Exchange:
The work exchange for Artists in Community AIRs is 15 hours per week and includes running art activities in the community, studio maintenance, and other program support. A personal living stipend of $100 per week is included in this program. 

Do you have questions? Check out our AIR FAQ here.

Applicants must answer all required application questions, provide work samples, a CV/resume, and references. Our application deadline is 12/7/2026, 11:59pm Pacific Time. Late applications will not be accepted.

Applicants must be:

• Comfortable living semi-outdoors, and sharing communal bathroom and kitchen space with up to 10 other people.
• Over 21 years of age
• Work in the mediums of ceramics, printmaking, darkroom photography, or fiber art
• Able to complete the 15 hr weekly work exchange