GLEAN 2025/6

GLEAN is a juried residency program that selects five artists from the Portland area (Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties) to access the Metro Central transfer station to glean materials for creating art. The program provides studio visits, marketing support, a $3,000 stipend, group critiques with GLEAN artists and partners, and culminates in an exhibition. One residency position is reserved for a student currently enrolled in an art program at a local college or university.

Five artists will have the opportunity to glean materials from the Metro Central transfer station over five months (December 2025 – April 2026). Each artist must create a minimum of eight pieces available for sale at the May 2026 exhibition, with 95% of each piece made from gleaned materials. Each artist receives a $3,000 stipend upon successfully completing the program and 80% commission from sales at the exhibition. Recology will retain one piece from each artist for its permanent collection; Metro will retain one piece to be publicly displayed for two years (these pieces are not purchased). Artists are required to sign an artist agreement and attend safety training before gleaning, and must be available for monthly check-ins. Studio space is not provided.

Applicants must be residents of Multnomah, Washington, or Clackamas County. Work samples should include 4-6 images and up to 1 video. The application deadline is October 17, 2025 at 10:59 p.m. PDT. On-site safety training and orientation is required on December 1, 2025. This special round includes a craft-focused opportunity supported by Rainmaker Craft Initiative, which will select one artist for exceptional skill and experimentation with materials.