Max Thelen Studio Residency at Art Works Downtown

The Max Thelen Studio Residency provides a quality art space for an emerging artist to create artwork and receive community support. The residency includes a free art studio for 12 months (92 sq. ft., street-level location) with utilities, fees, and operating costs covered. Ideal candidates live in the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area and commit to regularly making art in the studio and participating in program activities.

Benefits include an environment supportive of the creative process, a solo exhibition in the Founders' Gallery, waived fees for Art Works Downtown membership and juried exhibitions, representation on the organization's newsletter and social media, exposure to visitors during 2nd Friday Art Walk events, a scholarship for mandatory participation in Marin Open Studios, and exposure to gallery procedures and nonprofit arts organization operations.

Applicants must live in reasonable commuting distance to San Rafael, CA and be in the early stage of their art career with a committed art-making practice. Visual artists will be considered. Application requirements include 5 to 10 images (up to 5 videos for video artists), a statement of up to 5,000 words introducing yourself as an artist and your artwork, and responses to required questions about how you envision using the space, how association with the Art Works Downtown community would benefit you, your career ambitions, and references from an arts educator, gallerist, or arts professional. There is no cost to apply. The residency runs from August 1, 2022 through July 30, 2023, with the Founders Gallery exhibition date to be determined towards the end of the residency.