Max Thelen Studio Residency at Art Works Downtown

The Max Thelen Studio Residency provides a quality work and display space for an emerging artist to create artwork and receive community support. The residency includes a free art studio for 12 months located on the prime street-level floor of the Art Works Downtown complex in San Rafael. Ideal candidates live in Marin County or have significant ties to Marin, and can commit to regularly using the studio and participating in program activities.

Benefits include free studio space with utilities, fees, and operating costs covered; a supportive environment for 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, website, and social media; exposure to visitors during the 2nd Friday Art Walk event; a scholarship for mandatory participation in Marin Open Studios; and exposure to gallery procedures and nonprofit arts organization operations.

Applicants must be in the early stage of their art career with a committed art-making practice and must live in Marin County, CA, or within reasonable commuting distance. Application requirements include 5 to 10 images and 1 to 3 videos, a statement of up to 5,000 words introducing yourself as an artist and your artwork, responses to required questions about how you envision using the space, how association with the Art Works Downtown community would benefit you, and your career ambitions, plus the name and contact information of one recommendation from an arts educator, gallerist, or arts professional. There is no cost to apply. The award will be announced in June 2020, with the residency commencing August 1, 2020 through July 30, 2021. The Founders Gallery exhibition date will be determined towards the end of the residency.