The Stifel Artist Residency 2026

Since 1930, the nonprofit Oglebay Institute has served as the cultural hub of Wheeling, West Virginia, fostering appreciation, expression and discovery through exceptional programming in performing and visual arts, dance, history and nature. There are 3 residencies available for 2026, each lasting 12 weeks from approximately April 1 - June 27, 2026. Preference is given to artists working in ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, and/or print making or screen printing. The residency program is supported by funding from the EQT Foundation and the Elizabeth Stifel Kline Foundation.

Resident artists will have access to fully equipped studio spaces at the Stifel Fine Arts Center, including ceramic studios with 13 electric pottery wheels and multiple kilns, jewelry studio with workbenches and tools, stained glass studio, and printmaking/screen-printing facilities. Artists receive a $750 stipend for materials and equipment plus a $3000 living stipend, though housing is the artist's responsibility with some reduced housing possible upon request. The residency includes community outreach programs with seniors or high school students in Belmont County, Ohio, teaching workshops at the Stifel Fine Arts Center, and participation in professional development with staff and local master artists.

The program culminates in a public exhibition of work created during the residency, with opportunities to participate in vendor markets at Oglebayfest or the Holiday Art Show & Sale, and submission to annual juried exhibitions including Crosscurrents, New Appalachia, and Earth & Fire. Eligibility is open to professional and emerging artists age 21 and over with reliable transportation. Application requires a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), resume (maximum 2 pages), artist statement (250 words maximum), 5-10 images of completed work, 2 headshot images, and 3 images of artist at work. A nonrefundable $20 entry fee is required.