Important Dates

  • Applications due: July 5, 2021
  • Awards announced: July 26, 2021
  • Confirmation date: August 9, 2021
  • Residency period: September 7, 2021 – May 28, 2022

Selection Criteria

A selection committee from the Kirk Newman Art School will review residency applications and determine finalists based on merit and consideration of applicants’ expertise, quality of work samples, ability to work independently in an open studio environment, and a desire to share information with students at the Kirk Newman Art School. Finalists will be invited to on-site interviews.

Application Process

Download complete application requirements. 

All applicants must submit the following, by email, mail or in person:

  • Complete the online application form, including two professional references.
    (references emailed to ) 
  • Application fee of $25.
  • A current resume
  • Narrative description of your work or process (less than 500 words)
  • Proposal and timeline
  • 10-20 digital images of current work.
  • Two letters of recommendation from arts professionals
  • In-person interview is required for final candidates

Incomplete or partial applications will not be considered.

The intensive art study program at the Kirk Newman Art School began in 2015. The nine-month residency is designed for aspiring artists who want to grow and strengthen their art practice in a supportive community, with access to professional studio facilities and guidance.

Candidates should be college graduates preparing for a career as a professional artist or for entry into a Master of Fine Arts degree program. They should have a deep commitment in their chosen medium and the discipline to work independently in an open studio environment. Candidates should also have a desire to share information and engage with students at the Kirk Newman Art School, and be prepared to participate within their department and with organizational fundraisers and department duties.

Kirk Newman Art School Post-Baccalaureate Residency Program

For more information, contact us at 269-585-9266 or email .

One residency in each medium will be offered in painting, printmaking, photography & digital media, jewelry/metals, ceramics, fiber arts, and sculpture.

  • Residents will receive two scholarships per 12-week term to classes at the Kirk Newman Art School.
  • Residents will receive a stipend for materials and access to the studio in their discipline.
  • Residents will have the opportunity to participate in an annual holiday art sale (November) and arts fair (June), providing them professional development experiences for marketing and selling their work.
  • A critique of works produced will be provided at the end of the residency period.

Hear a personal account of Lena Thomas’s experience as a ceramics resident (2017-18) on WGVU’s Kalamazoo Lively Arts (October 2017)

Learn more about our first cohort of 2015 residents in this feature story from Second Wave Media.

2020-21 Post-Baccalaureate Art School Residents

Sculpture
Adelaine Muth

Printmaking
Tyler Thenikl

Photography
Gabrielle Graves

Fiber
Andrea Arts

Printmaking
Melina Wilcox

Fiber
Brooks Eisenbise

Ceramics
Sara Rio

Jewelry
Paige Brosofske