Cub Creek Foundation

Cub Creek Foundation is a 501 (c)(3), non-profit ceramic arts center located outside of Appomattox, Virginia. The program offers studio space, extensive facilities, and professional opportunities to young and emerging artists through its artist-in-residence program.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of our current residents have lost their part-time jobs as local businesses and restaurants have been forced to close. Without financial assistance, they will not be able to continue their residencies at Cub Creek Foundation.

Believing in the importance of providing a supportive environment for our artists, we are seeking your help to help raise $10,500 to provide funding for 7 artists-in-residence from May - August 2020.


About Cub Creek Foundation

Located in the peaceful rolling hills in central Virginia, Cub Creek Foundation is a non-profit center for the ceramic arts. The program was founded by ceramic artist and educator, John Jessiman, who upon retiring from a 33 year career teaching at SUNY Cortland, sought to create an environment capable of enriching the regional and global art community by providing various professional opportunities.

To learn more, visit our website


resident studio and kiln sheds

2018 artists-in-residence

How we operate
    
     Artist-in-Residence Program

For nearly 20 years, Cub Creek Foundation’s primary mission has been to provide emerging artists with access to a dedicated workspace, guidance, and extensive facilities to aid them in the development of their artistic careers.

Each year, 7 artists are selected from a pool of applicants to live, work and develop together on the program’s rural 100 acre property. In exchange for a monthly residency fee of $575, artists-in-residence are provided with on-site housing, a 400 sq. ft. studio space, and access to a variety of kilns and professional equipment.

During their residency, each artist is given the freedom to focus on their artwork while learning many critical skills necessary for a career in the ceramic arts. With additional guidance from program director, John Jessiman and visiting artists, residents are exposed to many diverse approaches and ideas related to the science and history of clay as well as its cultural context.

Since 2002 the program has served more than 80 artists from the US, Brazil, Japan, India, Greece, South Korea, and France - many of whom now operate thriving studio practices and teaching careers at colleges, universities and art centers throughout the world.

L: 2020 AIR loading one of the program's wood fired kilns
R: 2020 AIR Vani MacIsaac with finished work

while at Cub Creek, residents are able to fully immerse themselves in the region's beautiful fields and forests.

wood fired pieces made by 2020 artists-in-residence

  Workshops & Outreach

Each October, Cub Creek Foundation welcomes established artists to present two-day demonstrations and lectures highlighting their work, history, and approach to making a living as an artist. This event not only provides residents with exposure to artists in the height of their career, but also brings diverse perspectives and techniques to the regional community of makers, students, and educators.

Each spring, the program hosts its annual Open House, during which residents share recently completed work with members of the local community. With a constantly changing roster of artists, the program is able to continuously enrich the region with new and exciting works of art.

visiting artist workshop with Dan Murphy, 2013

     Exhibitions

Believing in the importance of sharing our mission and achievements with a greater audience, Cub Creek Foundation frequently organizes group exhibitions which are hosted by galleries, universities, and art centers throughout the country. These shows provide past and present residents with exposure and the ability to showcase their work with internationally acclaimed artists.

resident director, John Jessiman with residents during a group exhibition at Hood College - Frederick, MD

What makes Cub Creek Foundation unique?

  Fostering the first steps

Although Cub Creek Foundation is one of many programs providing services to the clay community, its application process is unique.
Rather than accepting applicants based exclusively by previous artistic accomplishments, Cub Creek Foundation also considers the applicant's motivation to develop technical skills and conceptual thought. With this in mind, the program strongly caters to young and emerging artists in hopes of providing them with the resources to help jumpstart their careers.

     Experiential learning

The program at Cub Creek Foundation is structured to provide residents with a clear picture of life as a working artist. With access to extensive facilities, residents are able to actively engage in all aspects of studio life. From making, firing, and selling their work to participating in studio maintenance and upkeep, residents learn valuable skills without bearing the financial commitment of studio or kiln ownership.

residents assisting in upkeep of the grounds and facilities 

L: 2020 AIR Dallas Banks cleaning kiln shelves after a firing
R: 2019-2010 AIR Cecelia Peters loading the kiln
      
     Wood Firing

The program’s extensive wood fired kiln facilities distinguish it from many other residency programs in the US. Home to a 3 chamber noborigama, anagama, wood-fired soda and wood-fired salt kiln, Cub Creek Foundation has developed a strong reputation as a valuable destination in which to study wood firing. Kilns are loaded and fired collectively by the residents - allowing them to gain hands-on experience with making decisions throughout all aspects of the making process.

three-chamber noborigama kiln built by residents in 2018

2020 residents firing the wood kilns

wood-fired soda kiln, built by residents in 2013

          Developing Sustainable Practices

Stressing the importance of considering one’s environmental impact, Cub Creek Foundation provides a setting for artists to explore an ecologically minded practice. Nearly all of the wood used to fuel the kilns comes from fallen timber collected throughout the property’s woods.

Additionally, residents have the rare opportunity to dig their own clays on site - as the property sits on several unique deposits. Over the years, many have been attracted to the program by the prospect of developing a closer connection with these natural materials and have continued the practice after leaving Cub Creek.

2019 AIR Lauren Visokay splitting pine from the property

L: studio assistant Rachel Pearlman digging local clay
R: 2020 AIR Michaela Bromberek & finished piece made from local clay


Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic

Cub Creek is committed to keeping its program fees affordable for its residents by only charging enough to cover the cost of basic operations, utilities, and insurance. Although many local stores and restaurants have employed residents throughout the years, state regulations for non-essential business closures have forced many to shut their doors - leaving our current residents without part-time employment.

In response to these unforeseen circumstances, we are seeking your assistance to help raise $10,500 to provide funding for our residents and ensure they will be able to continue their time and development at Cub Creek.

Breakdown of our goal

$8000
Funds to employ 7 residents to assist with ongoing maintenance and renovations to the property and grounds for 4 months, beginning May 1st.

$2000
Budget for construction materials and supplies to be used for renovations.

$500
Funds to cover online transaction fees.
___________

$10,500

With your help, our residents will be able to continue developing their studio practices and careers as artists.

Thank you for your support.