Artist-In-Residence Program
Current Artist-In-Residence: Chloe Stephenson
Chloe Stephenson is a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts, Major in Environmental Studios, and Minor in Studio Art from the University of South Carolina, now living on Gabriola Island.
Growing up, Chloe was the kind of person you could never keep in shoes—always barefoot and outside, no matter the weather. That early connection to the earth has remained a constant in her life, shaping both her perspective and her artistic practice. Now, as an artist in residence, she returns to that sense of grounding and curiosity, working directly with clay sourced from the earth to create functional works that feel both deeply personal and universally resonant. Her work draws heavily from the natural world, embracing the full-circle process of transforming raw material into expressive forms. Through sculptural hands and wheel-thrown vessels, she explores emotion, connection, and the intricate relationship between humans and the land they come from.
Within the residency program, Chloe is focused on developing and refining a cohesive body of work intended for both gallery exhibition and wholesale or retail opportunities. The program provides her with the time, space, and support to take creative risks while also building toward professional goals, culminating in a final exhibition. During her residency, she continues to investigate the expressive potential of sculpted hands alongside her exploration of working with slips and carving designs. The work produced during this time represents a significant evolution of her practice, demonstrating how the residency fosters both artistic growth and meaningful, career-oriented outcomes for participating artists.
Chloe ends her residency with a gallery show called An Ode To The River which received much recognition from the community.
A Business Focus Residency
During the residency, artists will have the opportunity to complete a body of work, have the opportunity to show and sell in our gallery and receive guidance in developing a business plan. Artists are provided with 24-hour use of 100 square feet of private space, electric kilns and pottery equipment. If they wish, artists may apply to host workshops or teach classes, which can bring in a small income. (At Nanaimo Ceramic Arts, teachers and workshop instructors are paid by contract at $30/ hr).
The residency terms are: January to May, June to August, and September to December. subject to adjustment.
Nanaimo Ceramic Arts offers two different residency formats.
A. Product Creation
To be considered for this residency, applicants are expected to have a firm understanding of their material and be ready to begin producing work for sale. During their time, artists will have an opportunity to:
- Develop a concise body of work and a brand image, with the objective of continued production and sales.
- Development of a catalogue/portfolio.
Assistance with this project will be provided through regular meetings with Bronwyn Arundel, the owner-manager of Nanaimo Ceramic Arts, and directed assignments.
B. Business Development
To be considered for this residency, applicants are expected to have already developed a consistent product line and have some experience selling their work. The objective will be to develop a practical business plan that can be executed after the residency. The unique set-up of Nanaimo Ceramic Arts allows emerging artists to participate and learn within the structure of a small business. During their time artists will have an opportunity to complete a business plan through the following:
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Financial start up costs
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Financial 3 year forecast
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Business objectives
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Market research
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Web page
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Loan information
Accomodation
Unfortunately we no longer have a fixed accommodation in town. But Nanaimo and surrounding communities have various options for housing and a large network for those searching for accommodation. To support our artist in residence, if you need assistance in finding a place to live, please let us know.
About NCA & Bronwyn Arundel
Located right in the heart of downtown Nanaimo, Nanaimo Ceramic Arts Studio and Gallery is surrounded by shops, convenience stores, galleries and restaurants. The space hosts workshops, classes in both pottery and art, drop-in time and is made up of a large community of different people all sharing a love of clay. It is a 3 minute walk to the waterfront, a 5 minute drive to Hullo Ferries, 10 minutes to Departure Bay (BC Ferries) and about 40 minutes to the Nanaimo Airport.
Nanaimo Ceramic Arts Studio and Gallery is a large space that consists of:
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Large pottery classroom with 12 wheels and large canvas table for wedging clay and handbuilding
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Designated glaze space with tables, various glazes and underglazes
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Tool and clay storage
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Designated room with three large tables (shared space with arts classroom)
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Glaze kitchen
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Kiln Room
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Studio space for artist in residence - include table space, wheel and lots of shelving
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Large gallery space with mug wall, plinths and shelving space
Bronwyn Arundel studied at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University and in 2008 graduated with a major in Ceramics and a minor in Art History. She studied drawing and painting and incorporates both in her work as a ceramicist. Bronwyn has been making pottery full time since 2012 and in March of 2018, Bronwyn expanded her business to include Nanaimo Ceramic Arts Studio and Gallery, where she manages this space with the assistance of a vibrant clay community of Artists-in-Residence, apprentices and fellow instructors. Through the managing of her community pottery studio, and over 13 years of successful pottery production business, Bronwyn has developed an Artist in Residency program that focuses on the business development of visiting artists.