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 are encouraged to complete a body of work and have the opportunity to present a cumulative show of their body of work. They will be able to 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, as well as biweekly meetings with Mentor, Bronwyn Arundel, to assist with artistic and business development. In exchange, artists work in the studio/gallery as technicians for 8 hrs a week. Usually, this is broken up into a 6 hr gallery shift and 2 hours of tech work over the weekend. If they wish, artists may apply to host workshops or teach classes. (At Nanaimo Ceramic Arts, instructors are paid by contract at $115/ per 2.5 hr class).
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/body of work for a cumulative show
To be considered for this residency, applicants are expected to have a firm understanding of their material. 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.
- Develop a catalogue/portfolio.
- Present a cumulative show in the gallery
This objective is suitable for a 3-month residency
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. Along with creating a body of work and presenting a Cumulative show, the objective is 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 at NCA, artists will have an opportunity to complete a business plan by completing the following:
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exploring their financial start-up costs
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Financial 3-year forecast
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Branding: website and marketing materials
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Studio time management
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Business structure information
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Taxes and bookkeeping basics
Work Exchange Details
This residency is based on a work exchange agreement between the Artist-in-Residence and Nanaimo Ceramic Arts. The Artist-in-Residence commit to a 6-hour shift in the gallery and 2 hours of extra tech work per week. The agreement requires the artist-in-residence to assist with customer walk-ins and gallery sales, as well as contribute to studio tasks that help maintain the studio's function and cleanliness, such as loading and unloading kilns, making glazes, and processing reclaim. Artists should be able to lift a box of clay. Artists are required to pay for their own materials. Clay can be purchased for $45.00 a bag through Nanaimo Ceramic Arts, which includes the unlimited use of studio glazes and firing. For 2027, the first 5 boxes of clay have been paid for by our generous community. We bisque to cone 08 and glaze fire to cone 6.
Safety In The Space:
Nanaimo Ceramic Arts strives to be a clean and health- and safety-conscious space. Surfaces are kept free of clay dust, and precautions are made to limit dust in the air. We do not use toxic chemicals or materials. This includes gold lustres or other known toxins in our glazes. As an Artist-in-Residence, you are expected to be able to work independently in the studio and follow the studio's rules. You are responsible for your own personal safety and the safety of others. You may be charged for any injury you may cause to other persons or damage to equipment or facilities. Our studio is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants, fostering a space where everyone is treated with dignity, consideration, and a strong sense of belonging.
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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Pottery classroom with 12 wheels and a large canvas table for wedging clay and handbuilding
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Designated glaze space with counter, 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.