Australian Artist Residency Fall 2023

About Steve

Many of you already know me, but for those of you who don't my name is Steve Kelly. I'm a potter, sculptor and teacher living in Wilmington, North Carolina. For many years I've run my pottery studio and taught ceramics. I'm also an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Like so many artists before me, I've survived and thrived through the generosity of my collectors, customers, students, family and benefactors. All these patrons who believe in my work and my teaching have made it possible for me to make a living as an artist and teacher. Their support has helped me grow as an educator, craftsman and artist.

The Sturt Residency

I've been invited to be an artist in residence at Sturt, Australia's pioneering design center and school for contemporary craft. This is a tremendous honor and an opportunity I cannot pass up. Situated south of Sydney in the Southern Highlands, Sturt educates students through a wide range of contemporary craft courses and workshops. I will be living on campus, teaching workshops and spending three months of concentrated time creating a new body of work.

This residency is a dream come true. I am so excited to work and live in Australia at such a storied and well-regarded school. So much of my recent work is about exploration and risk-taking. It's about color, vibrancy and adventure. I'm hungry to learn new techniques and ideas. Spending time in a new culture exploring, absorbing new influences, and meeting other makers couldn't come at a better time in my career.

This professional residency is an opportunity for mid-career artists to dig deep for three months of research and exploration. I will develop a new body of work without the distractions of my usual teaching responsibilities. There will be a gallery exhibition at the end of my residency and I will be interacting with the public throughout my time in Australia giving artist talks and leading a couple of workshops. Housing is provided as well as a small stipend for supplies and food. There will be some limited opportunities to make money there but I will need to fund the rest of this three-month, unpaid sabbatical.

Why I'm asking for your help

For me to do this I will need to find a way to cover my family and household expenses. I will also need to cover transportation to and from Australia and other incidental expenses such as health insurance. I'm asking you, the people who believe in me as an artist, teacher and father to invest in my work.

Our culture has a long history of patronage of the arts and artists. When we visit cities we visit the cultural temples that were built through patronage whether that's the MET, the Guggenheim or the smaller collections in our hometowns. It is an important part of the economy of our culture. We buy tickets, we purchase works of art, we have museum memberships, we support the artists and in return, we have a rich cultural heritage. Art represents what we collectively think is beautiful, important and memorable about our culture. It is our collective cultural legacy.

Through your help, I will be able to grow and develop my work as an artist and teacher. I will have the opportunity to share what I know with another part of the world while also broadening my perspective and cultural understanding through my relationships with makers and educators in Australia. In the end, this will make me a better teacher and it will expand the quality and depth of my work.

What it will cost

Minimum Salary to Cover:____________$9000

Airfare to Sydney Australia:_______$1800

Transportation in Australia:____________$300

Living Expenses in Aus. (phone, food, insurance)__$2000

Ceramic Supplies_______$500

TOTAL COST:__________________$13,600

Sturt Contributions

Stipend $2000AUS= $1361__________-$1,361

Supply Stipend $500AUS= $340_____-$340

Workshops $1700AUS= $1,157_______-$1,157

FUNDS NEEDED:_______________$10,742

Gifts for your generosity

As a thank you for donations, I will be giving the following:

Thank you

Dear Friends,

I know this is a lot to ask of my community. I want you all to know how much I appreciate the many ways you have helped me over the years and continue to support me as an artist and friend. My loyal collectors have continued to acquire my work through all its changes and evolution, which has given me the confidence to continue to grow and evolve. I am also so grateful for my educational community, both students and fellow instructors. I've learned so much from all of you. I wish you all a prosperous 2023. Thanks.

Warm regards,

Steve Kelly

kellypottery.com

stevenkellystudio.com