Alchemy Artist Residencies

Teaching and Special Projects Artist Residency

2026 Program Dates:
May 1st to May 25th

Residency can be full term or half.

The Teaching and Special Projects Artist Residency is a shoulder-season residency for artists who specialize in one of our primary studio practices: ceramics, printmaking, fiber arts, or darkroom photography. Scheduled during Alchemy’s quieter months in the springtime, this opportunity is perfect for artists who are looking for more time and space to focus on their work.

Ideal applicants for this residency have an established studio practice in our mediums of focus, which are ceramics, printmaking, darkroom photography, and fiber art. We are seeking applicants who are experienced in teaching adult-level classes and/or helping us with a special project. 

For teaching, we are seeking artists who can add to our adult class programming. Visiting artists help us offer unique classes to our community that we would not otherwise be able to offer with our own staff/other island artists. This year, some classes we’d like to see include proposals related to weaving, spinning, darkroom photography, intaglio, and painting. Please feel free to propose anything that you are excited about!

For special projects, we are seeking artists who can help us implement infrastructure and equipment improvements to our studios. Past projects have included an electro etching tank, setting up a gas fired kiln, creating a stained glass window for the welcome kiosk, and building a cement dome storage space. Projects that we are interested in this year could include support with the build of a large ceramic kiln.

Applicants must also be comfortable living semi-outdoors in the cooler shoulder season weather of the Pacific Northwest, and sharing communal bathroom and kitchen space with approximately 8 other people.

Ideal candidates for the teaching/special projects residency are:

• Artists seeking to focus on their work in ceramics, printmaking, fiber arts, or darkroom photography

• Artists who can share their skills by teaching in our studio spaces.

• Artists who are interested in working on special projects in support of AAC’s infrastructure, studio facilities, etc.

• Artists with knowledge and experience in the materials they will be using to create their project

Work Exchange:
Teaching AIRs contribute 15 hours per week in the form of teaching, studio managing, special projects, youth mentorship. A personal living stipend of $300 per month is included in this program.

Do you have questions? Check out our AIR FAQ here.

Artists in Community Artist Residency

2026 Program Dates:
Summer 1 - May 29th - July 15th
Summer 2 - July 18th - August 31st
Artists in Community residencies must be full term, summer 1 or summer 2.

Our Artists in Community program occurs during the summer months, when Alchemy is most active in the San Juan Island community. Artists-in-Residence joining us during this time are an integral part of our summer programming, leading free workshops in the park, mentoring youth groups, working with our local summer camp, and more. This is an opportunity for artists looking to connect with the broader island community, share their skills, work collaboratively, and create art in a dynamic and supportive environment.  Applicants must be comfortable living semi-outdoors, and sharing communal bathroom and kitchen space with approximately 8 other people.

Ideal candidates for the artists in community residency are: 

• Familiar with ceramics, printmaking, fiber, or photography, or other relevant art techniques

• Can create and run community art workshops and activities for people of all ages, with a positive attitude

• Are comfortable leading large groups

• Have experience working with children

• Are outgoing, and feel energized and inspired by working with others

• Are adaptable, and willing to work in changing environments

• Flexible, self-motivated, and good at managing their time

• Has a driver’s license and can drive a car

• Can manage their time through the week to lead multiple activities in multiple locations 

Exchange:
The work exchange for Artists in Community AIRs is 15 hours per week and includes running art activities in the community, studio maintenance, and other program support. A personal living stipend of $300 per month is included in this program. 

Do you have questions? Check out our AIR FAQ here.

Alchemy is located on two properties. 

Our original campus, called ‘Alchemy Old Town,’ sits on 9 acres of hilly forest and open space, with buildings and residences connected via woodland footpaths. In addition to being a community art center, Alchemy Old Town is also a communal residence. Many of our staff live communally on campus. Artists-in-Residence must be comfortable coexisting with up to 8 other people of different backgrounds (both year-round and seasonal residents), be able to keep a tidy communal kitchen and bathroom, and help out with property chores on a weekly schedule. 

Shared Living Space Amenities include two toilets and two showers, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a laundry room. Alchemy also features a geodesic dome building which is frequently used for yoga, meditation, art installations, events, etc.

Accommodations: AIRs sleep in individual small, rustic, woodland shelters, connected via narrow dirt paths through the trees. These sleeping cabins are furnished with a twin or full bed, a mosquito net, a lamp, an outlet, and a rack, shelf, or dresser for clothes and other belongings. Cabins are in close proximity to each other, and have more of a community feel. 

While there is electricity, WIFI is spotty in the camping cabins. WIFI can be accessed from close to the main house, in town, or via T-Mobile/Mint cell service. The residential set-up is akin to camping, and program participants are expected to pack appropriately.

The Art Barn at the Art Farm: In 2025, we acquired a former lavender farm, which includes a 15,000 sq ft building that we are transforming into an arts space! We are calling this facility the Art Barn. The Art Barn currently houses our community art studio, which has equipment and shared studio space for printmaking, fiber art, 2D media, and more. AIRS will have a dedicated studio space in the art barn that they can set up as they wish.

AIRs have 24 access to all studio spaces on both campuses.

Detailed descriptions of our studio and equipment can be found here. 

The Alchemy campuses are located about 5 miles outside of town and there is no public transit, so it is very helpful to come with a vehicle if possible. For adventurous types, biking can be a fun (though hilly) way of getting around. Rides can be coordinated and shared if residents do not come with their own vehicle. We encourage all applicants to check out San Juan Island on google maps and wikipedia to get a sense of how rural it is and what the topography is like.