Sou’wester Ceramic Artist Residency

Our Artist Residency program offers reduced weekly rates for ceramic artists wishing to devote themselves to their creative pursuits. It’s an opportunity to step away from the noise, follow a creative thread, and immerse yourself in your work without distraction.

Our ceramics residency is available for artists who wish to work with clay during their artist residency. This residency is specifically designed for experienced ceramic artists focusing solely on ceramics, as the studio is not equipped for multimedia projects. Our studio, Ilwaco Artworks operates as a community ceramics space, so you will be working alongside other artists. There is a $75 studio fee that includes access to the studio during business hours, studio equipment, tools, and glazes for the duration of your residency week. Clay must be purchased separately, or you can bring your own cone 6 clay with prior approval from our studio manager. To inquire about bringing your own clay or glazes, please email our studio manager, Hans at ilwacoartworks@gmail.com.

Our residencies are available year-round and generally runs from Sunday at 4:00pm to Friday at 11:00am. Rates range from $200 to $575/week (+taxes and fees), depending on the season and your accommodation. *There is no application fee.

Residencies at the Sou’wester are self-directed. You’re encouraged to use your time in whatever way best supports your process, whether that means diving deep into a project, experimenting with something new, or simply reconnecting with your practice. 

Your accommodation will serve as your private space to stay and work, with access to our grounds, the lodge living room and balcony, and wellness amenities including the Garden Spa & Finnish sauna and QT Tea Trailer. If you need additional or larger workspace beyond your accommodation, our heated indoor pavilion may be available.

If you’d like to connect with fellow artists, join us for our weekly tea and zine-making gathering every Tuesday afternoon. It’s a relaxed space for current artists-in-residence to meet, share ideas, and co-create in the cozy lodge living room.

Every accommodation at the Sou’wester is unique, offering its own charm and character. With a mix of lodge suites, vintage trailers, minimalist trailers and cabins, each space is just steps from fresh coffee and the beach. All accommodations are equipped with fresh bedding, basic cooking utensils and towels.

Interested in sharing your work with kids? Wave of the Future, our neighboring montessori-based preschool, welcomes artists for a brief (5–15 minute) visit. More info is provided during the booking process.