Demuth Foundation Artist Residency Program

Charles Demuth, East King Street, 1908-10, watercolor on paper mounted on cardboard, collection of the Demuth Museum, gift of Robert F. Nation

Demuth Museum. Photograph by Linnae Budusky

Charles Demuth, Pink Tulips, 1930, watercolor and graphite on paper, collection of the Demuth Museum

Charles Demuth, Self Portrait, 1907, oil on canvas, collection of the Demuth Museum, gift of Margaret Lestz

Charles Demuth's Studio, Demuth Museum

The Demuth Foundation is a nonprofit arts organization in Lancaster, Pennsylvania dedicated to preserving and promoting the visual arts by focusing on the groundbreaking work of Charles Demuth (1883-1935), showcasing artists, and inspiring new generations. Our collections, exhibitions, educational programs, and public initiatives of our two museums foster creativity and appreciation of art and artists.

The Demuth Artist Residency program was created to engage with an artist focused on drawing and/or painting to create a new body of work that’s rooted in our collection and artistic community. The residency program will support our mission by fostering deeper connections with contemporary artists and connecting today’s art world with Demuth’s pioneering style and vision for American Art.

We are offering one six-week residency that will be scheduled between June 23 and August 31, 2025. Please list your preferred residency start and end date in the applications. Demuth staff will coordinate specific start date and move in details with selected artist.

APPLICANT CRITERIA

This residency is open to any artist with a focus in Drawing or Painting. At this time, we are not accepting sculpture or installation-based submissions.
No degree or proof of formal/professional arts education is required, but a track record of professional activity is expected.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the residency period. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship; therefore, international applicants must already have appropriate authorization to work in the U.S.

Please note: At this time the resident artist studio space is located on the third floor, accessible via stairs. There is no elevator to the studio.

There is a $30 application fee for this residency program.

RESIDENCY DETAILS

The Demuth Foundation will provide the selected resident artist:

Access to the Foundation’s collections for study and research, including over 60 Charles Demuth original drawings, watercolors, and paintings.
On-site third floor studio space with plenty of natural light and views of our historic city.
Off-site housing for the duration of the residency.
A $1,500 stipend and gift card to curio., a local art supply store.
An opportunity to meet with local Lancaster-based artists for discussion and critique.
A purchase of one piece for the museum’s collection from the work created during the residency.

The resident artist is expected to:

Provide one lecture to museum members about their work.
Create a body of original work inspired by their residency experience.
Mount one temporary exhibition at the conclusion of the residency.
Fund all transportation costs to and from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Cover all meals during residency.

APPLICATION EVALUATION

Every applicant must supply all materials for their application to be complete. This includes letter of intent, CV/resume, a minimum of 2 references, and 12-20 images of their artwork. If the application is incomplete, it will be removed from consideration.

Rated Criteria
Each application will be reviewed by a panel of board members of the Demuth Foundation and rated on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 representing exceptional) in the following areas:

Quality of written communication as evidenced in Letter of Intent
- The application demonstrates a clear voice and sense of purpose, and there is a connection in their writing to their studio practice.
Strength of connection to Charles Demuth’s work
- The artist’s work connects to Demuth, either directly or indirectly, or offers some parallel to his artistry.
Technical sophistication / evidence of applied craft in artwork
- There is a high level of technical understanding, material handling, craft, cleanliness, care of artwork, and clean imagery. The work uses technique to advance an original perspective.
Strength of concept or artistic focus/direction
- The artist’s work offers an authentic point of view and shows a strong understanding of personal vision.

Applications are due March 16, 2025. Please contact Abby Baer at abaer@demuth.org with any questions.

View Application