Print like a Professional: Residencies & Artist Proposals

This workshop is for members of Spudnik Press only. If you are not currently a member please join or renew prior to registering for the workshop.

This twofold workshop begins with a focused panel discussion featuring representatives from Ox-bow, Ragdale, and Spudnik Press, each representing their respective programs for artists. Following the group discussion, each participant will have the opportunity for an individual proposal review with one of the panelists.

The panel discussion will first present the current landscape of opportunities for Chicago artists to find support to develop new bodies of work outside of academia. By looking more closely at the unique programs of each organization, we’ll examine how the review and selection process varies between opportunities, what types of artists and projects are sought out, and the tacit criteria that jurors desire in applications.

We’ll also discuss how artists can ensure they get the most out of their experience as a resident, fellow, grantee, etc. What does it take for an opportunity to not just support one project, but to create more opportunities or initiate a pivot career shift? How have alumni benefits from being in the network of graduates?

Participants can then stick around to meet individually. For those who want specific feedback on a proposal (either universal or for a specific opportunity) should submit materials to angee@spudnikpress.org no later than August 13 for panelists to review in advance. General questions and impromptu review of materials are also welcome. Each participant will have have the opportunity for one 10-minute session with one of the presenters.

Lastly, each panelist will bring along and share a resource their organization uses as part of their review process (such as juror guidelines), giving participants rare insight into what happens with their application after they click “submit”.

Online Enrollment:

Presenter Bios:

Amy Sinclair, Grants and Admissions Manager, Ragdale
Amy Sinclair is a visual artist from Chicago with special interest in performance art, books arts, and fashion. She is Grants and Admissions Manager at the Ragdale Foundation. She graduated magna cum laude from DePaul University and joined the Ragdale staff in spring 2013.

Rebecca Parker, Program Director, Ox-bow
Rebecca Parker is interested in creating opportunities for artists to engage with communities that support and grow their practice. As Program Director at Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency, she works with faculty, visiting artists, artists-in-residence, and students to create programming that connects artists to the landscape of Ox-Bow as a site for experimentation and community. As an arts administrator, she has worked in a number of capacities, including commissioning public art, working with university admissions and grants management. She received her Master of Fine Arts, with a performance focus, from the University of Connecticut, and continues her practice as an artist.

Nicolette Ross, Studio Manager, Spudnik Press Cooperative
Nicolette is the Studio Manager for Spudnik Press Cooperative. She has long been a contributor to the Spudnik Press community. First joining our organization in 2012, Nicolette has been an active member, volunteer and teacher. In her staff role, she manages the Fellowship Program and Exhibitions Programs.

Nicolette Ross holds a BFA in Printmaking and Book Arts from the University of Central Florida, and an MFA in Interdisciplinary Fine Arts from Washington University in St. Louis.