Opportunities

Merritt Ceramics believes all artists should have the opportunity to express themselves creatively.

We offer programs so members of the Oakland Community can learn, develop their talents and get their clay on with our studio family.

Work Exchange

In exchange for a Daisy Membership + 1 free bag of clay each month, participants will work 2 hours a week in the studio. Participants must be able to commit to a set weekly schedule for their 2 hours of work.

Examples of tasks that might be performed during work exchange include:

  • General cleaning and organizing around the studio
  • Trimming and glazing from One-Time classes
  • Prepping classroom for classes/courses/privates

Work Exchange hours will be scheduled during our studio hours, Tue-Sun 11am-6pm.

Scholarship / Artist in Residence Program

Merritt Ceramics Artist in Residence Program is designed to provide an artist with an opportunity to access the studio unlimited for one year with a Tulip Membership, where they can develop their own work, as well as exchange ideas and learn with fellow ceramic artists. Merritt Ceramics is committed to providing access for communities that have historically been marginalized by the clay world. For this reason, we are prioritizing Black and Indigenous artists. 

The AIR program at Merritt Ceramics is designed for beginner/intermediate clay artists who are just starting out in their ceramic career. We are looking for individuals who are not only excited to learn all things clay, but who want to actively participate in the Merritt Ceramics community.

The resident recipient will have 24/7 access to the studio from November 1, 2024 through August 31, 2025 and will be given a personal storage shelf measuring 16” x 35” x 12”. In addition to workspace, the recipient will have credit for two 6-Week Courses of their choosing! 

Our AIR will be paired with a mentor tailored to their specific interests and goals. Whether the resident is eager to apply for art shows or delve deeper into the world of glaze mixing, we willm atch them with a mentor who has the expertise to guide them in their desired areas. This personalized mentorship aims to foster growth, provide valuable insights, and help the resident make the most of their time with us!

Application requirements:

  • Portfolio
  • Artist Statement (150 words or less)
  • Cover letter telling us your story. We want to know who you are and why you want to be at Merritt Ceramics (400 words or less)
  • One letter of recommendation

Requirements of chosen applicant:

  • An end of the residency solo show of their work made during their residency.
  • An artist talk about their body of work.

Deadline: 11pm September 15, 2024

Eligibility: Must be a resident in the City of Oakland, age 18+

Please submit your complete application to info@merrittceramics.com

Financial Assistance

Merritt Ceramics offers financial assistance to individuals who need supplementary aid to pay for a studio membership. Financial assistance is only available for memberships at this time. It does not include classes and courses.

Application requirements: Cover letter telling us your story. We want to know who you are and why you want to be at Merritt Ceramics (400 words or less). One recommendation letter. Copy of current pay stub.

Paid Internship for Young Adults

We are accepting interns through our partners at New Door Ventures. Their mission is to prepare opportunity youth for work and life, by providing the jobs, training, education, and support they need to discover and achieve their potential so that they can transition to independent adulthood.

Merritt Ceramics opens our studio for youth to explore their interests in the arts and the possibilities of working in a creative field.

If you are interested in a paid internship at Merritt Ceramics, please reach out to New Door Ventures to get started!