Artists Sojourn Stained Glass Residency
Two Weeks of Dedicated Studio Time in the Ozark Mountains
Step away from daily distractions and immerse yourself in your stained glass practice at the Eureka Springs School of the Arts. Designed for emerging and established stained glass artists, the Artists Sojourn provides dedicated studio space, comfortable private lodging, and the freedom to focus entirely on your creative work in one of America’s most inspiring arts communities.
Medium
Stained Glass
Length
2 Weeks
Lodging
Included
Studio Access
24 Hours
Residency Fee
$800
Location
Eureka Springs, AR
November 9 – 23, 2026 | Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Download Application Materials
Submit completed application materials to program@essa-art.org by August 26, 2026.
A Residency Designed for Creative Focus
The Stained Glass Artists’ Sojourn is a two-week residency created for experienced stained glass artists seeking uninterrupted time to advance their creative practice. Whether you’re developing a new body of work, exploring new techniques, conducting creative research, or refining an ongoing project, this residency provides the space and support to focus deeply on your artistic goals.
Located just minutes from the nationally recognized arts community of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, ESSA’s campus offers a peaceful environment surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains. Residents enjoy 24-hour access to the stained glass studio while connecting with fellow artists, visiting instructors, and members of the region’s vibrant creative community.
The residency encourages experimentation, exploration, and dedicated studio practice, allowing artists to immerse themselves in their work while drawing inspiration from the culture, landscapes, and artistic energy of Northwest Arkansas.
What the Residency Offers
Dedicated Studio Space
Enjoy exclusive access to ESSA’s stained glass studio throughout your residency. With 24-hour studio access, artists can work at their own pace and maintain a creative rhythm without interruption.
Comfortable Private Lodging
Your residency includes a private bedroom and bath, kitchenette, Wi-Fi access, and shared use of ESSA’s Commons House, providing comfort and convenience throughout your stay.
Professional Glass Studio
Work with access to ESSA’s stained glass equipment, including cutting systems, grinders, ring saws, soldering stations, and other essential tools that support a wide range of stained glass processes.
Meaningful Creative Community
Become part of a vibrant campus environment that includes fellow resident artists, instructors, students, and visitors. Residents are also invited to participate in Studio Stroll, ESSA’s public residency showcase.
An Exceptional Value for Working Artists
The Stained Glass Artists’ Sojourn is valued at more than $3,500, with the majority of costs subsidized by ESSA. Residents receive access to professional studio facilities, private lodging, and a supportive creative environment designed to foster artistic growth.
Residency Fee: $800
What's Included
- Two-week immersive residency
- Private on-campus lodging
- Private bedroom and bathroom
- Kitchenette with microwave, refrigerator/freezer, and coffee maker
- Wi-Fi access
- Shared access to the Commons House and full kitchen
- 24-hour access to ESSA’s stained glass studio
- Participation in the ESSA Studio Stroll
- Connection with ESSA’s creative community
Materials Information
Residents provide their own glass, copper foil, and solder. Limited glass may be available for purchase during the residency.
Your Studio at ESSA
Studio Highlights
- 24-hour access to the stained glass studio
- Morton cutting system
- Grinder and ring saw
- Soldering stations and temperature controllers
- Glass cutters, grozers, running pliers, and wheel nippers
- Dedicated workspace for focused studio practice
Copper foil, glass, and solder are not included and should be supplied by residents. Limited glass may be available for purchase during the residency.
ESSA’s Founders Building houses ESSA’s stained glass studio, providing resident artists with dedicated workspace and access to specialized equipment.
Residency Details
Residency Dates
November 9 – 23, 2026
Application Deadline
August 26, 2026
Notification Date
September 9, 2026
Up to three stained glass artists will be selected for the residency and will join fellow artists participating in concurrent residencies across ESSA’s campus, creating a small interdisciplinary community of artists during the Artists’ Sojourn.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Application Form
- Statement of Intent (maximum one page)
- Five images of current work
- Current CV or résumé
- Two professional references
Applicants should have prior stained glass experience and be prepared to work independently during the residency.
Applications and supporting materials should be submitted electronically to program@essa-art.org no later than August 26, 2026.
Application Materials
Download the application packet and review the studio inventory before applying.
Share Your Work with the Community
Residents are invited to participate in Studio Stroll, an open-house event where visitors can explore ESSA’s campus, meet resident artists, and learn about their creative process.
Artists may choose to display and sell their work during the event and are encouraged to engage with the ESSA community throughout their residency.
Ready to Begin Your Sojourn?
Give yourself the time, space, and inspiration to focus on your artistic practice. Join ESSA’s creative community for two weeks of dedicated studio work surrounded by the beauty of the Ozark Mountains.
Ready to apply?
Submit application materials to program@essa-art.org by August 26, 2026.
Questions?
Contact program@essa-art.org
Residency Fellowships
Fellowship Support for ESSA Artist Residencies
ESSA believes that financial circumstances should not prevent artists from accessing meaningful creative opportunities. To help make artist residencies more accessible, a limited number of fellowship awards are available each year.
Residency fellowships cover 50% of the residency fee and are awarded through a competitive application process. Fellowship recipients are selected based on application materials, financial need, residency goals, and available funding.
Fellowships are made possible through the generosity of ESSA donors and community supporters who help remove financial barriers for artists, makers, and creative learners.