Residency Programs at ESSA
2026 Residency Opportunities
The Eureka Springs School of the Arts offers residency opportunities for artists who are seeking focused time to refine their skills, create work, and/or explore new avenues within their medium.
This is an opportunity to be inspired by the incredible natural beauty and unique culture of the Ozark Mountains. ESSA is located on an idyllic forested campus 5 miles west of the renowned artist community of Eureka Springs, and within an hour drive of the major cultural institutions of Northwest Arkansas, such as Crystal bridges, The Momentary, the Walton Arts Center, etc. The ESSA campus offers well equipped studios and facilities and comfortable private lodging for our artists in residence, tucked away from the distractions of the outside world.
Selected residents are provided access to ESSA studios, on-campus lodging, an opportunity (not required) to sell their work at a closing reception, and other benefits.
If you would like to be notified when new residency opportunities arise, or for questions about our residency program, contact ESSA’s Program Manager at program@essa-art.org.
To learn more about upcoming Residency Receptions and current and past Artists in Residence, click here.
2026 Spring/Summer Ceramics Artist Residency Program
The Eureka Springs School of the arts is looking for practicing ceramics artists who are seeking focused time to refine their skills, create work and/or explore new avenues within their medium.
- The 2026 Spring/Summer Ceramics Residency will span approximately 7 weeks beginning on May 30th, 2026, through July 18th, 2026, with a closing reception on Saturday, July 18th, 2026.
- Up to two participants will be selected.
- Resident(s) will receive a $500 honorarium and on-campus lodging. Resident(s) will have 24-hour access to the ESSA ceramics studio and kiln house and access to all tools and equipment in the ceramics studio.
- The deadline for submissions is February 18th, 2026, and applicants will be notified by March 3rd, 2026.
- Submit application materials via email to program@essa-art.org.
- View the documents linked below for more information and to apply.
2026 Mentored Woodworking Residency with Doug Stowe
The Eureka Springs School of the Arts is looking for practicing woodworkers and craftspeople seeking focused time to refine their abilities, create new work, and expand their knowledge in a Mentored Residency under Master Woodcrafter, Doug Stowe. This will be a participant driven mentorship where you can ask for guidance on woodworking topics of your choice and gain the skills to forge your own individual path as a craftsperson.
ESSA CoFounder and Master Woodworker, Doug Stowe
- The 2026 Mentored Woodworking Residency will span approximately 2 weeks beginning on June 7th, 2026, through June 20th, 2026, with a required orientation on June 8th and a closing reception on June 20th.
- Up to six participants will be selected.
- Residency fee is $1,400. Residencies include studio access, mentorship, ESSA staff support, opportunity for a closing reception, and lodging on the ESSA campus. The ESSA Residency Program covers the majority of costs of the residency. Selected residents are responsible for the residency fee and their own transportation and food costs.
- A limited number of full or partial scholarships will be offered. Applicants should indicate their desire to be considered for scholarship opportunities on the application form.
- The deadline for submissions is February 15th, 2026, and applicants will be notified by March 17th, 2026.
- Submit application materials via email to program@essa-art.org.
- View the documents linked below for more information and to apply.
Check out our blog on the 2024 Woodworking Residency below:
The Eureka Springs School of the Arts (ESSA) recently hosted its highly anticipated 2024 Woodworking Mentorship and Residency, bringing together […]
2026 Summer Painting & Drawing Residency
The Eureka Springs School of the Arts is looking for emerging and established painting and drawing artists who are seeking focused time to refine their abilities, enrich their creative journey, experiment with new techniques, and/or complete existing project(s). This is an opportunity to be inspired by the Ozark Mountains’ incredible natural beauty and unique culture. ESSA is within 5 miles of the renowned artist community of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Our campus offers world class facilities and comfortable private lodging tucked peacefully away from the distractions of the outside world. This is also a chance to enjoy fellowship with other artists in residence, visiting instructors, and members of the creative community on campus and beyond. Experience in painting or drawing is required, and the residency will be awarded based on a review of all completed applications. It is anticipated that the selected resident will use their invaluable time at ESSA in creative research, experimentation, and dedicated studio practice.
- The 2026 Summer Painting and Drawing Residency will span approximately 4 weeks beginning on June 27th, 2026, through July 24th, 2026, with a required orientation on June 27th, 2026.
- Applications are due by March 15, 2026, by 5 pm (CST). Notifications will be made by March 31, 2026.
- 1 participant will be selected.
- Residency fee is $1200 for 4 weeks and includes lodging on the ESSA campus.
- Submit application materials via email to program@essa-art.org.
- View the documents linked below for more information and to apply.