Residency Program
The Sterling City Studio Residency is a one-month live/work opportunity for artists seeking uninterrupted studio time surrounded by a beautiful rural environment.
Residents work independently, though are invited to participate in the studio culture as they wish.
The studio remains active during the residency, but the resident’s living and working space is private and separate from public workshops.
Structure
The studio remains active during the residency, but the resident’s living and working space is private and separate from public workshops.
Residents set their own schedules and determine the direction of their work.
Informal conversation may occur naturally within the studio environment, but the program does not include instruction, critique sessions, or required participation.
Residents may choose to share work through a talk, open studio, or workshop, though participation is not expected.
Residents Receive
Private live/work housing for one month
Dedicated upstairs studio workspace
Climate-controlled studio and living space
Utilities and reliable internet included
Full access to print, ceramic, drawing, and letterpress facilities
Use of historic and specialized equipment
Integration into an active working studio environment
Teaching opportunity when appropriate
Inclusion in studio documentation (newsletter / Make archive)
End-of-month salon presentation opportunity
Artist Fit
This residency works best for artists who:
maintain an existing practice
are comfortable working independently
want extended, uninterrupted time with their work
It is not intended for beginners exploring a medium for the first time or artists seeking instruction, critique, or a social program.
Residency Fee
$3,800 per month
Residencies are awarded through application and curatorial review.
A refundable security deposit is required prior to arrival and is separate from residency tuition.
The residency is structured as dedicated working time rather than lodging with studio access.
The fee reflects private housing, studio workspace, and full use of technical facilities within a working studio environment.
Because the studio reserves space for one resident at a time, payment becomes non-refundable 90 days prior to the start date.
Residency Availability
January 2026 - Booked
February 2026 - Booked
March 2026 - Booked
April 2026 - Booked
May 2026 - Available
June 2026 - Available
July 2026 - Available
August 2026 - Available
September 2026 - Available
October 2026 - Available
November 2026 - Booked
December 2026 - Booked
January 2027 - Booked
February 2027 - Booked
March 2027 - Booked
April 2027 - Booked
May 2027 - Available
June 2027 - Available
July 2027 - Available
August 2027 - Available
September 2027 - Available
October 2027 - Available
November 2027 - Booked
December 2027 - Booked
January 2028 - Booked
February 2028 - Booked
March 2028 - Booked
April 2028 - Booked
May 2028 - Available
June 2028 - Available
July 2028 - Available
August 2028 - Available
September 2028- Available
October 2028 - Available
November 2028 - Booked
December 2028 - Booked
The Setting
Sterling City Studio is located in a rural hamlet along the eastern side of the Connecticut River, surrounded by woods, meadows, and wetlands. The landscape offers quiet and distance from urban pace, while remaining accessible.
The studio is:
7.5 miles from the Amtrak station
30 minutes south of New London
40 minutes north of New Haven
Approximately 2 hours from New York City and Boston
1 hour 15 minutes south of Providence
This balance of rural quiet and regional cultural access supports focused, sustained work.
The Surroundings
Daily amenities, groceries, hardware, libraries, and small restaurants, are within a short drive. Nearby beaches, hiking trails, and preserved land offer space to walk and think between studio sessions.
Regional museums include:
Florence Griswold Museum
Lyman Allyn Art Museum
Mystic Seaport Museum
Yale Peabody Museum
Mashantucket Pequot Museum
New Britain Museum of American Art
Rhode Island School of Design
Residency Application
Residents are selected based on the strength of their work, clarity of intent, and readiness to work independently within an active studio environment. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants will be notified within two weeks of submission via email. Upon acceptance, a pay link will be provided along with onboarding details. The residency dates are not considered booked until payment is received in full.
To apply, complete the residency application form and submit.
Because the studio holds space exclusively for one resident at a time:
Payments are non-refundable within 90 days of the residency start date.
If cancellation occurs more than 90 days prior to arrival, refund eligibility will be determined at the discretion of Sterling City Studio.
Your Questions,
Answered.
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Residents receive a private live/work studio within the barn along with full access to the print shop and ceramics studios downstairs. The space includes a kitchen, laundry, and dedicated working area designed for sustained practice.
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The residency is best suited to artists who work independently and are looking for uninterrupted time to focus. It is not an instructional program — residents direct their own projects while working within an active studio environment.
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The upstairs studio and living quarters are reserved exclusively for the resident. While workshops and studio activity occur on the first floor, the residency space remains separate and private.
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Yes. The studio is located in a rural area and daily needs such as groceries and supplies require a short drive.
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Yes, wireless internet is available throughout the residence.
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Yes. The space can accommodate either a single artist or a pair working together.
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What materials or equipment are provided?
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The living and working space is located on the second floor and is not ADA accessible.
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Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Accepted applicants receive further details and scheduling information by email.
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Accepted residents receive a welcome packet outlining studio access, expectations, and preparation guidance prior to arrival.