Artist-in-Residence Program

Create. Demonstrate. Showcase.

An immersive micro-residency celebrating authentic craftsmanship, live process, and creative collaboration in northern Wisconsin.

The Chetek Maker House Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program offers regional artisans, fine artists, and master craftspeople an inspiring platform to work, share, and connect.

Unlike traditional residencies tucked away behind closed studio doors, our program bridges the gap between creator and collector. Hosted in our dedicated glass-enclosed "fishbowl" studio, selected artists work in full view of visitors, demonstrating their techniques, exhibiting their finished pieces, and sharing their unique creative journey.

Over the course of a 2- to 4-week micro-residency, resident artists receive studio space, financial stipend support, professional marketing, and the opportunity to co-design an exclusive small-batch merchandise collaboration.

Program Pillars & Resident Benefits

  • Artist Stipend & Support

    We value your time and dedication. Resident artists receive a financial stipend to help make it possible to spend focused time in the studio. Additionally, we’ll consult with you prior to your residency to discuss needed tools and supplies for your studio work and workshops.

  • Glass-Enclosed "Fishbowl" Studio

    Work inside our featured glass-enclosed studio space located right in the heart of Chetek Maker House. Visitors love watching authentic art come to life—allowing guests to observe your process firsthand while keeping your working space defined and organized.

  • Exhibition, Lookbook & Solo Showcase

    Your collection will be featured as our primary exhibit within the "fishbowl" studio, giving local buyers and collectors direct access to purchase your original work.

     To help collectors envision how your work fits into their lives, we produce a professional Exhibition Lookbook featuring stylized room settings of select pieces. By pairing your artwork with warm, curated interior vignettes, we make buying fine art approachable and inspiring for everyday home decorators.



  • Small-Batch Merch Collaboration

    Partner with Chetek Maker House to turn your signature style into an exclusive, limited-edition physical product - such as a custom designed raincoat, socks, flask, or specialized craft kits.  These collaborative items are sold exclusively through Chetek Maker House and our online store.

  • Lead a Guest Workshop

    Pass your knowledge along to curious local makers!  Resident artists are invited and encouraged to host a ticketed workshop or design a custom Art Cafe Project Tray during their stay.

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Who Should Apply

We welcome regional makers across a variety of traditional and contemporary hands-on mediums:

  • Fiber Arts & Textiles: Felting, weaving, Kinuhaiga / fabric inlay, leatherwork, dyeing.
  • Woodworking & Sculpture: Hand carving, turning, wood embellishment, mixed-media sculpture.
  • Fine & Graphic Arts: Printmaking / block printing, watercolor, pastel, illustration.
  • Craft & Functional Art: Mosaic, ceramics, jewelry design, papercraft.

> Our Craftsmanship Standard: In alignment with our store ethos, all work created and exhibited during the residency must be 100% human-made. Absolutely zero AI-generated artwork, automated digital prints, or mass-manufactured goods will be accepted.

Residency Expectations & Logistics

Aspect Details

Duration

Flexible 2- to 4-week residency blocks (Seasonal & Year-Round slots available).

Studio Commitment

Resident artists are expected to spend at least 50% of CMH open hours working in the fishbowl studio.

Video Documentation

To keep visitors engaged even when you are off-site, we will create high-quality videos of you at work to display in the studio when you aren't physically present.

Housing / Location

Non-residential: Accommodations are not provided on-site. Artists are encouraged to live or arrange lodging within a 1-hour drive of Chetek Maker House.

Sales & Commission

Standard gallery commission fees apply to all artwork sold during the residency.