Terra Incognito is a “full service”, urban, ceramics arts center, located just west of Chicago in the arts friendly community of Oak Park, Illinois. Our facility includes: Approximately 6,000 sq. ft. of space, 3 classrooms (with gas, electric, Raku, wood and soda firing kilns), artists' studios, and rental space for 30+ clay workers, and a gallery showing works by some of the nation's finest craftspeople.

Mission Statement:
At Terra Incognito we are committed to increasing the awareness and appreciation of the ceramic arts. We have a particular affinity to artists exploring the ceramic vessel, either literally or metaphorically.
Our goals are:
1. To encourage and promote work of the highest quality through exhibition and representation in our gallery.
2. To provide a welcoming and energetic educational environment for students of ceramics.
3. To provide educational opportunities for artists, and the general community, through our regularly scheduled visiting artist workshop series.
4. To foster a strong community among those who share our enthusiasm for the ceramic arts.

The Resident / Intern program at Terra Incognito
is designed as an extension of the educational experience for individuals seriously planning to pursue a career in the ceramic arts. Our intention is to provide a supportive, mentoring environment, enabling the resident / intern to develop and move on to the next level of their ceramic career, whatever that may be.

Length of residency:
A minimum commitment of 1 year is required. The program can be extended to a maximum of 2 years.

Duties:
Maintaining classrooms, mixing glazes, loading and firing kilns, reclaiming clay etc. 15 hrs. per week are required of each resident / intern. In addition, the Resident / Intern is expected to be a visible presence in the studio, interacting with students and working on their own work. The purpose of the resident / intern program is threefold, each of equal importance. First, to assist in running the classrooms; Secondly, to provide a visible, energizing force in the classrooms; and thirdly, to provide the resident / intern with the mentoring and experiences needed to continue on “to the next level”.

Qualifications:
A hard working, self-directed individual with a lot of energy, who is seriously involved in making their own work. A degree is not required.

What the resident / interns will get in exchange for their time:
Free work space, 24 hour access to the facilities, free firings, clay at cost. Qualified individuals are also eligible for a paid, part-time teaching position ( one class per week), a small, monthly, monetary stipend, the opportunity to display and sell your work, and the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment.

Additional requirement:
All resident / interns are required to put up a full gallery exhibit of their work at the end of each year.

Application deadline: May 15th.

To Apply for our Resident/Intern Program

1. Send a resume listing pertinent experiences and references.
2. 6-10 images of your most current work.  
These can be slides or high quality digital images.
3. An artist's statement.
4. A brief letter explaining what you hope to achieve during your residency, how you hope to achieve this, and why you chose Terra Incognito.
Send to materials to:
David Toan @ Terra Incognito Studios and Gallery
35 S. LaGrange Road
LaGrange, IL   60525
or e-mail me the info at terraincognitomail@yahoo.com

Please note:
Terra Incognito is located in a big city, urban setting. Before applying, know that the cost of living in this area can be high. The most frustrating situation that can occur with a resident / intern is when the individual finds themselves “spread too thin” trying to keep up with all their responsibilities here at Terra Incognito, finding time for their own work, and working to pay their bills. Please be sure this is the right situation for you before applying.