The Morean Center for Clay (MCC) is located in the Historic Train Station, positioned within the Warehouse Arts District of St. Petersburg Florida.

Under the larger umbrella of the Morean Arts Center (501)(c)(3), MCC offers a variety of educational courses in ceramics ranging from introductory to advanced approaches and techniques. MCC also offers studio rentals, and hosts exhibitions and workshops. One of MCC’s strongest programs is our nationally recognized Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program.

The AIR Program at the MCC aims to enhance and further the educational experience of early career ceramic artists seeking recognition in the professional realm. Community involvement, professional development, teaching experience, and self-exploration are just a small part of MCC’s core goals for resident artists. Residents are a Bachelor of Fine Arts who are interested in working in a shared studio setting to continue their progression as a ceramic artist. This program is best suited for ceramic artists who are just entering the professional field and have recently finished an undergraduate degree. Residents are accepted for a one-year term, but are offered a second term upon mutual agreement between the artist and MCC. Residents are encouraged to expand their body of work, apply to shows, teach classes, assist/participate in workshops, and participate in group and individual critiques. A solo exhibition serves as the capstone experience for the program, highlighting the evolution of the artist, and their work during their time at the MCC.

The AIR program is competitive, attracting applicants from across the nation for up to five positions each year. Artists completing the program have gone on to graduate schools or other residencies. Some have moved on to start their own working studios, work in galleries and museums, or become professors/instructors/teachers from K-12 to university level.

Each resident agrees to provide services for a total of 8 hours a week in exchange for their studio, 24-hour studio access, and free firings (Electric and Gas). Residents also get discounts on clay purchases and classes. Weekly hours can include, but are not limited to these tasks: assisting in workshops, cleaning duties as needed, loading/firing kilns, mixing glazes, splitting/stacking wood, installing exhibitions, and assisting in maintaining a safe and healthy studio atmosphere. To achieve these weekly hours, residents agree to exchange one day per week (Thursday-Saturday 9am-5pm) at MCC for this opportunity.

MCC also offers additional work for hire compensation for resident artists. Residents can work an additional 20 hours a month at a rate of $14/hr (based on Florida minimum wage). Duties that fall under these available hours include, but are not limited to: loading/firing kilns, mixing glazes, splitting/stacking wood, installing exhibitions, and assisting in facilities maintenance. Residents regularly fundraise during events for a professional development fund from which they receive a monthly stipend and travel assistance annually to NCECA.

Teaching classes and workshops is an important part of being a resident artist at MCC. MCC’s classes operate 7 days a week, and run in 6 weeks sessions. Residents teach 1-3 classes per session, and also rotate in teaching our Friday Night Clay classes. MCC instructors are independent contractors, and payment for instruction is based on enrollment in the class.

With the rapid growth of the city of St. Petersburg, housing is becoming more expensive and less available.  Before accepting a residency at MCC, applicants should consider researching current housing availability and costs in the St. Pete/Tampa Bay area. Incoming residents are encouraged to communicate with current residents on affordable housing options nearby that have historically been made available at a subsidized rate.