Sweetwater is pleased to offer multiple artistic opportunities through SAMI. Aside from being a SAMI member, we also offer a short-term artist in residency program, and studio technician opportunities. Please review the following applications below find the best fit to support your artistic endeavors.
Become a Member
Description & Benefits
The Sweetwater Artist Member Program provides comprehensive and holistic support to artists in the Pittsburgh region. Membership is open to artists at any stage of their career and offers critical resources to develop their artistic practice and build or advance a creative business. Membership will provide access to over $8,000 in benefits, tools, and resources. Membership applications for 2027 are open through November 30, 2026.
Members pay a monthly fee of $150 for included benefits.
- Monthly Entrepreneurial Workshop Series designed by the Equity Impact Center, or member social events
- Access to our ceramics and metalsmithing studios during open studio hours
- Eligibility to Apply for the $2500 Annual Singer Creative Grant
- Promotion & Amplification on SAMI website
- Opportunity to apply for a fully funded private studio at Radiant Hall McKees Rocks
- Monthly Artist Critiques
- Opportunities to Present and Sell Work
How To Apply
Join our membership by completing the application below. This will provide Sweetwater with essential information about yourself and your artistic practice. Full and partial scholarhship opportunities are available.
Timeline
Applications will go live on Monday, October 12, 2026, with the official membership program launching in January 2027. Applications close November 30, 2026. Applications for the 2028 SAMI year will open in fall of 2027.
Artist in Residence
Description & Benefits
This artist in residence program is designed for self-motivated artists seeking to advance their artistic career, craft, or a specific project within the community arts studio setting.
A 3-month tenure, this program targets local and regional artists to the Pittsburgh, PA tri-state area, with access to Sewickley and means to dedicate time towards the program. The goal of this program is to support area artists in their professional development while introducing the Sweetwater community to new artists, skills, techniques, and artwork.
Benefits include:
- Access to Sweetwater's fully equipped studio, equipment, and facilities during operating hours
- Designated studio shelf
- $500 monthly stipend
- Sell artwork in Sweetwater retail space and mobile art unit, SweetRide
- Use of expendable studio materials (pugged clay, underglazes, and studio glazes)
- 10% discount on Standard Clay purchases through Sweetwater
- One complimentary Sweetwater class in any media year of residency
- Access to 6 months of Sweetwater Artist Member Initiative benefits
- Solo exhibition in the Oliver Family Lobby and Gallery at conclusion of residency
- Artist Talk at opening reception of solo exhibition
Responsibilities
- Dedicate a minimum of 8 hours a week toward making at Sweetwater
- Dedicate 2-3 hours a week assisting Sweetwater's Ceramic Studio Technician
- Instruct one, 3-hour specialty workshop geared towards community students the semester of residency
- Instruct one, 3-hour specialty workshop geared toward Sweetwater teaching artists the semester of residency
- Create works for a solo exhibition in the Oliver Family Lobby and Gallery, June 4-July 16
- Create a vibrant, dynamic environment through dialogue, exchanging of ideas and conversation
Eligibility
Sweetwater's Artist in Residency program is designed for local and regional artists 18 years and older who are able to dedicate a minimum of 8 hours a week to making at Sweetwater. This program is open to artists looking to refine their craft, expand their body of work, and contribute meaningfully to a shared creative space.
How To Apply
Please have the following prepared:
- Resume or CV
- Artist Bio and Artist Statement
- Statement of intent
- Two professional references
- 5-10 high quality photos of your work
Timeline
Winter/ Spring 2027 Session: Feb. 8 – May 14, 2027
Applications open: October 19, 2026
Deadline to Apply: November 30, 2026
Artist notification: December 11, 2026
Studio Technician
Description & Benefits
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Eligibility
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How to Apply
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Timeline
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sweetwater Artist Member Initiative?
The Sweetwater Artist Member Initiative (SAMI) is a community-focused program designed to support artists of all levels in the Pittsburgh region by providing resources, studio access, workshops, and exhibition opportunities. A large focus of the programming includes monthly entrepreneurial workshops led by leading Pittsburgh creatives and professionals. Ceramic and metals based artists will have access to Sweetwater’s community studios during open studio hours.
How do I apply for membership?
Membership applications can be submitted via our online form. To apply, please have prepared an artist bio, artistic goals and information on your practice, a resume or CV, and 3-5 images of your current work. Apply by November 30, and applicants will receive confirmation from Sweetwater by December 11.
Are there benefits for resident artists?
Yes! Resident artists receive studio access, a monthly stipend, materials, and community engagement through workshops and talks. Residents will have access to SAMI programming during the tenure of their residency, and present a solo exhibition in the Oliver Family Lobby and Gallery in summer 2027.