Call for local potters!

About the opportunity

Every fall, VisArts hosts our annual Chili Throwdown—a fundraiser where neighbors come together to celebrate our clay program and taste-test chili from beloved restaurants across Richmond. All bowls and chili are donated by our community members and partner organizations. All proceeds from tickets and additional purchases directly support VisArts’ mission to celebrate and support the creative life of all people.

For the Chili Throwdown, VisArts’ clay team has a goal to create 1,000 handmade ceramic bowls. To hit this goal, VisArts relies on the Featured Clay Artist to contribute a minimum of 150 bowls and support in hosting community Throw-a-thons.

Take a peek at past Featured Clay Artists at VisArts →

Expectations

• The Featured Clay Artist must create a minimum of 150 bowls between August and September. These bowls should be functional, beautiful, and all united by a consistent and recognizable style. The artist should be comfortable working towards a semi-production level project in a community studio.
• The artist must also be able to support the VisArts clay team at community Throw-a-thons on two Sundays in August.

Benefits (Valued at $1,800)

• Honorarium of $750
• Artist spotlights on VisArts’ social media, website, and email newsletter
• Headshot + bio featured on signage at the Chili Throwdown in October
• Free studio access for personal use at VisArts through December, including free firing + dedicated shelf space (Cost of studio access: $500 to VisArts members, $600 to the public; Cost of firing 50 pounds of clay: $100)
• Opportunity to sell works in the VisArts Artist Shop at Craft + Design in November (Cost to participate: $100)
• One free VisArts class (Cost of average 8-week clay class: $350)

Apply by 11:59pm on Sunday, May 31