Each semester, the School of Art+Design at Purchase College invites one Windgate Artist In Residence (WAIR) in applied design. This program is intended to advance the careers of practicing artists, to prepare students as professional artists, and to strengthen awareness of the significance of applied design. The WAIR program is made possible in part through the generosity of the Windgate Charitable Foundation.
Resident artists develop a body of work while at Purchase and are extensively involved in the education of Purchase students and the larger Purchase community. Residents are established or emerging designer/makers of exceptional talent who exhibit strong communication skills and proven dedication to working in an academic studio environment. Specific involvement during the residency beyond each artist’s own work might include guest lecturing in a master class, giving public lectures, mentoring students, participating in exhibits, and working on community design.
The WAIR program is specifically structured to expand upon the conservatory environment and collaborative atmosphere that is the cornerstone of the Purchase educational experience, providing students with the opportunity to observe an artist at work and to engage in dialogue with the artist in both the studio and classroom. Through public lectures, workshops, and exhibitions, the WAIR program expands on Purchase College’s mission to act as a public resource center for the exchange and exploration of ideas relative to our cultural and social environment.
Expectations
Commit as a full-time, on-campus resident for the specified period
Provide all materials used during the residency
Teach a semester-long master class in applied design and be accessible to Purchase students
Produce a significant body of work
Residencies are offered in 15-week blocks, corresponding to the fall/spring academic calendar. Selection criteria include quality of current portfolio, potential for artistic and professional growth, technical skill, and ability to communicate with students in a studio setting.