the gondring residency in woodworking

For nearly 80 years, Sawtooth School for Visual Art has served as a creative hub for the region—an energetic craft school environment located in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. Our year-long Artist-in-Residence programs encourage emerging artists to develop new skills, foster community connections, and create new bodies of work while assisting with studio operations. Sawtooth’s residencies prioritize self-exploration and personal growth while also providing support for professional development, including potential teaching and exhibition opportunities.

The Gondring Residency in Woodworking is a one-year program that offers emerging woodworkers the opportunity to hone their skills and gain valuable teaching experience in a supportive and welcoming environment. Selected by the Director of Wood Programs along with a rotating jury, applicants are evaluated based on the quality of their work, dedication to their craft, and their willingness to bring fresh perspectives to the creative community at Sawtooth.

Teaching

Sawtooth is committed to strengthening our community’s creative core by providing high-quality instruction and hands-on visual art experiences for students of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. In alignment with this mission, the Artist-in-Residence program supports emerging craft educators in developing their teaching repertoire.

Residents are not required to have prior teaching experience, only a desire to develop their instructional skills. The resident will work closely with the Director of Wood Programs to design classes and workshops that align with their skill set and highlight the unique perspective they bring to Sawtooth’s creative community.

Responsibilities

• Residents are required to work 5 hours per week for Sawtooth and will report to the Director of Wood Programs. Assignments may include studio maintenance, improvement projects, workshop preparation, and gallery installation support.
• Residents are expected to produce a body of work during their residency, with the intent to exhibit it in Sawtooth’s Davis Gallery near the end of the term.
• Residents should make active personal use of their studios, averaging about 15 hours per week.
• Residents are responsible for their own materials, consumables, housing, and transportation.

Residency begins September 1, 2025, and ends August 31, 2026, with the start and end dates being flexible.