---
title: Wild Clay Workshop & Wilderness Arts Residency
description: "Two-week wilderness artist residency in Michigan's Upper Peninsula: Wild Clay Workshop or an Independent Project, living communally near the Ottawa National Forest."
url: https://www.artsume.com/programs/18365718-f677-4d9d-909a-64a274f87f98
type: program
status: closed
createdAt: "2026-03-30"
updatedAt: "2026-09-30"
programType: Residency
organization: Visitor Center Artist Camp (VCAC)
organizationUrl: https://www.artsume.com/o/visitor-center-artist-camp-vcac
location: Upper Peninsula, MI, United States
isOnline: false
disciplines:
  - ceramics
  - installation
  - painting
  - mixed media
  - photography
  - fiber art
  - music
  - poetry
  - video
---

# Wild Clay Workshop & Wilderness Arts Residency

**Hosted by:** Visitor Center Artist Camp (VCAC)

**Type:** Residency | **Location:** Upper Peninsula, MI, United States

## About This Program

VCAC is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, nestled between rural townships and the Ottawa National Forest. Each summer we host one group of Resident Artists from around the country for two weeks of camping, living cooperatively outdoors, working, playing, reflecting, and making art in conversation with the North Woods wilderness.

The Wild Clay Workshop will lead residents through the entire process from prospecting and harvesting for clay, to mixing claybodies, making art in conversation with nature, and finally through outdoor firing techniques. This workshop is taught by professional wild clay hunter and co-founder of VCAC, Amy Joy Hosterman, with assistance from fellow ceramicist Caitlin Zachow.

Independent Projects Artists in Residence will have time and space to explore nature and work on their own independent art mediums. Artist and art educator Stephanie Howells and local UP geologist and artist Evan Lanese are on staff to support Independent Residents, providing guidance as needed, access to tools, and connections to resources.

VCAC runs on community. We are artists, makers, collectors, explorers, campers, canners, caretakers, and nerds for the earth! Meals are all cooked and served to you at camp by our hard-working Staff, who wear a lot of hats to keep camp running. Residents help out with the dishes and other simple daily chores.

Wilderness Artist Residency & Wild Clay Workshop
Sat July 25th - Sat August 8th 2026

Wild Clay Workshop $1100
Independent Project Residency $900
Early Bird Pricing: Apply by March 1st for $150 discount off your fee!

Includes:
Shared studio space, 3 meals a day served, maintained campgrounds, outdoor shower & bathroom facilities, trips to waterfalls and Lake Superior beach, and other optional programming

All materials, firings, and tools provided for Wild Clay Workshop.
Independent Artist Residents have access to basic shop tools and supplies, and storage space for their supplies and tools.

Adults of all creative backgrounds, experience levels, and fields of practice are encouraged to apply. Wild Clay Workshop intended for those with some experience in clay.

Space is limited! We have space for 12 Residents.

Submissions will be reviewed in the order received.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Geographic Eligibility:** National
- **Disciplines:** ceramics, installation, painting, mixed media, photography, fiber art, music, poetry, video
- **Age Requirements:** 21+ years old
- **Note:** Must be at least 21 years of age to apply. Adults of all creative backgrounds, experience levels, and fields of practice are encouraged to apply. Wild Clay Workshop intended for those with some experience in clay. COVID-19 vaccinations and current boosters are required for all Residents and Staff. Anyone testing positive for or feeling symptoms of COVID-19 within one week prior to the start of the residency is asked to stay home.

### Additional Requirements

- Statement of Interest
- Experience with the Medium
- Experience Camping and Living in Community
- Proposal for Independent Project (Independent Projects track only)

## Compensation & Benefits

Wild Clay Workshop Residency Fee: Regularly $1100, Early Bird (apply by March 1st) $950. Independent Projects Residency Fee: Regularly $900, Early Bird (apply by March 1st) $750. A $300 deposit is required to reserve a spot, with the balance due in full by May 31st. Payment through PayPal. All fees are non-refundable.

## What's Provided

- **Housing:** Provided - Maintained camping grounds, well-water, solar-shower, composting outhouses. Accommodations details available on the organization's website.
- **Materials Support:** Available - All materials, firings, and tools provided for the Wild Clay Workshop. Independent Artist Residents have access to basic shop tools and supplies, and storage space for their own supplies and tools.
- **Studio Access:** Provided - Shared studio space in the Studio Barn (Wild Clay Workshop) or shared indoor work space and electricity in the A-frame (Independent Projects), plus various outdoor spaces including a refurbished hunting blind, a stage in the woods, and an Aspen grove.

## Timeline

- **Opens:** January 1, 2026
- **Program Start:** July 25, 2026
- **Program End:** August 8, 2026

## Contact

**Contact:** Amy

**Email:** visitor.center.artists@gmail.com

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://www.visitorcenterartistcamp.org/apply