In America, active papermaking studios are few and far between. Consequently, artist residencies with access to papermaking equipment are also rare. The Morgan Conservatory’s residency program is vital to the survival of this artistic medium and has been receiving more out-of-state and international applications every year.

“Hand papermaking hasn’t been part of art school curriculum study for a long time. Even in the ’70s when it was being rejuvenated as an art form, technology resulted in decreased studio availability,” reflects Tom Balbo, the founder and artistic director at the Morgan.

Out of the 38 applications that were received this year, we found ourselves most attracted to the proposals that were different from the work that has been created here in the past and challenged the media of papermaking, printmaking and book arts.

Beginning in May and extending through November, the Morgan will host eight artists-in-residence from a diverse range of backgrounds to pursue projects that push the limits of our studios and the boundaries of paper arts. “We’re hoping to facilitate strong work and projects that these artists might not have ever been able to accomplish in their own studios,” says Balbo.

This year’s AIRs include five national artists, as well as two artists from Chile and one from Australia. “We feel it is important for the Cleveland art community to build lasting connections with artists from other cities all over the world,” says Anna Tararova, gallery and artistic opportunities coordinator. “The exchange of technical knowledge and conceptual discussions that stem from artist residencies is a valuable resource for the artists and the Morgan’s audiences.”

The impact of artist residencies is twofold. On the surface level, our program provides artists with resources for professional development, including equipment, expertise, and assistance during an uninterrupted interval of time. On a deeper level, this program exists in a communal context where resident artists have the opportunity to connect with each other, interns, staff, and the Cleveland community.

“Past artists-in-residence have taken the skills and work they have created back to their hometowns, while leaving local artists with knowledge of their own unique methodologies through artist talks, exhibitions and studio visits,” says Tararova. Our internship and artist residency programs overlap to provide young artists exposure to seasoned artists, several of which will also be teaching summer workshops.

This will be the third year, since the program’s application-based inception five years ago, that we have received grant funding from Windgate Foundation to supplement the cost of housing and supplies. “In the future, we are hoping to secure more affordable artist housing options in walking distance from the Morgan,” says Tararova. “Since offering stipends, we’ve received a lot more interest from artists and a much bigger pool of talent,” Balbo adds.

Our 2020 resident artists include Hannah Bennett, Jazmine Catasús, Iván Andrés Lecaros Correa, Ana Fernandez, Loreto Greve, Tim Mosely, Beth Sheehan and Hyeyoung Shin.

To keep up with these artists and their projects, follow us on Facebook or Instagram @morganpaper. Dates for workshops and artist talks will be updated regularly on our website: morganconservatory.org.

7TH NATIONAL COLLEGIATE HANDMADE PAPER TRIENNIAL | JANUARY 17-MARCH 14

NATIONAL JURIED EXHIBITION | MARCH 27-APRIL 25

RECEPTION 6-9PM FRIDAY, MARCH 27

PEG & DEB: TWO DIVORCED MOMS TAKE ON ART! | 1PM SUNDAY, APRIL 5

Local celebrity divorcées Deb & Peg (performance artists Marcia Custer & Ben Oblivion) lead a guided tour of the National Juried Exhibition. Mimosas included!

STUDIO OPEN HOUSE: CREATE & TAKE | NOON-3PM SATURDAY, APRIL 18

THIS MOMENT: AN ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE EXHIBITION | MAY 1-30

RECEPTION 6-9PM FRIDAY, MAY 1

INTANGIBLE SPACE: FAFNIR ADAMITES, YEWEN DONG, HAYLEE EBERSOLE, JOHN BURT SANDERS | JUNE 5-JULY 18 | RECEPTION 6-9PM FRIDAY, JUNE 5

KNOW HOW: WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS EXHIBITION | JUNE 5-20

RECEPTION 6-9PM FRIDAY, JUNE 5

KOZO GARDEN PARTY | 5:30-9:30PM SATURDAY, JUNE 27

WORKSHOPS:

TRADITIONAL JAPANESE PAPERMAKING | 10AM-4PM SATURDAY & SUNDAY, MAY 2 & 3

MINIATURE ZINES | 10AM-4PM SATURDAY, MAY 9

MOKUHANGA: TRADITIONAL JAPANESE WOODBLOCK | 10AM-4PM SATURDAY & SUNDAY, MAY 9 & 10

MEDIEVAL MANUSCRIPTS & ILLUMINATED LETTERS | 10AM-4PM SATURDAY, MAY 30

SURFACE AS CONTENT: EMBEDDING IN HANDMADE PAPER | 10AM-4PM SATURDAY & SUNDAY, MAY 30 & 31

PRINT THINKING FOR PAPERMAKING | 10AM-4PM SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 6 & 7

PANOPLY OF PAMPHLETS | 10AM-4PM SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 6 & 7

LETTERPRESS POSSIBILITIES: PRESSURE PRINTING & MOVEABLE TYPE |

10AM-4PM SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 13 & 14

PAPER MARBLING WITH COPTIC STITCH BINDING |

10AM-4PM SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 13 & 14

PRINTED TEXTILES | 10AM-4PM SATURDAY, JUNE 20

FINISHING HANDMADE PAPER | 10AM-4PM SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 20 & 21

To view our full summer workshop schedule, register & for more details, please visit our website morganconservatory.org or call 216.361.9255.

The Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory & Educational Foundation

1754 East 47th Street

Cleveland, Ohio 44103

216.361.9255

morganconservatory.org