Artists-In-Residence Program
For over 30 years Arrowmont has welcomed Artists-in-Residence (AIRs) to campus for an 11-month, self-directed residency. This unique program provides 5 early-career artists the time, space and support needed to create new work, while actively participating in our robust community of artists, students and staff.
Resident experiences are tailored to the individual’s goals and desired outcomes, with guaranteed exposure and professional development opportunities including – 3 gallery exhibitions, open-studio talks and demonstration, instruction experience through our ArtReach program, and funded networking resources.
We interviewed one of our current AIRs, Marret Metzger, to learn more about her and what her experience has been like since starting her residency here at Arrowmont. Continue reading below about Marret Metzger!
Q&A
Tell us a little bit more about yourself! Your life/work prior to arriving at Arrowmont and any interesting facts we should know about you!
The last few years I have been living and working as a self-employed artist in Indianapolis, IN. Odds are that you could probably find me making inventory for a local craft fair. But if it’s not that then I’ll probably be hiking at Eagle Creek reservoir or taking a road trip.
What drew you to the Artists-in-Residence Program at Arrowmont?
I was a housekeeping work study in 2018, and the residency program has been on my radar ever since. I absolutely love the intense workshop environment and immersing yourself into a new experience. I often work alone, and I felt my work needed an evolution, and what better way to spur that on than to interact with hundreds of people each month during national workshop season.
What is something that you have learned about yourself during your residency here (so far)?
When black bears and coyotes are involved, I’m a bit of a fraidy cat. Also, when there are so many cool people and projects happening it’s easy to get pulled away from the studio.
Tell us a bit about your work process and how it has changed since you have been at Arrowmont.
Sometimes I can be my own worst enemy, and I think of all the things that could go wrong in a project before even trying. The other Artists-In-Residence have helped me to have a more relaxed and curious approach and have encouraged me to branch out.
Can you share any specifics about your work for the closing AIR exhibition in May? Everyone loves a teaser!
If everything turns out as planned (clay is so fickle) then there may be just as many wall hangings as pots! Think Wetland.
What has been the most valuable thing you’ve learned in your residency (so far)?
I took a Traditional Chinese watercolor technique workshop which has influenced how I glaze my ceramic work. Some of the most influential things have come from the other AIRs. Evelyn and I did a trade early on, Thomas and Talia taught me how to make a basket, and Sam has given so much wisdom in the form of studio talks. After our show, I plan to give them pottery lessons.
As an Arrowmont Artist-In-Residence, you have the opportunity to participate in our youth outreach program, ArtReach, as an instructor. How did your work as an artist influence the workshop you taught? Did you learn anything from the kids who participated?
The kids were so fun; the excitement of a group of third graders is truly unmatched. The ArtReach program is so important, and it was many of the kids first time touching clay. I taught slab-built cups with sgraffito or painting decoration. I learned that the kids want to know “Can we put a handle on it? And when can we start painting?” So in the future, time permitting, I would let them do more add on pieces and sculpt.
What advice would you give to a future Artist-in-Residence?
Be ready to dive in head first. There will be times when campus is buzzing with energy and times when you have only seen the same four people. Try to enjoy the ebbs and flows. And that you should just go ahead and get a Food City card.
Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you, the residency or Arrowmont?
I will be moving back to Indianapolis next year to spend time with friends and family before my next adventure. I can safely say that I have four new AIR besties and I am so happy that we all got to be here together. If you ever have a chance to visit Arrowmont for a conference or workshop it’s worth it!
2026-2027 Applications are currently closed.
Questions about the program? Contact Kelly Hider at [email protected]
