Wellsville Creative Arts Center
Wellsville is a charming small town in New York State, located just 20 minutes from Alfred University. The Wellsville Creative Arts Center is a vibrant hub with a variety of activities and spaces. At the front, there’s a cozy coffee shop and a pottery gallery showcasing works for sale. Adjacent to that is a small stage and seating area, where the center hosts open mic nights and community gatherings, fostering a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Next door, The Little Gem serves as an artisan store featuring local artists’ creations.
Downstairs, the ceramic studio offers classes and workshops, and just off this space are the resident studios, dry material storage, and clay storage areas. Wellsville has three electric kilns capable of firing up to cone 6, supporting a versatile range of ceramic work.
The Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program is short-term and designed with flexibility to accommodate the unique needs of each resident. The program can host up to two residents simultaneously. An apartment on the upper floor of the building is planned for future resident housing; currently, it is occupied by Wellsville’s resident painter, who also maintains a studio on the same floor.
Residents contribute approximately 10 hours per week to studio management, engage with the community of teachers and students, and are encouraged to become integral members of the center’s vibrant community. In return, residents receive free firing, semi-private personal studio space, employee discounts on clay and supplies, and opportunities for paid teaching.
The resident workspace, located in the basement, is spacious with ample sturdy shelving for storage. Though the basement studio has a cozy, cave-like feel, it is well-lit with clean air circulation. A standout feature is the bathroom, which brings to mind the stylish facilities at the Kohler Art Center.
Residents also have the opportunity to exhibit and sell their work in the connected gallery. The Wellsville community is characterized by a proactive spirit, described as a group of “people who see what needs to be done and do it.” The center’s multifaceted nature allows the AIR program to be uniquely adaptable, making it an excellent choice for residents seeking a flexible and community-oriented experience.
