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As the deadline for the 2011 Stutz Studio Residency looms, I’ve been asked more than once about how we decide on the finalists and then the winners. Truth is, it’s a difficult process involving an experienced selection committee.

The Selection Committee is made up of eight to ten Stutz Artists each year. A few are past Residents themselves, others have significant experience with the Stutz, some are Stutz Artists Association Board members, others are chosen because they offer a differing point of view. The idea is to have a well-rounded group whose members are willing to speak up, debate and if need be fight for an applicant.

So how does this process work, anyway? What follows is a rundown of how selections are made in chronological order. There are a few “fun facts” along the way, too:

1. First Impressions - Your Application: Upon receipt, I review your application to be sure that you meet all our eligibility requirements. Each requirement is important for various reasons, for example, you must be 18 years or older to apply. Why? We make you sign a contract if selected. In Indiana you can’t do this as a minor. We’re making this agreement for a year with you, not your mom, not your dad.

Fun Fact: In addition to making sure you meet all the requirements, I test your CD of images AND give you the opportunity to re-submit the CD should it not work, even after the submission deadline. The rest of your application must be complete though.

 Deadlines are important! I cannot stress this enough. While it’s true that given a Friday deadline, we may not start looking over anything until Monday, your ability to have your application in on time tells us a lot about you. Before even opening your envelope of information, we’ve already started to form an opinion about the kind of Resident you’d be.

2. The Selection Committee Meet-up: The Selection Committee meets up in mid-late July and pulls what resembles a college all-nighter (there’s usually pizza involved).  

We often review your images first, we are visual people after all. This is where good image quality is important. We’re looking for current artwork that expresses where you’re headed artistically. Themes are fine, but range is good too. Don’t go too far in either direction, only showing us one or the other. While skill is a good thing to see, it’s not the only thing.

 We ask you for a brief bio and artist statement to learn more about you and your work. We don’t consider them interchangeable. Both should be well written – good spelling, grammar, etc and easy to read. Overly flowery jargon will not serve you well with this group. Oh, and please keep it short. In reviewing so many applications, it turns into a long night for the committee.

Fun Fact: In past years, the Committee has received applications that are illustrated, scented, attached to gifts, and folded like origami. Please don’t do this. Scented apps set off allergies in some, gifts don’t get you further in the process and origami is annoying to have to unfold to get at the informaiton.

Aside from images, your narrative is probably the most important part. This is where we get to see what your made of, and in all selfishness, what you can contribute to the Stutz community.

What are we looking for anyway? This is a tough one. We often just know it when we see it. I think it comes down to what we can get of your personality from the application. Be you, be honest in what you want. Don’t try to guess what we want and be that.

3. The Interviews: After the committee review session (or sessions, depending on the number of applicants) we pick six finalists. Those six are the strongest of the group. It in no way means that others were bad, just not quite right for the Residency.

Fact is, the winners of this Residency essencially live with us for a year, becoming part of the community. Think of it as how you might interview a new roommate. Each finalist meets with the committee to help us get to know you better. We ask a few questions, have you bring in a couple pieces of work for us to see in person and basically let you tell us more about yourself. That’s it.

Fun Fact: We pick alternate finalists! We require the finalists to RSVP to the interview session. It they’re unable to come or don’t respond, we go to an alternate to take their place. Why do we stick to one interview date? Do you know how hard it is to get ten artists together at the same time in one place?! It’s like herding cats.

4. The Vote: After the interviews are complete is the only time in the process when it comes down to a vote. Before this moment it’s all discussion based. Each applicant is scored on a series of qualification questions on a scale of one to five.  To keep applicants from trying to cater to what they think we want to hear, these questions are never released. The scores are added up and the two finalists with the highest scores are our winners. 

That’s it! It comes down to a great portfolio of images and personality. It’s cliche to say, but be yourself about who you are and what you want to get out of this Residency is the best advice I can offer to anyone considering applying.

Have more questions? Please comment! I’m happy to help!

I’d also like to mention that if you need help with your artist statement, I strongly recommend attending the ProDev Workshop: Writing an Effective Artist Statement Workshop, presented by the Arts Council of Indianapolis and Primary Colours tomorrow night, June 29 from 6-8pm at the Wheeler Arts Community (1035 Sanders St., in Fountain Square). The panel will include myself, Julia Muney Moore and Cindy Dunston Quirk.

The deadline for the 2011 Stutz Studio Residency is this Friday, July 1 at 5pm. For complete requirements, rules, and application please visit www.stutzartists.org/residency.htm.

All the best,

Kate Oberreich

Stutz Studio Residency Selection Committee Chair