Studio Artist Program
Meet the Artists
About the Program
The Hermitage Museum & Gardens opened the doors of the Gardener’s Cottage in July of 2007 for the inaugural year of the Studio Artist Program. This program offers local artists the opportunity to apply for one of six working studios available in the Cottage, located adjacent to the Visual Arts Studio on the grounds of the Hermitage. Artists are selected for participation in the program based on portfolio submissions, professional commitment, and interest in participating in the exchange of artistic ideas. The program invites juried artists to experience the Hermitage as the Sloane family did-- inspired by the surrounding natural beauty and the richness of artist community.
The Studio Artist Program supports the mission of the Hermitage Museum & Gardens by fostering a supportive environment for artists active and working in the Hampton Roads community. Integrating these artists into the Hermitage community further “promote[s] cultural enrichment” as envisioned by Florence Sloane in 1937 as she penned the mission of the Museum. Continuing this tradition, the Studio Artist Program will maintain the spirit of arts enrichment and preserve the Hermitage as a true Home to the Arts.
Application Requirements
Studio space is available for rent, fees range from $185-$260, utilities included, per month for a maximum of one year, at which point, artists may resubmit an application for continuance in the program.
The Hermitage is seeking out artists who are active, self-motivated, interested in the exchange of artistic ideas, and open to sharing their artistic processes with others. A panel comprised of museum staff, artists, curators, and arts professionals will select artists based on the quality of work, professional commitment, and interest in participating in a stimulating and creative environment. Selected artists will be asked to interview with the panel prior to acceptance. Portfolios will not be returned. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Portfolios are reviewed annually in August or should a studio become available at anytime during the year.
Requirements of studio participants:
- Artists must maintain studio space at professional standards and be welcoming of Hermitage visitors.
Benefits of the Studio Artist Program:
- Artists will have access to studios 24 hours per day.
- Artists may display and sell artwork in-studio without a commission charge.
- Program artists will have the opportunity to be included in one group exhibition per year in the Hermitage Museum changing galleries without a commission charge. Participation in the group exhibition is not mandatory.
- Artists and artwork will be featured on the Hermitage Museum website online gallery page.
- Artists will be representatives of the Hermitage and will have the opportunity to interact with the public and the arts community at Hermitage Museum events.
Portfolio Submissions should include:
- Name, address, phone number, email address
- Artist statement and brief biography (in this section, please tell us why you would find a studio space at the Hermitage mutually beneficial)
- Résumé or CV
- 15-20 unaltered digital images of finished work in JPEG format
- Identification sheet for submitted images which should include brief descriptions, dimensions, title, media, and any pertinent commentary
- Description of specific requirements for studio space, such as special equipment, toxic material waste disposal, etc.
- Two letters of recommendation (may arrive separately) and two separate references
- $25 non-refundable processing fee
Submissions may be emailed to mball@thehermitagemuseum.org or mailed to:
Hermitage Museum & Gardens
Public Programs
7637 North Shore Road
Norfolk, Virginia 23505
For questions regarding the Studio Artist Program please contact Melissa Ball, Public Programs Manager, at (757) 423-2052 x207 or mball@thehermitagemuseum.org.
