The Foundry’s Molding and Casting Artist Residencies offers artists the space, time, and resources to creatively delve into their current medium or explore a new one. Designed for artists working with traditional and experimental techniques, this residency fosters creative growth in a supportive environment. Residents engage deeply with the year’s theme, leaving a lasting impact on The Foundry’s evolving artistic community.
Artist residencies will focus on a central project or issue that the artist engages with during their residency. Within this environment, both artists have the chance to create a body of work in a supportive atmosphere conducive to creative growth and development.
The residency aims to provide artists with uninterrupted time and privacy in well-equipped studio accommodations. Each creation reflects a facet of the year's theme and the artistic spirit of program participants, with each cohort leaving its mark on The Foundry year after year.
This Teaching Artist-in-Residence program centers on creating a collaborative artwork while supporting fellow artists and engaging with the community. Molding Artists will lead workshops focused on knowledge-sharing and connection-building. The mold-making process unfolds in three stages: planning, execution, and presentation. Artists will shape raw materials into meaningful, three-dimensional forms, blending technical skill with creative vision. Together with community members, they will explore the chosen theme through form and texture, culminating in a final unveiling. While individual pieces may be presented, the primary focus is the collective work created by the group.
This Traditional Artist-in-Residence program is designed for creating a single project or product. This residency offers artists the opportunity to delve into the intricate shapes and forms within their chosen theme, fostering experimentation and pushing the boundaries of possibility. The Casting Residency provides access to exploration that might otherwise be inaccessible, offering space for artists to refine their practice. At the culmination of the residency, the Casting Artist will present their work in a final showcase for the community.
The Foundry’s Artist-in-Residence (AiR) Program welcomes two exceptional artists each year—a Molding Artist and a Casting Artist—who bring unique visions to life while fostering community connections. Together, these artists further shape The Foundry’s creative landscape through their art, collaborations, and shared experiences.
Stephanie Irigoyen
Molding Artist
In an increasingly digital world, Stephanie Irigoyen is a fiber artist and visual designer who creates tactile experiences through an exploration of color and texture. Her upcoming project explores the history of her family’s life in Peru during political crises and current life with the background of political issues going on in the U.S. as a discussion of history, community, and family. Stephanie has taught various fiber arts and blockprinting around the Boston area. You can find her on Instagram at @stephmakemess.
Naijah Garrett
Casting Artist
Naijah Garrett (they/them) is an interdisciplinary artist working across mixed-media painting, public art, and woodworking. They earned a bachelor’s degree in Illustration from Massachusetts College of Art and Design in 2015 and have participated in residencies and fellowship programs including Mass MoCA’s Assets for Artists, KAMC’s Artist-in-Residence program in Yokohama, Japan, and the inaugural Artists for Humanity Fellowship. Their work has been exhibited in Boston, Cambridge, Salem, and Yokohama.
Rooted in Boston, Naijah uses an eclectic and experimental approach to explore community, identity, and the experiences of communities that are often overlooked or misrepresented. Public and accessible art is central to their practice, which considers how creative work can foster connection, engagement, and collective growth.
As a Casting Artist-in-Residence at The Foundry, Naijah will create a collection of three-dimensional carvings and sculptural works using organic and recycled synthetic materials. Through transforming discarded materials, particularly plastics and other synthetic waste, they will explore parallels between environmental disposability and the ways vulnerable communities are treated as expendable. The project asks how we might recognize, restore, and return value to what and whom society too often overlooks.
Artist residencies will focus on a central project or issue that the artist engages with during their residency. Within this environment, both artists have the chance to create a body of work in a supportive atmosphere conducive to creative growth and development. The residency aims to provide artists with uninterrupted time and privacy in well-equipped studio accommodations. Each creation reflects a facet of the year's theme and the artistic spirit of program participants, with each cohort leaving its mark on The Foundry year after year.
Eligibility requirements
*Applicants selected for this program can be at any stage in their career
Logistics
Expectations
The Foundry residency is a project-based experience. Residents have the ability to research, experiment, and explore free with prompted expectations. Foundry Artists-in-Residence enjoy private work space and access to our Wood Shop, Design Lab, Dance Studio, Fiber Arts and Jewelry Workshop. The Foundry is a unique community arts center used for creative exploration. Resident projects are self-directed, however, upon selection both the Casting and Molding Artists-in-Residence are expected to submit project proposals in alignment with the theme set by Foundry staff. Both artists are expected to submit project proposals detailing project timelines, material needs, anticipated workshops, and any other pertinent information to be approved by Selection Committee. They should immerse themselves in either a new creative endeavor or the deepening of an ongoing practice.
Can I apply to both the Molding and Casting Artist Residencies?
Applicants are welcome to apply to both residencies. Proposals should be clearly differentiated, with each reflecting an understanding of the unique focus and opportunities provided by the respective residency.
Is this a paid residency?
Each of the selected US-based Artist-in-Residence receive a monetary stipend to support. AiR related supply costs to be discussed on a case by case basis, in general this residency provides free use of studio space, social media marketing efforts, community stock materials, use of maker space based around scheduling in furtherance of AiR related projects. All other costs covered by Artist-in-Residence.
What materials will be provided, and will AiR's have access to Maker Spaces?
AiR-related supply costs to be discussed on a case-by-case basis. In general, this residency provides free use of studio space, social media marketing efforts and community stock materials. AiR's are permitted to use Foundry Maker Spaces provided win furtherance of AiR related projects. Artists-in-Residence are expected to cover all other costs.
What kind of artists do you look for and choose to work with?
The Foundry Artist-in-Residence Program is designed to encourage the creative, intellectual, and personal growth of both artists. Artists are expected to have the sufficient skills and experience to work independently in their studio area. The residency is designed to allow artists to take risks and pursue new projects and ideas, free from everyday pressures.
Does this residency include living arrangements?
This is a work-only residency opportunity, we do not offer living accommodations.
What is the application timeline?
Application Opens: June 15, 2026
Application Closes: July 14, 2026
Artists Selected: August 2026
Exact selection date to be announced.
Is there an expected deadline for final projects and exhibitions?
The Foundry’s Artist-in-Residence program is a year-long residency beginning in September. Proposals should reflect a project (or a standalone component of a larger/multi-year project) that can be completed within this one-year period.
Any exhibitions or milestone dates are up for discussion based on the content of the proposed project. Please keep in mind that we host our annual festival in February and would like to feature contributions from the Artists-in-Residence during that time.
Have questions about our residency program? Send us your question via our contact form and our Community Engagement Associate will get back to you.
Brittany Hendricks
(She/They)
Creative Engagement Coordinator