Letter to our Community from James Webb, Resident Artist 2019 - 2020

James Webb, Resident Artist 2019 - 2020, teaching a class at Clay Art Center

July 25, 2020

It is a surreal yet comforting feeling when you have been accepted into an artist residency program and once there, everyone already knows about you and greets you with gusto. The CAC community made it easy for me to get settled quickly in my new home for the last year as a resident artist. There is something in the air at clay art center and it’s the feeling of acceptance, respect and love. I must say that it’s disappointing and upsetting having to prematurely leave CAC and its community earlier than expected due to COVID.

I was busy in the studio making some exciting work and conceptual breakthroughs before I left back in March, and unfortunately didn’t have the opportunity to finish the Rittenberg Residency. CAC has been so supportive of my artistic endeavors for which I am eternally grateful.  When I was in the studio, working up a hunger, I always looked forward to getting into the refrigerator to pull out some tasty leftovers from a given potluck! These two hour long get togethers with artists, board members, residents and staff, really helped keep me going and always felt like family potlucks or reunions.

I surely have missed making work in my studio, but even more so, have missed my fellow residents and the entire clay community. The love of clay, along with the genuine care and generosity given by its members, bring us all together and keep us vibrant and smiling during these unique challenging times. The resilience the CAC community has demonstrated by staying strong, hopeful and connected carries us all as we move forward.   

But this is not goodbye…. I hope to come back at some time to have an exhibition! I look forward to all the hugs and smiles that we will exchange in person in the near future. 

Until then, XSXS (Virtual hugs, SMILES, hugs, smiles)

James Webb
Resident Artist (2019-2020)

*Originally posted in our weekly email newsletter. Click here to sign up for our newsletter!