A Working Studio With a Built-In Audience
Cottonmouth Dispensary sees foot traffic seven days a week. Every person who walks through the door is a potential customer for your glass art. The dispensary is located at 10 E Clements Bridge Rd in Runnemede, NJ, serving customers from across South Jersey and Philadelphia.
Unlike a standalone studio where you have to drive your own traffic, the Cottonmouth residency puts your work in front of an audience that's already in the building. You make art. We bring people to it. That's the arrangement.
What the Residency Provides
- Studio access: Dedicated torch time and bench space in our fully equipped flameworking studio. Surface mix torches, oxygen concentrator with tank backup, graphite tools, hand tools, and a full workbench setup.
- Kiln access: Our production kiln runs daily annealing cycles. Your work gets properly annealed alongside everything else produced in the studio.
- Retail floor placement: Finished pieces go directly into the Cottonmouth retail display, priced and presented alongside other studio-made work. No consignment shops, no gallery commissions, no middlemen.
- Demonstration opportunities: Daily demo slots give you the chance to work in front of a live audience. Demonstrations are one of the most effective ways to build a following and sell work.
- Marketing support: Your work is featured on @getcottonmouth social media channels, reaching our existing audience of followers and customers. Studio shots, process videos, and new piece drops all get social media coverage.
- Color inventory: Access to our in-house color inventory from Northstar, Glass Alchemy, Momka's Glass, and TAG. Use what you need for studio production.
Who Should Apply
Emerging Artists
You have fundamental flameworking skills. You can produce consistent, functional work. You're looking for your first retail platform, studio access outside your home setup, and exposure to an audience. The residency gives you structure, accountability, and a sales channel while you develop your craft.
Mid-Career Artists
You have an established body of work and a developing style. You've sold at shows, online, or through other retailers. You're looking for a new platform, a dedicated studio space, and the energy that comes from working alongside other artists in a high-traffic environment.
Established Artists
You have a recognized name, a following, and a track record. You're looking for a new setting, collaboration opportunities, or a change of scenery. The residency gives you studio access, a different audience, and the chance to produce work in a unique environment.
Application Process
Portfolio Submission
Submit 10 to 20 images of your work. Include a range of pieces that represent your current skill level and style. We want to see functional work, any sculptural or artistic pieces, and close-up shots that show detail and craftsmanship. Use the form below or email your portfolio directly.
Studio Visit
If your portfolio passes initial review, we'll invite you for an in-person studio visit. You'll tour the space, meet current artists, and discuss logistics. This is also your chance to evaluate whether the setup works for your needs.
Terms Discussion
We'll discuss scheduling, production expectations, pricing, revenue sharing, and any specific requirements. Every residency is structured individually based on the artist's experience level and needs.
Onboarding
Once terms are agreed, you'll be oriented on studio safety protocols, kiln scheduling, retail procedures, and the demonstration calendar. From there, you start making work.
Expectations
- Production: Torch time is for making. The studio is a production space, and resident artists are expected to produce work consistently during their scheduled hours.
- Professionalism: You're working in a retail environment with customers present. Professional conduct, cleanliness, and respectful interaction with staff and visitors are non-negotiable.
- Demonstrations: Resident artists are expected to participate in at least one demonstration slot per month. Demos are one of the biggest draws for the studio program.
- Safety compliance: All studio safety protocols must be followed at all times. Didymium glasses while at the torch, proper ventilation use, clean workstation, and adherence to fire safety procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a residency?
Standard residencies run 2 to 6 months. Duration is discussed during the terms conversation and can be extended by mutual agreement.
Do I keep the pieces I make?
Pieces produced during studio time are intended for retail sale at Cottonmouth. Personal pieces, gifts, and outside commissions are discussed during the terms conversation. In most cases, artists retain the right to produce some personal work during their residency.
Can I bring my own tools?
Yes. Many artists prefer their own hand tools, graphite shapers, and specialty items. The studio provides the major equipment (torches, kiln, oxygen system), but personal tools are welcome and encouraged.
Is housing provided?
No. The residency does not include housing. Runnemede is located in Camden County, NJ, with affordable housing options in the surrounding area and easy access from Philadelphia via the PATCO line and major highways (I-295, Route 168, Route 130).
Can I sell work outside of Cottonmouth?
This is discussed during the terms conversation. In most cases, artists maintain their outside sales channels (online shops, shows, other retail accounts) as long as it doesn't conflict with their production schedule at Cottonmouth.
Submit Your Application
Fill out the form below to start the application process. We review submissions on a rolling basis and will respond within two weeks.
Contact
Have questions about the residency before applying? Reach out directly:
- Phone: (856) 312-3877
- In person: Visit the shop at 10 E Clements Bridge Rd, Runnemede, NJ 08078
- Instagram: @getcottonmouth