Come teach and create
In 2021 we’re launching our Artist in Residence Program, inviting established comics artists to teach our year-long students at SAW for 7 weeks to 3 months at a time, with full access to the SAW space to work on their latest project.
Our newly reformed full-immersion program offers a year of intense comics learning through a mix of in-person and online material. We’ve built SAW over the last 10 years as a low-cost alternative to arts school, steeped in the tradition of masters and students learning alongside each other.
The Artist in Residence program is designed to regularly bring a mix of voices to our teaching program, whilst giving those artists the chance to build on their personal practice in a creative-rich environment.
The Idea
Our newly reformed full-immersion program offers a year of intense comics learning through a mix of in-person and online material. We’ve built SAW over the last 10 years as a low-cost alternative to arts school, steeped in the tradition of masters and students learning alongside each other.
The Artist in Residence program is designed to regularly bring a mix of voices to our teaching program, whilst giving those artists the chance to build on their personal practice in a creative-rich environment.
What's Exepected?
This role is primarily focused on providing 2 x 2 hour art/storytelling workshops Mondays and Wednesdays, over the course of SAW’s 2 x 7 week terms.
Phew. We know that sounds complicated. When you break it down, what it means is 4 hours of in person teaching time per week.
These in person hours will be offset by up to 5 hours of teaching support to either our in-person or our online programs, including video calls and written responses in our online community.
More info is included in the application form or when you speak with Emma or Tom.
Phew. We know that sounds complicated. When you break it down, what it means is 4 hours of in person teaching time per week.
These in person hours will be offset by up to 5 hours of teaching support to either our in-person or our online programs, including video calls and written responses in our online community.
More info is included in the application form or when you speak with Emma or Tom.
What's Included?
-
HOUSING: Private housing 1 mile from SAW and downtown Gainesville.
-
STIPEND: A weekly stipend of $250 while you are teaching.
-
SAW ACCESS: 24-hour access to the SAW studio and library, including traditional and digital art supplies.
-
ART EXHIBITION: An art exhibition during of the residency. Let us show your work!
-
BIKE FOR TRANSPORT: A bike will get you most anywhere you need to go in Gainesville.
-
SUPPORT & COMMUNITY: Support from our existing teaching and program development staff, as well as a community of emerging and established artists.
-
KEEP THE FLAME ALIVE: Time to stay in your zone and work on your projects.
Who We're Looking For
SAW exists in the spirit of DIY. There's still very much a sense of ‘make do’. We hope to work with people who have that ‘get things done’ ethos, the kind of people who don’t mind having to shoo a bee out of the room or get the coffee pot started every once in a while.
Our students often come to comics through the underground and alternative comics scene of the last decade. They’re reading contemporary artists like Alison Bechdel, Art Spiegelman, Jillian Tamaki… We offer classes that delve into the mechanics of these kinds of stories. Over the last 10 years we’ve hosted guest artists like Jason Little, Aidan Koch, Leslie Stein, Carol Tyler, Gabrielle Bell, and John Porcellino.
We’re looking for people who came to comics for love. Who know there is no fame or glory here. There is only the quiet, joyous moment of a satisfying line.
You should know. We don’t grade. We do expect our instructors to be able to offer considered, constructive feedback for our students to grow their drawing and storytelling skills. We’re here to build people up, to return to their child’s sense of play, to help them find permission to tell their story.
In concrete terms that means people who have an established career in comics making with a history of publication or self-publishing. Ideally they have worked as an instructor in a formal or informal education setting. There is no degree requirement for this role.
Our students often come to comics through the underground and alternative comics scene of the last decade. They’re reading contemporary artists like Alison Bechdel, Art Spiegelman, Jillian Tamaki… We offer classes that delve into the mechanics of these kinds of stories. Over the last 10 years we’ve hosted guest artists like Jason Little, Aidan Koch, Leslie Stein, Carol Tyler, Gabrielle Bell, and John Porcellino.
We’re looking for people who came to comics for love. Who know there is no fame or glory here. There is only the quiet, joyous moment of a satisfying line.
You should know. We don’t grade. We do expect our instructors to be able to offer considered, constructive feedback for our students to grow their drawing and storytelling skills. We’re here to build people up, to return to their child’s sense of play, to help them find permission to tell their story.
In concrete terms that means people who have an established career in comics making with a history of publication or self-publishing. Ideally they have worked as an instructor in a formal or informal education setting. There is no degree requirement for this role.
When?
Session 1 : Sept 6, 2021 - Oct 22, 2021
Session 2: Oct 25, 2021 - Dec 10, 2021
Session 3: Jan 3, 2022 - Feb 18, 2022
Session 4: Feb 21, 2022 - April 1, 2022
FAQ
-
Does SAW cover the cost of travel?
The chosen candidate is expected to pay their own way to Gainesville or the next closest airport (Jacksonville) where they will be picked up by one of the SAW team.
-
Can I stay longer than the teaching period?
The accommodations and SAW space are available to our Artists in Residence beyond the length of the teaching period on a case by case basis. Let us know what you need and we’ll work with you.
-
Is the accommodation large enough for a family?
The housing supplied is an efficiency adjacent to an occupied house. It is ideally suited for one person or a couple. Pets aren't allowed.
-
I’m interested in locating permanently. Is there a position for me?
We know that moving to Florida can be a big ask for a lot of people. The Artist in Residence program is designed to build out creative community without the commitment of an extended period of time. If it turns out you’re exactly the instructor and creative force we’ve been looking for, we’re open to reassessing the program.
-
How do I apply?
We’re currently accepting expressions of interest for our first semester starting September 6, 2021. Contact Emma or Tom for more information.
A letter from Tom Hart
Hey!
Thanks so much for looking at this page, and forgive the weird formality/informality of it all, which shows that SAW is always making it up as we go along.
SAW has, in the past 10 years welcomed, taught and empowered hundreds of people in person and thousands online and you would be a part in that and we're looking back now with great gratitude, and looking forward to see how we can do it more encompassingly, if you will.
I mean, we want it to be less top down, and more community-driven. More an an arts-place rather than a curriculum and an agenda.
Of course there is always the need for wisdom, experience and mentorship and that's where you come in.
Thank you for looking at this.
We are looking for artists who have made something, and almost more importantly, can walk into a room, make friends and be generous. Because that's what you'll be doing.
So yeah, thanks for looking. Thanks for finding yourself here. Know that I and we think of you as one of us, an are glad we share the same goals. And if we work together, awesome, but if not, mention this when we see you at a convention and we'll buy you a drink and you can tell us all the things you've seen.
Thanks for reading this far and your consideration
Tom
Holy f*ing crap I can't believe how wonderful SAW is, and how much we've done in 10 years.
It's been so HEADLONG the whole time, giving so much to so many people that I hardly noticed. But the pandemic forced some reflection, and on top of that, forced my move away from SAW HQ!
So in some ways, you're helping to fill my role, but more importantly, you're helping me release my grip on it and let it become more organic and generative, so thank you.
I could go on and on, but better we talk over that drink.
Cheers!
Thanks so much for looking at this page, and forgive the weird formality/informality of it all, which shows that SAW is always making it up as we go along.
SAW has, in the past 10 years welcomed, taught and empowered hundreds of people in person and thousands online and you would be a part in that and we're looking back now with great gratitude, and looking forward to see how we can do it more encompassingly, if you will.
I mean, we want it to be less top down, and more community-driven. More an an arts-place rather than a curriculum and an agenda.
Of course there is always the need for wisdom, experience and mentorship and that's where you come in.
Thank you for looking at this.
We are looking for artists who have made something, and almost more importantly, can walk into a room, make friends and be generous. Because that's what you'll be doing.
So yeah, thanks for looking. Thanks for finding yourself here. Know that I and we think of you as one of us, an are glad we share the same goals. And if we work together, awesome, but if not, mention this when we see you at a convention and we'll buy you a drink and you can tell us all the things you've seen.
Thanks for reading this far and your consideration
Tom
More from Tom, the informal part:
You can ignore this part, it's not important!Holy f*ing crap I can't believe how wonderful SAW is, and how much we've done in 10 years.
It's been so HEADLONG the whole time, giving so much to so many people that I hardly noticed. But the pandemic forced some reflection, and on top of that, forced my move away from SAW HQ!
So in some ways, you're helping to fill my role, but more importantly, you're helping me release my grip on it and let it become more organic and generative, so thank you.
I could go on and on, but better we talk over that drink.
Cheers!
