Frequently Asked Questions:
What is TCN – is it a collective, group, or nonprofit?
The Color Network is a volunteer run organization, run by a revolving team of coorganizers. Currently, the organizing team includes PJ Anderson, Magdolene Dykstra, Corrin Grooms, and George Rodriguez.
What do we do?
The Color Network is a volunteer run organization dedicated to supporting artists of color working with ceramics. We aim to assist artists develop, network, and create dialogue while maintaining a place for a database, resources, and mentorship. We hope to foster a community of artists of all professional and skill levels that help each other grow.
Where are we?
We are everywhere! The Color Network primarily uses virtual platforms to support its community in the US, Canada and abroad.
Why do we do this work?
“The Color Network’s mission is to aid in the advancement of people of color in the ceramic arts. [In 1991] Bobby Scroggins identified an intangible wall surrounding the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) Conference that prevented artists of color from accessing well-deserved opportunities and appreciation. … He met with like-minded colleagues - artists of color and allies - such as Imna Arroyo, Greg Busceme, Stephen Carter, Dora Hernandez, Winnie Owens-Hart, and several others who became official founding members of The Color Network.” (Excerpt from curatorial statement for Voices For Change, 2020, by Angelik Vizcarrondo-Laboy)
This iteration of The Color Network (founded in 2018) continues Scroggins’ mission of supporting artists of color to access opportunities to develop their creative work through a range of programs
How do we support our community?
We offer a range of programs including mentorship, grants, residencies, and exhibitions:
Mentorship - Our Mentorship Program pairs developing artists with more experienced artists. The mentorship relationship offers a unique opportunity to explore questions that aren't always asked or addressed in educational institutions. Mentors and mentees generally meet virtually, including 6 meetings over the course of 6 months.
Grants - Thanks to the Maxwell-Hanrahan Foundation, we are able to offer monthly microgrants ($100), quarterly studio stipends ($500), and annual career development grants ($3000) until July 2025.
Residencies - 2025 is the fourth year of our partnership with Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts. Through this partnership, we have secured NEA funding to offer a funded residency for artists registered in our Mentorship program.
Exhibitions - We often partner with different institutions to organize exhibitions of ceramic art made by artists of color.
How can I join?
Being part of TCN can look like many things, such as:
Applying to open calls
Becoming a Mentor or Mentee
Volunteering to be a juror
Joining our Email List to receive program opportunities and relevant opportunities outside TCN that fit within our mission
Engaging with TCN on Instagram
What is the best way to get news and opportunities? How do I get involved in your exhibitions?
The best ways to get news and opportunities are to stay updated with our Instagram and to subscribe to our Email List. TCN organizes its exhibitions through open calls, invitational exhibitions, and juried invitationals (a mix of curation and open-call). We share open calls via our Instagram or through our Email List.
Can I join The Color Network if I’m a beginner? What if I don’t have a website?
Yes! Artists working with clay, who are at any point in their careers or at any point in their journey with ceramics, can be a part of TCN. We hope to provide a context where artists working in ceramics may find resources and growth.
Each database entry consists of the artist’s name and a link to where a database visitor may view the artist’s work. Though a website is preferred, you may also provide us a link to your social media.
If you change your website domain or social media username, please notify us of the change so we may update your database link.