This is a materials research residency aimed toward greater technical knowledge of one's paints and surfaces. Residents are chosen for the way they are using materials, and the tutorials are geared toward their knowledge. Be prepared to work hard, both for the tutorials and then your own research. Take walks on the grounds to refresh and renew; the Goldens make dinner; everyone is great. You have access to any paint, any line, any time--it will cost you on the way out as you'll end up buying more paint. Regarding career, they do make a film about each resident and post-COVID, host an open house. They also provide their residents with a group show and catalog. It's excellent.
Sam & Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts
New Berlin, New York, United States

About
The Sam & Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts offers a distinctive artist residency focused on painters, located in the scenic environs of New Berlin, New York. This residency, housed within a refurbished 19th-century barn near the Golden Artist Colors manufacturing site, provides a rich environment for artists to deeply engage with the full spectrum of painting materials and technologies. Each residency session grants artists access to innovative and experimental paint products alongside traditional mediums, facilitated by the proximity to the Golden Artist Colors labs and production facilities. The program, operational since 2012, supports up to three artists per session, with each session lasting four weeks. Artists benefit from large, open studio spaces, a private apartment, and comprehensive material resources at no cost, thanks to fundraising efforts like art auctions. The goal is to immerse artists in exploratory work that pushes the boundaries of paint as a medium, backed by expert technical support from paint technicians and formulators. Residencies are awarded through a competitive, juried process, emphasizing artistic quality and professional dedication. Artists are encouraged to bring their own tools and substrates but are provided with a wide array of paints and materials. This setting not only offers a retreat into nature but also fosters a communal atmosphere through shared facilities and organized activities that encourage creative and professional growth.
Disciplines
Facilities
Professional Opportunities
Rating Breakdown
Reviews(5)
-A nurturing residency run by a family and community of people committed to forwarding artistic material knowledge. -Beautiful facilities in upstate NY. Far from everything which may be good or bad depending on what you're looking for. -Small cohort of three artists. Also may be good or bad depending on what you're looking for. -Mentoring and connection to the Golden resource Ms is ongoing. Once you're a resident you're always part of the Golden family!
The Golden Foundation Residency was a wonderful experience! The residency is one half an intensive program and one half studio practice where you spend a week or two working with the Golden technicians, learning about the materials, and attending workshops then the remaining time working on projects. It’s a lot of information at once so my best advice is to walk in with an open mind, don’t have a particular project or imagery in mind, and be curious about everything there. During intensive week, spend that time experimenting that way it’s easy to narrow down what you want to focus on in the second half of the program. In terms of costs, there are scholarships available and, unless stated otherwise, the program provides all material needs. Everyone in the program is so incredibly supportive, gracious, and understanding. There is no pressure to create finished work, just to experiment, challenge ourselves and use.all.the.materials. I’m an emerging artist so the program was a huge benefit to me! Not just in forming connections but building a studio practice that worked for me and introducing materials/mediums I’ve never worked with before. Also, a year after the residency, the Golden Foundation hosts their annual Made in Paint show for the previous artists in residents. The program is a great experience but the highlight is everyone who works there!
Golden Foundation is the place you want to go if you love paint and want to understand it on a deeper material level. The Golden family and all the Material Specialists at Golden Artist Colors (where they make the paint) will make you feel at home. 10 out of 10. Would go again.
Opportunities to consult with chemists and other paint experts are just a few of the generous offerings to resident artists.

