A modern, single-story house with large windows sits in a grassy clearing surrounded by lush trees. The warm glow from the windows contrasts with the green and autumn-colored foliage under a dusk sky.

Art

Artist Residency

Request Info

Select Page

The Sister Dennis Frandrup Artist Residency honors the legacy of Sister Dennis Frandrup, a beloved ceramics professor who inspired generations of students during her 30-year tenure in the Art Department. The residency takes place across both campuses—College of Saint Benedict (CSB) in Saint Joseph, MN, and Saint John’s University (SJU) in Collegeville, MN—located approximately 85 miles from the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport.

Sister Dennis Frandrup Artist Residency

Sponsored by the CSB and SJU Art Department, this unique residency provides six weeks of studio time, housing, and a modest stipend. Artists receive a private studio and access to departmental studio equipment. Residents are required to offer an opening lecture, student studio visits, and a closing open studio event. There is no fee to apply.

Application Deadline: May 15, 2026

Residency Session: April 5, 2027 to May 16, 2027

Application Materials:

  • An artist statement
  • A portfolio of 10 images compiled into a single PDF file
  • An image list with titles, mediums, and dimensions
  • A current CV
  • A proposal describing how the residency and dedicated studio time will support and advance your artistic practice
Apply NOW
Contact
An elderly person wearing glasses and a light blue jacket stands in front of a brick kiln. The kiln is surrounded by various stones, and a basket is visible in the background.
SJU Art Building

Studio

Visiting artists are welcomed into a bright, quiet and inspiring 918 sq. ft. loft studio at the Saint John’s Art Center at Saint John’s University. With soaring ceilings, and flexible furnishings, the space adapts to each artist’s creative process. 24/7 access to a sitting area, sink, Wi-Fi, and nearby restrooms ensure a convenient and inviting workspace.

Artists on the SJU campus enjoy access to fully equipped studios and labs for printmaking, video, sculpture, and photography, fostering experimentation and collaboration across disciplines. A large barn door connects the loft to the adjoining gallery for larger works using a portable lift. The studio is upstairs and primarily reached by a spiral staircase.

Use of additional Art Department facilities on the CSB campus (approximately a 10-minute drive from SJU) is also possible, where residents have access to studios and labs for ceramics, painting, drawing, book arts, papermaking, and digital media. Use of specific departmental facilities is arranged on an individual basis.

Facilities
A spacious modern living room with a high ceiling and triangular shape. It features a brown sofa, white cabinet, and various chairs. Shelves and a desk are in the background, with track lighting and a minimalist design.
A spacious, modern art studio with high, sloped ceilings, featuring two work tables, a sofa, and artwork displayed on the far white wall. Bright track lighting illuminates the clean, minimalist space.
A minimalist room with a slanted ceiling features a table with four wooden chairs. A lamp, a microwave, and a paper towel dispenser are on the table. A rolling stool and a cabinet are nearby, with a white door in the background.
A modern dining table with a white surface is paired with four wooden chairs. A lamp with a white shade is placed centrally on the table. The room features slanted walls with skylights, creating a minimalist and airy atmosphere.
A spacious loft with a sloped ceiling features modern furniture, including sofas, chairs, and a desk. Large windows allow natural light, and track lighting brightens the space. The floor is concrete, and the decor is minimalistic.
A blue spiral staircase with metal handrails leads downward. The stairs have a textured pattern. A framed artwork hangs on the white wall beside the staircase.
An attic space with a triangular ceiling features minimalist furniture, including a beige sofa and an armchair in the center. A small black office chair and desk are on the left side, with spotlights illuminating the area.

Stipend, Travel and Lodging

This family-friendly residency program carries no application or residency fees. A modest stipend is awarded and lodging is provided, although travel and material expenses are not reimbursable. International artists are welcome to apply, with visa arrangements being the responsibility of the artist.

Resident artists have the option to stay at the Collegeville Institute, a lakeside retreat designed by Bauhaus architect Marcel Breuer nestled among the trees beside Stumpf Lake. These apartments are located on the campus of Saint John’s University and are within walking distance to the Saint John’s Art Center.

Each apartment at the Collegeville Institute is fully furnished, including linens, towels, and kitchen equipment. Apartments include central heating and air conditioning, a brick fireplace, private in-unit restroom facilities, and wireless internet access. Laundry facilities are available in the adjacent Butler Center nearby.

Past resident artists
A modern single-story house with large windows and dark brick exterior sits amid lush green grass and tall trees at sunset. Warm lights glow inside, creating a cozy atmosphere.