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

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The Sister Dennis Frandrup Artist Residency

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 at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University.

The residency takes place across both campuses—College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN, and St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN—located approximately 85 miles from the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport.

Designed to support both creative practice and community connection, the residency provides six weeks of dedicated studio time, housing, and a modest stipend. Artists receive a private studio space with essential tools, access to studio-specific equipment (including cameras and an editing lab), and some basic supplies to support their creative process.

This family-friendly program carries no application or residency fees, though travel expenses are not reimbursable. International artists are welcome to apply, with visa arrangements being the responsibility of the artist. Residents share their creative work and process through a public lecture, studio visits with senior art majors, and an open studio reception at the conclusion of their stay.

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.

’26 Resident Artist: Santiago Cucullu

A bald man with a mustache, wearing a blue checkered shirt, sits indoors and gestures with his right hand. The background is blurred, showing warm colors and soft lighting.

Originally from Argentina and now based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Santiago is a multidisciplinary artist working across painting, drawing, and ceramics. His work explores the intersections of form, texture, and meaning—blending the visual and the verbal in poetic ways.

During his residency, Santiago will develop a new body of monotype prints and small paintings that weave together abstract imagery and language, continuing his exploration of how art communicates beyond words.

Residency Dates: January 24, 2026 – March 13, 2026

Side-by-side abstract artworks in red, pink, and black. Both feature hand-drawn shapes and overlapping handwritten text about gazes, passivity, Chaucer, Cicero, and English literature. A figure reclines on the right panel.
Large black-and-white mural panels displaying abstract vase shapes, overlaid with small, colorful geometric paintings and monochrome photographs, are exhibited on a wooden gallery floor with more artwork visible in the background.
A gallery wall displays various abstract and text-based artworks in black, red, and green, featuring bold shapes, handwritten messages, and mixed media, arranged in an irregular grid pattern against a white background.

A legacy of creativity lives here.
Meet the past resident artists whose residencies have filled our studios, galleries, and classrooms with new ideas and lasting inspiration.

SJU Art Building

Studio

Visiting artists are welcomed into a bright, quiet and inspiring 918 sq. ft. loft studio at the Art Center at Saint John’s University. With soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and flexible furnishings, the space is designed to adapt to each artist’s creative process. A comfortable sitting area, adjustable spotlights, a sink, Wi-Fi, and nearby restrooms ensure a convenient and inviting work environment, while 24/7 access provides the freedom to create on your own schedule.

Artists will also enjoy access to fully equipped studios and labs for printmaking, video, sculpture, and photography, fostering opportunities for experimentation and collaboration across disciplines. A large barn door connects the loft to the adjoining gallery, offering the possibility to bring in larger works with a portable lift. While the studio is upstairs and primarily reached by a spiral staircase, its unique character and creative energy make it a truly special place to work.

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.

Lodging

Resident artists stay at the Collegeville Institute, a lakeside retreat designed by world-renowned architect Marcel Breuer. The apartment is located on the campus of St. John’s University and within walking distance to St. John’s Art center.

The Institute is composed of ten modern apartments nestled among the trees beside Saint John’s Abbey Lake, along with a central administrative building.

Each apartment—ranging from one to three bedrooms and assigned based on family needs—is comfortable, fully furnished, and easy to maintain. Linens, towels, and complete kitchen supplies (dishes, cookware, and utensils) are provided. Apartments include central heating and air conditioning, a brick fireplace, and wireless internet access.

In addition to private living spaces, residents have access to shared community amenities including a kitchen, lounge, library, chapel, and laundry facilities. The setting offers both the serenity of the lakeshore and the creative energy of a community of artists and scholars.

Take a virtual tour of the Collegeville Institute.

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.

Applications

Applications are now closed for the ’26 residency cycle. Please check back in January 2026 for the next application round.

Residency Session: Six Weeks, typically running February – March, 2027. Specific dates to be announced.

Application and upload instructions can be found here.

Application materials should include:

  • A portfolio of 10 images compiled into a single PDF file
  • An image list with titles, mediums, and dimensions
  • A current CV
  • An artist statement
  • A proposal describing how the residency and dedicated studio time will support and advance your artistic practice.

Click HERE for Application

A modern building entrance with large glass double doors framed by white brick walls and a sloped metal roof. A concrete path leads up to the entrance, flanked by a low concrete wall and a small tree on the left.

For more information, please reach out by email at art@csbsju.edu