The UBC Museum of Anthropology and the North West Ceramics Foundation are pleased to announce the selection of Vancouver ceramic artist Jai Sallay-Carrington as their 2026 Artist-in-Residence. The residency, which is supported by the NWCF and board member Dr. Carol E. Mayer, provides the opportunity for practicing ceramicists to access the collections of the MOA as a way to inform and inspire their practice. Selected artists have access to the Judy Cranmer Ceramics Research Laboratory. They receive an honorarium and the opportunity to make work for sale in the MOA Shop. For more information see our earlier blog entry here. 

Jai Sallay-Carrington (they/them) is a figurative ceramic sculptor whose practice examines human identities, behaviours, and emotions through anthropomorphic forms. Drawing from their queer and transgender identity, their work uplifts queer and trans communities while interrogating dominant heteronormative and cis-normative structures. Their sculptures explore hidden aspects of selfhood through zoomorphic symbolism — each creature enriching the narrative of the human form it merges with, and deepening our understanding of internal, often unseen identities.

Attending artist residencies, installing exhibitions and teaching workshops has brought them and their artwork throughout Canada, USA, several European countries and to China. They earned their MFA at the University of Washington in 2023, receiving the De Cillia Graduating with Excellence award and the HUB Purchase award. Following their graduation, they received a grant from Canada Council for the Arts and attended a year-long residency at Baltimore Clayworks as the Lormina Salter Fellow. Congratulations Jai!

For more information, see Jai’s website here  and/or follow them on Instagram.