Watershed invites groups to hold events on our beautiful campus through our event and meeting rental program. The rental program is different from Watershed programs: Watershed provides the facilities but the bulk of the itinerary, programming, talent and attendee logistics are coordinated and managed by the renter. Rentals are offered for one to six days throughout the year on select dates. Full or partial campus rentals available, and accommodations, ceramics activities and meal service add-ons are available for additional fees.
Funds generated from rentals support our campus maintenance expenses, further supporting our sustainability goals and mission.
Watershed Facilities
The Commons
Our resident life center with commercial kitchen, dining, gathering, meeting & event space.Amenities include:
- Seating for up to 50 for meals (if all options are utilized including indoor / outdoor / plate-on-lap)
- Seating for up to 50 for meetings and presentations
- Gathering space for up to 90 attendees for special events
- Presentation equipment provided: projection, projection screen, hand-held corded microphone, speaker, web cam and microphone for conference casting capabilities.
- Event organizer’s use of the Commons registration desk and printer as homebase and to welcome your attendees (maybe shared with Watershed staff if applicable)
Windgate Studio
A 7500 sq ft world-class ceramics studio building featuring simple and advanced equipment and materials. Can provide activities and instruction for up to 30 people at a time.
The Cabins
Up to 13 bedrooms (25 twin-sized beds) in the warm seasons. Rustic single and double rooms in shared cabins for up to 24/17 people. Private and shared baths available.
Barkan Gallery
Three connected small exhibition rooms, galley kitchen, folding tables & chairs, porch and lawn — multipurpose space for event administration, displays, presentation, breakout sessions, coffee or cocktail hour.
Outdoor Space
Watershed is situated in a bucolic, farm-like setting with fields, dirt roads, lawns, and trails all available for renter use. Outdoor space is typically included with rentals and not rented without renting a facility.
Details
Amenities
- Orientation meeting, tour, overview with event organizer and Watershed staff upon arrival (review expectations / itinerary / rules / access)
- Welcome presentation from Watershed's senior staff to the group (during normal business hours)
- Parking
- Watershed staff onsite M-F 9-5
- Watershed staff on call 24-7
- Coffee & tea bar, including milk, cream, sugar & honey (DIY)
- Use of outdoor spaces: fields, lawns, trails
- Wifi
Meal Services
Meals, snacks, drinks and event refreshments can be coordinated using one or more of the following options:
- In-house Watershed chef & kitchen staff
- 3rd Party Catering
- Guest chef may use our commercial kitchen (required manager food safety certification)
- For single-day rentals, your organizers can bring in food for the group and use our guest refrigerator and microwave.
Note: Not all options are available during all months.
Rates
Rental rates vary based on the buildings you want to use, how long you will be on campus and what other services you need, such as overnight accommodations, meals and studio programming.
Renting one building for the day for a basic meeting and without Watershed provided meals or programming starts at $1000.
A multi-day retreat using the full campus, with meals, overnight accommodations and clay programming starts around $25,000.
With the information you provide in the prospective renter form and follow-up meeting we will be able to give you an estimated price.
Additional Services for Additional Fees
- Campus walking tour with senior staff (1 hour)
- Watershed history or ceramics presentation with senior staff (1 hour)
- Clay activity (under four hours): typically a make-n-take type project using one technique and resulting in one finished object, taught by 1-2 Watershed staff. (Many options available - we will work with you to create a unique program!)
- Clay program (more than four hours) requires multiple steps and techniques. Could include local teaching artists, a firing activity, various processes explored over multiple daily sessions. (Many options available - we will work with you to create a unique program!)
- Docent tour of exhibition / Gallery Talk
- Artist Demonstration / Artist talk
Ready to organize a retreat?
Reach out and we’d love to chat about how we can create an unforgettable event tailored exclusively to your team.
FAQ
Who are Watershed's typical renters?
Nonprofits
Corporations / Businesses
Membership groups / Associations
Educational Institutions
Who are Watershed's typical renters?
Nonprofits
Corporations / Businesses
Membership groups / Associations
Educational Institutions
What types of events is the Watershed Campus well suited for?
Watershed is well positioned to host the following types of events and welcomes the opportunity to provide a clay-related activity, presentation or lecture during your time on campus if desired:
Professional retreats
Example: Annual staff or board meeting held over two days
Gathering or reunion of affiliated people
Example: Members of a knitting association convene, learn and make in person for three days.
Meetings
Example: Local board of realtors needs a space for a one day meeting with catered lunch.
Special Events
Example: Fundraiser event for a nonprofit with notable speakers, an auction and cocktail hour
Small conference
Example: Conference for 50 uses the Commons with break-outs to the studio and gallery could take place over several days, staff and presenters stay on campus and attendees come for the day.
+ other similar events not outlined here
What types of events is the Watershed Campus well suited for?
Watershed is well positioned to host the following types of events and welcomes the opportunity to provide a clay-related activity, presentation or lecture during your time on campus if desired:
Professional retreats
Example: Annual staff or board meeting held over two days
Gathering or reunion of affiliated people
Example: Members of a knitting association convene, learn and make in person for three days.
Meetings
Example: Local board of realtors needs a space for a one day meeting with catered lunch.
Special Events
Example: Fundraiser event for a nonprofit with notable speakers, an auction and cocktail hour
Small conference
Example: Conference for 50 uses the Commons with break-outs to the studio and gallery could take place over several days, staff and presenters stay on campus and attendees come for the day.
+ other similar events not outlined here
What types of events are not a good match for Watershed?
Events that require more than one day to set up or take down.
Events that expect more than 100 people on campus including staff, talent, attendees.
Events that will be lively after 10pm (quiet hours may still allow for studio time and evening programs).
Evening outdoor events with amplified music or speakers (the sheep next door are quiet folk).
What types of events are not a good match for Watershed?
Events that require more than one day to set up or take down.
Events that expect more than 100 people on campus including staff, talent, attendees.
Events that will be lively after 10pm (quiet hours may still allow for studio time and evening programs).
Evening outdoor events with amplified music or speakers (the sheep next door are quiet folk).
