Watershed offers educational programs and resources for ceramics teachers and students of all ages. From workshops and classroom-based experiences, to professional development and online tutorials, Watershed works to support ceramic art educators and the next generation of ceramists.
"Clay Connected" Leadership Conference
Keynote speaker Nicole Seisler
Clay Connected: Building the Future of K–12 Arts in Maine
WHEN: Friday, March 20, 2026, 8:30am–4:00pm
WHERE: Watershed Commons, 19 Brick Hill Road, Newcastle, ME 04553
WHAT: Maine K–12 educators are invited to a one-day leadership conference at Watershed! This gathering will bring together educators, teaching artists, and leaders in the field to strengthen statewide connections, identify challenges and opportunities, and develop strategies to expand equitable access to clay and art in schools. The event features a keynote presentation by art educator Nicole Seisler; facilitated discussions on new approaches and the state of clay education in Maine; opportunities for collaborative visioning exercises; and networking sessions. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, as well as a tour of Watershed’s campus. The cost to participate is $40. Educators from across the state are encouraged to attend, and Watershed will offer a limited number of up to $50 mileage reimbursements for those traveling from 50+ miles away. Registration is open January 1 – March 6.
REGISTER NOW
ABOUT NICOLE: Nicole Seisler creates dialogue and perspectives around ceramics that exist in the same conditions as the material: malleable, shifting, adaptable, and enduring; existing within, between, and beyond conventional definitions. She builds this pluralistic vision of ceramics as a conceptual field through her tripod practice of making, teaching, and curating. Nicole has taught ceramics at over a dozen universities across the US in the last 15 years and is currently Assistant Professor and Head of Ceramics at Lewis & Clark College in Portland OR. Nicole is the Founder and Director of A-B Projects, a global hub for community, critical dialogue, and material experimentation that expands and redefines the ceramics field.
K-12 Teacher Professional Development
Watershed provides professional development opportunities for Maine’s k-12 art educators. Through workshops, residencies, and resources, teachers hone their clay education skills, develop curricula, and connect with other educators from around the state. Email us at info@watershedceramics.org to receive information on upcoming opportunities.
Online Resources & Tutorials
Classroom & Studio-Based Clay Education
Watershed connects talented teaching artists in with Maine schools. The artists work with the host site to create educational ceramic projects designed to introduce participants to historical uses of clay and current art-making practices. The focus of these sessions is on process, not just product, with clay lessons that connect to science, math, history and cultural studies.
Group Kiln Firings
Watershed welcomes groups of artists, and high school or college students (with their instructors) for glazing and firing programs in spring and fall months. Educational institutions and clay collectives often come to Watershed to take advantage of kilns not available in their studios.
Watershed’s 2,600-sq.-ft. Kiln Shed houses two wood kilns (salt/soda catenary and train), several gas kilns (including salt/soda and gas downdraft), electric kilns of various sizes, and a setup for raku firings.
Firings typically book six to twelve months in advance, so contact Watershed as soon as possible to inquire about a date. Individuals who have participated in Watershed firing workshops or residencies may be approved to operate Watershed equipment by our Studio Manager. If not, Watershed may be able to provide instruction or facilitation during the firing weekend. Overnight lodging is also available on campus.
For more information, please contact us at (207) 882-6075 or email our studio manager at mdercole@watershedceramics.org.