Cancellations
- Cancellations made more than 60 days from program date receive a refund less any nonrefundable deposit
- Cancellations made 59-30 days before the program receive a credit for the amount paid minus a $50 processing fee to be used towards any Watershed program within the next calendar year*
- Cancellations made 29-14 days before program receive a credit minus a $100 cancellation fee
- Cancellations made 13 days or less before program do not receive a credit or refund
- No call/no shows will not receive a credit or refund
- If using a credit, all above rules apply
* Credits cannot be used for kiln rentals, merchandise, or materials.
2027 Cancellations
This policy is effective for programs beginning in 2027, starting with 2027 Winter Residencies.
- No call/no shows are not eligible for a refund
- Repeated cancellations or no call/no shows may affect future eligibility for programs
Watershed encourages participants to purchase travel insurance for all programs and workshops
If it becomes necessary for Watershed to cancel a workshop for any reason, students will be notified and a full refund of tuition, room, and board will be issued.
All cancellations must be made in writing by email (no phone calls please) to programs@watershedceramics.org.
$400 non-refundable deposit due upon confirmation. Winter residents must pay deposits for all months upon confirmation.
Final dates to make a payment in full or cancel and receive a refund, less deposit:
Winter Residency: November 01, 2026
Presession | April 15, 2027
Session 1 | April 15, 2027
Session 2 | April 15, 2027
Session 3 | May 1, 2027
Session 4 | May 1, 2027
Session 5 | May 1, 2027
Session 6 | May 1, 2027
Fall Residency: September 15, 2027
Health and Safety Guidelines
Watershed intentionally prioritizes the formation of creative community. To that end, we ask all the members of our community — artists, trustees, staff, donors, and visitors — partner with us to create a respectful, safe, and positive experience on campus. While Watershed generally follows the guidance of public health authorities, we remain deeply concerned for the health and safety of our community as COVID continues to impact people’s health in the short and long-term. We believe we have a collective responsibility to care for one another, especially those who are more vulnerable to COVID’s impacts and who experience more public health inequities, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, low-income, immunocompromised, senior citizens, and disabled individuals.
Our programs include individuals of diverse identities and backgrounds who travel from around the US and abroad via buses, trains, and planes to create and connect. Our ability to provide artists time and space to explore with clay hinges on our collective efforts to remain healthy through preventative measures, including vaccines, tests, masks, ventilation, etc.
Not every possible scenario related to COVID-19 or other communicable illnesses is addressed in this document. Watershed reserves the right to require program participants to mask, socially distance, test for infection, change housing assignments, seek medical attention, or depart the program early as situations arise. Program participants agree to follow the organization’s guidance and requirements in the interest of keeping the community as healthy as possible.
This policy applies to all program participants, including residencies, workshops, and kiln rentals, as well as guests, visitors, and seasonal and year-round staff. The following guidelines are in place to support the health and safety of everyone on campus. We look forward to partnering with you to keep our community healthy.
- We strongly encourage you to limit your exposure to respiratory viral illnesses (COVID-19, Flu, RSV, etc) during the two weeks ahead of your time at Watershed.
- Vaccination: Watershed, like public health experts, recommends you work with your physician to keep up-to-date on vaccinations, including flu shots and COVID boosters, if you are able to do so.
- Testing: Watershed community members live and work together in close proximity and have often traveled via public transportation to attend a program. Testing offers a layer of protection to help mitigate the spread of respiratory viral illnesses.
- Prior to arrival: If experiencing symptoms, we strongly urge participants to take a combination Flu & COVID-19 test at home before traveling to Watershed and to contact Watershed staff if the test is positive.
- Upon arrival: Participants taking part in residential programs longer than 3 days (workshops, residencies) must take a rapid antigen test. Watershed will supply these required tests.
- While on-campus: If someone tests positive for COVID, feels unwell, or exhibits symptoms of respiratory illness, Watershed may require that person to take an additional rapid antigen test.
- Masking: Masking provides an important layer of protection against the spread of COVID-19 and other communicable respiratory illnesses. Program participants should bring their own masks.
- During a workshop or residency at Watershed: if testing positive for COVID, experiencing a fever or symptoms of respiratory viral illness, program participants, guest artists, and staff must wear a high-filtration mask (N-95 respirators, KN-95, and KF-94) that fully covers nose and mouth in indoor community spaces. Masks must be worn indoors for 5 days and then the person will be asked to test again. Participants are asked to self monitor their symptoms at all times, masking may be required for all respiratory ailments for at least 24 hours after both their symptoms are getting better overall, and they have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication)
- Additionally, if any program participants, guest artists, or staff test positive for COVID during a session or workshop , everyone in close contact with that person will be encouraged to wear a mask for five days after the last possible exposure.
- In consideration of those who are at increased risk for serious health outcomes, please respect another person’s request if they ask you to mask while sharing space.
- Hand Washing: It is the best health practice to wash your hands often and at key points including: before, during, and after preparing food, before and after eating, as well as after using the restroom, touching one’s face, sneezing, coughing, touching animals, garbage, or waste. Watershed encourages this and will have soap and hand sanitizer widely available.
- Meals: We value the conversation and community-building that occurs during shared meals, but are cognizant of the fact that sharing meals indoors poses a higher risk for transmitting respiratory viral illnesses. Watershed’s dining facility is well ventilated and program participants and staff are also encouraged to eat on the screen porch or outside (when weather permits).
- Transportation: We understand it may not be possible for all program participants to bring a personal vehicle, however we encourage this as it enables better access to health care or the ability to travel home in the case of illness.
Respiratory Viral Illness Health Screening & Response
- Self-Screening: Everyone on campus is required to self-screen for symptoms of illness on a daily basis. If you experience symptoms common to COVID-19 or may have been exposed to the virus or other viruses, please avoid close contact with others and immediately contact a staff member to receive a test.
- Exposures: If you have a known direct exposure to COVID-19, you are encouraged to wear a mask for five days after the last possible exposure, practice daily self-screening, and notify Watershed before arrival.
- If you have a known, direct exposure to COVID-19 and are experiencing symptoms, please contact Watershed staff to discuss your situation.
- Confirmed Cases: If someone tests positive for COVID-19 during a session, Watershed will work to provide proper containment, timely information, and contact tracing. Confirmed cases will be asked to wear a mask that fully covers the nose and mouth in indoor community spaces. Masks must be worn indoors for 5 days and then the person will be asked to test again. Masking may be required for all respiratory ailments until at least 24 hours after both their symptoms are getting better overall, and they have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
- In certain circumstances, people who test positive for COVID-19 may be asked to return home. Any other options are to be discussed with the Executive Director or the Operations Manager.
If you have a confirmed case of COVID-19 during the ten days prior to your upcoming program, please contact Watershed to discuss next steps. Watershed follows CDC guidance regarding when it is appropriate for someone with COVID-19 to end isolation and will partner with participants to ensure it is safe for them to take part in an on-campus program.
Medical Support
Watershed is located in close proximity to two area hospitals:
LincolnHealth Miles Hospital:
(207) 563-1234
35 Miles Street
Damariscotta, Maine
MidCoast Hospital:
(207) 373-6000
123 Medical Center Drive
Brunswick, Maine
Liability Waiver
Acknowledgment of Risks
I understand that participation in programs and activities at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts ("Watershed") is voluntary and involves inherent risks that cannot be completely eliminated without fundamentally changing the nature of the activities.
I understand that my participation may include, but is not limited to:
- Working in ceramic studios;
- Use of hand tools, power tools, machinery, and clay-processing equipment;
- Operation of or proximity to electric, gas, wood-fired, soda, or other kilns;
- Exposure to high temperatures, flames, hot surfaces, smoke, dust, silica, glaze materials, chemicals, and other studio substances;
- Lifting, carrying, and moving materials and equipment;
- Walking on uneven terrain, stairs, docks, gravel paths, wooded areas, and outdoor spaces;
- Living in shared residential accommodations and participating in communal dining;
- Exposure to insects, ticks, poison ivy, changing weather conditions, and other natural hazards;
- Participation in workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions, volunteer activities, recreational activities, and other events conducted on or off Watershed property.
I understand that these activities may result in property damage, illness, serious bodily injury, permanent disability, or death.
Assumption of Risk
I voluntarily choose to participate in Watershed's programs and activities.
I knowingly and freely assume all risks, both known and unknown, associated with my participation, including risks arising from the ordinary negligence of Watershed or other participants, except as prohibited by applicable law.
I acknowledge that I am responsible for determining whether I am physically and medically able to participate safely.
Release of Liability
In consideration of being permitted to participate in Watershed programs and to use its facilities, I release and discharge Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts and its directors, officers, trustees, employees, volunteers, instructors, contractors, representatives, and agents (collectively, the "Released Parties") from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, losses, or liabilities arising out of or relating to my participation or presence at Watershed, including claims arising from the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties.
This Release does not apply to claims arising from gross negligence, reckless conduct, or intentional misconduct to the extent such claims cannot be waived under applicable law.
Indemnification
To the fullest extent permitted by law, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from claims brought by third parties arising from my own actions or omissions during my participation.
Medical Care
I understand that Watershed is not a medical facility and does not provide ongoing medical supervision.
If I become ill or injured and am unable to make decisions regarding my care, I authorize Watershed to obtain emergency medical assistance on my behalf when reasonably necessary.
I understand that I am solely responsible for all medical expenses incurred as a result of my participation.
Personal Property
I understand that I am responsible for my own personal belongings, artwork, tools, equipment, and vehicles.
Watershed is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal property except as required by law.
Compliance with Policies
I agree to comply with all published safety rules, studio procedures, housing policies, and reasonable instructions provided by Watershed staff.
I understand that Watershed may remove me from participation if my conduct creates a safety risk to myself or others or materially disrupts the program.
Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Maine.
Any legal action arising from this Agreement shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction located in the State of Maine unless otherwise required by law.
Severability
If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
Entire Agreement
This Agreement represents the entire understanding between me and Watershed regarding the matters addressed herein and supersedes any prior oral or written statements relating to those matters.
Acknowledgment
I certify that:
- I have carefully read this Agreement in its entirety.
- I understand its contents and legal effect.
- I have had the opportunity to ask questions before signing.
- I understand that I am giving up certain legal rights, including the right to bring certain claims against Watershed.
- I sign this Agreement voluntarily and without coercion.
Salad Days Ticket Refunds
Plate ticket sales are final. Plate ticket and lunch ticket holders must attend the Salad Days fundraiser in order to select a plate. Watershed will not hold plates for those who cannot attend, ship plates to ticket holders, or issue refunds after the event.
Garden Party Pass holders must contact the office at info@watershedceramics.org by 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8 in order to have a plate set aside. No refunds are issued for Garden Party passes.