Apply

Applications for summer sessions are hosted through Slideroom. Applicants have the opportunity to rank sessions in their preferred order.

Applications for the following year open in late fall, with a February 1 deadline. Scholarship awards and session placements are finalized in mid-March. See below for details on eligibility, application guidelines, selection process, fees, and scholarships & financial support.

Eligibility

Watershed is committed to creating an equitable and welcoming space for all to explore creative practice. Any artist who is comfortable working independently in a clay studio may apply to take part in a summer residency.
Please note: There is no formal instruction during summer residency sessions, although knowledge-sharing amongst residents is encouraged, and studio staff are available for general support and troubleshooting.

Guidelines

In addition to contact information, applicants must submit ten images of recent work, a CV or written description of their experience related to their creative practice, a statement about their work, and a statement of interest explaining why they would like to take part in a Watershed session.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by a panel made up of Watershed staff, alumni, and guest artists. Watershed sessions include a mix of emerging, mid-career, and established artists, with preference given to new attendees. We endeavor to create cohorts that represent the breadth and depth of artists working in clay, with attention given to age, race, gender, ethnicity, and background.

Panelists consider the following criteria when reviewing applications:

• The degree of proficiency or promise demonstrated in the submitted work’s concept, content, and aesthetics.
• The degree to which the applicant demonstrates a commitment to and relative accomplishment within their practice via their submitted work, their artist statement, and their CV.
• The degree to which the applicant’s interests and practice align with the theme(s) of the session(s) to which they have applied.
• How well the applicant’s interests and goals align with what the Watershed residency experience offers.

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Fees

All residency fees are subsidized thanks to generous support from our donors. It costs us around $3900 per person to host the residency. Watershed does not require any resident artist to pay this cost in full. The cost of a summer residency consists of the residency fee and the room & board fee.

‍
Application Fee
$25

2027 Residency Fees
Regular Artist — $1,825
Invited Artist — $1,375‍

This fee covers 24-hour access to the kilns and studio.‍

2027 Room & Board Fees
Double Room & Shared Bath — $825
Single Room & Shared Bath — $1,230
Double Room & Private Bath — $1,430
Single Room & Private Bath — $1,750‍

This fee covers housing and meals. To learn more, please visit our Campus & FAQ pages.‍

Kiln & Material Fees
Artists pay kiln and material fees on a per-use basis. Artists pay this sum on the last day of the residency session. Typically, an artist can expect to incur about $250 in material and firing costs. However, this figure varies based on usage.

Payment Schedule
A $200 deposit is due upon registration after acceptance into a session. The deposit is applied against the residency fee. This is not an additional charge. Half of the remaining balance is due on April 15. Final payment for Sessions I, II, & III due May 15. Final payment for Sessions IV, V, & VI due June 15.

Payment Methods
Watershed accepts personal checks and cards. You may mail a check to 103 Cochran Road, Edgecomb, ME 04556.

Payments via credit or debit card can be made through our online portal.

Refund Policy
Please read our Cancellation Policy here.

Scholarships

For more information about scholarships, see our Scholarships page.

Watershed offers a limited number of merit scholarships to support artists attending a session. Funds cover residency fee-related items, including housing, meals, and studio use.

The application for scholarships and work exchange is included within the Slideroom application. Artists indicate their interest in applying and fill out the corresponding questions.

Full scholarships are available to all applicants and cover residency fees along with room and board charges.

Watershed also offers full scholarship awards specifically for:

• Artists of color
• International and/or multicultural artists
• Artists from underrepresented populations in the ceramics field: This includes but is not limited to LGBTQ+ artists, artists of color, artists with disabilities, indigenous artists, and artists in a cultural minority.
• Artists whose work addresses political, social, cultural, or environmental issues and who use their practice as a vehicle to create positive changes within their communities
• Emerging artists

Partial scholarships are open to all applicants and cover up to two-thirds of the total residency and housing fees. Award recipients are responsible for the remainder of their charges.

Please note: All awardees cover their travel expenses, materials, kiln firings, laundry fees, and packing/shipping of work, and should budget accordingly. While materials and kiln costs vary based on how much work an artist makes or fires, we suggest budgeting around $250.

Work exchange Watershed occasionally needs artists to join a session who are able to help in the kitchen for approximately twelve hours each week. In exchange, work exchange artists receive a $385 discount off their residency fees.

The work requires standing for up to three hours at a time, lifting and washing racks of dishes, pots, and pans, and putting away cleaned and dried items.

Learn more on our scholarships page →

Applications for winter sessions are hosted through Slideroom. Applicants indicate their preference for one to three months between January and March at Watershed and may choose between living on campus or a studio rental arrangement. Each residency/rental period starts on the first Monday of each month and ends on the last Friday. Requests for extensions may be granted if space is available.

Residents live on campus and have access to studio, kitchen, and common space. Renting only provides access to the studio building.

Applications for the following year open in June and close in October. See below for details on eligibility, application guidelines, selection process, and fees.

Eligibility

Watershed is committed to creating an equitable and welcoming space for all to explore creative practice. Any artist comfortable working independently in a clay studio may apply to take part in a winter residency.

Please note: There is no formal instruction during winter residency sessions, although knowledge-sharing amongst residents is encouraged, and studio staff are available for general support and troubleshooting.  

Guidelines

In addition to contact information, applicants must submit ten images of recent work, a CV or written description of their experience related to their creative practice, a statement about their work, and a statement of interest.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by a panel made up of Watershed staff. Watershed residencies include a mix of emerging, mid-career, and established artists, with preference given to new attendees. We endeavor to create cohorts that represent the breadth and depth of artists working in clay, with attention given to age, race, gender, ethnicity, and background.

Panelists consider the following criteria when reviewing applications:

• The degree of proficiency or promise demonstrated in the submitted work’s concept, content, and aesthetics.
• The degree to which the applicant demonstrates a commitment to and relative accomplishment within their practice via their submitted work, their artist statement, and their CV.
• The degree to which the applicant’s interests and practice align with the theme(s) of the session(s) to which they have applied.
• How well the applicant’s interests and goals align with what the Watershed residency experience offers.

Fees

All residency fees are subsidized thanks to generous support from our donors. It costs us around $3900 per person to host the residency. Watershed does not require any resident artist to pay this cost in full. The cost of a winter residency consists of the residency fee and the room & board fee. The cost of a winter rental is just the residency fee. See below for details.

Application Fee
$25

2026 Residency Fee
$1,200

This fee covers 24-hour access to the kilns and studio.

2026 Room & Board Fees
‍Single Room & Shared Bath — $700

Single Room & Private Bath — $900

This fee covers housing and use of the kitchen and common spaces. To learn more, please visit our Campus & FAQ pages.

Kiln & Material Fee
‍Artists pay kiln and material fees on a per-use basis. Artists pay this sum on the last day of each session.

Payment Schedule
‍A $200 deposit will be required within two weeks of acceptance to secure your spot. The full balance is due two months before the residency/rental start date.

Payment Methods
‍Watershed accepts personal checks and cards. You may mail a check to 103 Cochran Road, Edgecomb, ME 04556.

Payments via credit or debit card can be made through our online portal.

Refund Policy
‍Please read our Cancellation Policy here.

Applications for the fall residency are hosted through Slideroom.

Residents live on campus for three weeks and have access to studio, kitchen, and common space.

Applications for the following year open in April and close in July. See below for details on eligibility, application guidelines, selection process, fees, and scholarships.

Eligibility

Watershed is committed to creating an equitable and welcoming space for all to explore creative practice. Any artist comfortable working independently in a clay studio may apply to take part in a fall residency.

Please note: There is no formal instruction during the fall residency, although knowledge-sharing amongst residents is encouraged, and studio staff are available for general support and troubleshooting.  

Guidelines

In addition to contact information, applicants must submit ten images of recent work, a CV or written description of their experience related to their creative practice, a statement about their work, and a statement of interest.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by a panel made up of Watershed staff. Watershed residencies include a mix of emerging, mid-career, and established artists, with preference given to new attendees. We endeavor to create cohorts that represent the breadth and depth of artists working in clay, with attention given to age, race, gender, ethnicity, and background.

Panelists consider the following criteria when reviewing applications:

• The degree of proficiency or promise demonstrated in the submitted work’s concept, content, and aesthetics.
• The degree to which the applicant demonstrates a commitment to and relative accomplishment within their practice via their submitted work, their artist statement, and their CV.
• The degree to which the applicant’s interests and practice align with the theme(s) of the session(s) to which they have applied.
• How well the applicant’s interests and goals align with what the Watershed residency experience offers.

Fees

All residency fees are subsidized thanks to generous support from our donors. It costs us around $3900 per person to host the residency. Watershed does not require any resident artist to pay this cost in full. The cost of a winter residency consists of the residency fee and the room & board fee. The cost of a winter rental is just the residency fee. See below for details.

Application Fee
$25

2026 Residency Fee
$1,050

This fee covers 24-hour access to the kilns and studio.

2026 Room & Board Fee
$650

This fee covers housing and use of the kitchen and common spaces. To learn more, please visit our Campus & FAQ pages.

Kiln & Material Fees
‍Artists pay kiln and material fees on a per-use basis. Artists pay this sum on the last day of the residency.

Payment Schedule
‍A $200 deposit will be required within two weeks of acceptance to secure your spot. The full balance is due two months before the residency/rental start date.

Payment Methods
‍Watershed accepts personal checks and cards. You may mail a check to 103 Cochran Road, Edgecomb, ME 04556.

Payments via credit or debit card can be made through our online portal.

Refund Policy
‍Please read our Cancellation Policy here.

Scholarships

Watershed offers a limited number of merit scholarships to support artists attending a session. Funds cover residency fee-related items, including housing, meals, and studio use.

The scholarship application is included within the Slideroom application. Artists indicate their interest in applying and fill out the corresponding questions.

Learn more on our scholarships page →

Applications for the Salad Days residency are hosted through Slideroom.  

Applications for the following year open in December and close in March. The residency runs from September to April, and the Salad Days artist returns to Watershed in the middle of July for Salad Days. See below for details on eligibility, application guidelines, selection process, responsibilities, and compensation.

Eligibility

Watershed is committed to creating an equitable and welcoming space for all to explore creative practice.

Artists who are comfortable working independently in a clay studio and who have experience working in a series are encouraged to apply. This residency requires strong self-management skills.

Because of the residency’s length, applicants must be American citizens. At this time, Watershed cannot support work or study visas for international artists.

Guidelines

In addition to contact information, applicants must submit images of recent work and a CV or description of their experience related to their creative practice. This application also includes questions about your experience, interest in the Salad Days residency, and a design proposal for the Salad Days plates.

The design proposal comprises a written description and a visual prototype, which can take any form you choose: a sketch, a technical drawing, a photo of completed work, etc. We require Salad Days plates (or shallow bowls!) to be produced in terracotta, stackable, and between 7” and 10” in diameter. Beyond that, applicants should be creative and think outside the box. Please view the Salad Days Plate Archive for reference to past designs.  

Selection Process

The Salad Days artist is selected by Watershed staff in consultation with other practicing studio artists as needed. Consideration is given to the feasibility of the proposed design, quality of work, and experience working independently on functional production work. Applicants with promising proposals will be interviewed by Watershed staff to discuss their ideas and plans.

The application deadline is in March. Applicants will be notified of their standing by mid-April.

Responsibilites

During their residency, the Salad Days artist is responsible for making ~500 plates and ~30 small functional or decorative pieces for Watershed’s sustained donors. They design a custom Watershed t-shirt that is printed for Salad Days. The artist also sits on the jury panel that reviews our summer residency applications; this takes 10-15 hours.

During Salad Days, the Salad Days artist attends the Salad Days and the Garden Party and interfaces with donors and community members.  

Compensation

The Salad Days Residency is a fully-funded opportunity. In exchange for their work, the Salad Days artist receives:

• A $4,000 stipend paid monthly
• Housing in a private room w/ attached bathroom & kitchenette
• Meals and/or a meal stipend and access to our commercial kitchen
• A large dedicated studio space
• Free materials and firings
• Accommodations and meals during the Salad Days weekend
  

Applications to organize a residency are hosted through Slideroom.

Applications for the following summer run from March to June, with an information session in April. Accepted proposals are notified in August. See below for details on eligibility, application guidelines, selection process, responsibilities, and fees & financial support.

Eligibility

Watershed is committed to creating an equitable and welcoming space for all to explore creative practice. Any artist who is comfortable working independently in a clay studio may apply to organize a residency.

The organizer(s) act as a collaborator between the organization and the summer residency cohort. Up to two artists may collaborate in the organizer role. The ideal organizer is community-minded and willing to create cohesion and inclusivity amongst a diverse group of artists. An organizer is one who can facilitate exploration and community connection.

Guidelines

The organizer(s) conceive a theme that relates to their practice, interests, or issues in the field, then convene a group of 4 – 6 invited artists who share an interest in the proposed theme.

Applications must include a proposed session theme, preferred session dates, information about the organizer(s), including images of work, and information about the invited artists, including contact information, work samples, details about why these artists have been selected for the invited artist group, and confirmation that these invitees have agreed to take part in the session.

Selection Process

A jury panel composed of Watershed staff and guest jurors reviews the proposed submissions, considering the quality and feasibility of the session theme, the organizers’ and invited artists’ work and scope of practice, and how well the theme will resonate with a broader community of artists.

The application deadline is in June. Proposals will be notified in mid-August.

Responsibilites

As stated above, the organizer(s) act as a liaison between the organization and the summer residency cohort. As such, organizers are involved in and contribute to:

• Orientation and information meetings with residents and Watershed staff prior to the session
• Communication with the invited artist group, the residents, and the Watershed staff
• Helping to facilitate kiln firings and collaborative projects
• Promoting inclusion and a healthy community for all residents
• Helping to organize group activities  

Fees & Financial Support

All residency fees are subsidized thanks to generous support from our donors. It costs us around $3900 per person to host the residency. Watershed does not require any resident artist to pay this cost in full. The cost of a summer residency consists of the residency fee and the room & board fee. See the Summer Residency section for details.

The organizer participates in the residency free of charge. This fee waiver covers the residency fee and room & board fee. If two artists share the organizer role, they each receive a 50% discount on their residency fee and double-occupancy room & board fees at the invited artist rate.

Invited artists receive close to a 30% reduction of their residency fee. Invitees pay for room & board fees (see Summer Residency section for rates). Because of this financial support, invited artists are not eligible to receive additional scholarship funding from Watershed.

Kiln & Material Fees
‍Organizers & invited artists pay kiln and material fees on a per-use basis. Artists pay this sum on the last day of the residency session. Typically, an artist can expect to incur about $250 in material and firing costs. However, this figure varies based on usage.  

Payment Schedule
‍For invited artists, a $200 deposit is due upon registration after acceptance into a session. The deposit is applied against the residency fee. This is not an additional charge. Half of the remaining balance is due on April 15. Final payment for Sessions I, II, & III due May 15. Final payment for Sessions IV, V, & VI due June 15.

Payment Methods
‍Watershed accepts personal checks and cards. You may mail a check to 103 Cochran Road, Edgecomb, ME 04556.  Payments via credit or debit card can be made through our online portal.

Refund Policy
‍Please read our Cancellation Policy here.

Applications for Pre-Session are hosted through Watershed’s website.

Applications open in early spring, and applicants are notified one month before Pre-Session begins. See below for details on eligibility, application guidelines, selection process, and fees & financial support.

Eligibility

Watershed is committed to creating an equitable and welcoming space for all to explore creative practice. Any artist who is comfortable working independently in a clay studio may apply to participate in Pre-Session.

Residents should be aware that most tasks require physical exertion and/or exposure to nature. Attendees should come prepared to work outdoors in all kinds of weather and get dirty.

Specialized skills such as carpentry, general building maintenance, grounds keeping, and cleaning are highly desirable.

Please note: There is no formal ceramics instruction during Pre-Session, although knowledge-sharing amongst residents is encouraged, and studio staff are available for general support and troubleshooting.

Guidelines

Applicants are asked to provide contact information and answer questions about their ceramics experience and applicable skills.

Fees & Financial Support