Watershed’s fall residency provides artists unrestricted time to focus and explore in the studio. Artists have full access to Watershed’s state-of-the-art Windgate Studio, Commons kitchen and lounge, and comfortable on-campus housing. This is an independent residency designed to provide artists with time and space to expand their practice or explore new techniques amongst a small community of around six artists.
2026 Fall Residency Dates
November 2–20, 2026
Residency Details
Studios
Built in 2021, the 7,500 square-foot Windgate Studio offers artists a state-of-the-art, open concept space to work and connect with other makers. The studio provides ideal conditions for interaction and self-directed exploration at a variety of scales. During a residency, artists receive dedicated studio space that includes a canvas-covered table in the large open-concept workspace. Electric and kick wheels, as well as a variety of standard ceramic equipment — including slab-rollers, mixers, wheels, and an extruder — are available for resident artist use.
Amenities
- Single room with two twin beds in shared suite-style cabin
- 24-hour Studio access
- Use of Commons kitchen / dining / living room (excluding during event rentals with advance notice)
- Use of Studio kitchenette
- Use of Commons and Studio laundry facilities (fee-based)
- Kiln use (fee-based)
- Material use (fee-based)
- Dedicated space in an open studio environment
- Linens $25 / month rental (if needed)
Structure
November 2 to 20, 2026
Accepted artists attend Watershed for a three week period, living in cozy cabins and using the Commons with full kitchen and lounge area access. Staff are on campus throughout the week and available for support as needed, however, winter residents are expected to be able to work in the studio independently, there is no instruction or individual support. Residents are also responsible for their own meals. Fall residents are expected to manage their studio practice independently, there is no instruction or individual support.
Fees
Application Fee
$25
Residency Fee
$1,050
Housing Fee
$650
Kiln and Material Fees
Residents pay a-la-carte fees for use of Watershed’s stock clay materials and kiln firing fees. Fees are due at the end of each month.
Payment Schedule
$200 deposit is required to secure your spot. The full balance is due on September 15.
Cancellations
Please read our cancellation policy here.
Scholarships
Thanks to the generous support of our donors, we are able to offer scholarship support for the fall season.
See the residency application for more information.
Support our Scholarship Fund!
Donations to our Scholarship Fund help ensure that cost is never a barrier to attending a residency at Watershed.
Application Details
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 on September 15.
Payment Methods
Invoices for payments are sent to artists via email. Watershed accepts cards and personal checks. You may mail a check to 103 Cochran Road, Edgecomb, ME, 04556.
Refund Policy
Please read our Cancellation Policy here.
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.
Ready to apply?
The 2026 Fall Residency application closes on July 13, 2026.
