Pre-Session is Watershed’s annual work trade residency in which participants work side-by-side with our permanent and seasonal staff to prepare the facilities, equipment, and grounds for the summer season. In exchange for 40 hours of work spread over ten days, residents have full access to the Windgate Studio, are provided with housing and three meals a day.
Projects include repairing and cleaning studios and equipment, landscape and grounds maintenance, and cleaning residential building interiors and exteriors.Projects are assigned based on skill level and experience. Most tasks require physical exertion and/or exposure to nature and the elements. Attendees should come prepared to work outdoors in all kinds of weather and get dirty.Specialized skills such as carpentry and general building maintenance, grounds keeping, and cleaning are highly desirable.
Residency Details
Itinerary
Monday
Check-in: 12–4 PM
Campus Orientation: 4–6 PM
Dinner: 6 PM
Tuesday–Friday
Work: 9 AM–4 PM
Lunch: 12:30–1:30 PM
Saturday–Sunday
Off / Studio Day
Monday–Tuesday
Work: 9 AM–4 PM
Lunch: 12:30–1:30 PM
Wednesday
Work 9 AM–12:3M PM
Rest of Day: Off
Thursday
Cleanup and Breakfast
Dinner is served every day except for Saturday. Artists will eat leftovers or prepare their own meals on Saturday.
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 an individual canvas-covered worktable. The studio is equipped with a glaze lab, spray booth, and plaster room. Electric and kick wheels, as well as a variety of standard ceramic equipment — including slab-rollers, mixers, and an extruder — are available for resident artist use.
Fees
Participation in Pre-Session is free, with the exception of materials prices.
Interested in applying?
Our 2027 Pre-Session application opens in March. Detailed information on how to apply is listed on our Applications page, and generally stays consistent across years.
Have questions? Read our FAQ →
