Salad Days Residency

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.

The Salad Days artist-in-residence spends seven months at Watershed — from September to April — producing 500 plates or shallow bowls for the following summer’s Salad Days. The artist is also commissioned to create approximately thirty small functional or decorative pieces for Watershed’s sustained giving donors.

The residency runs on campus during Watershed’s quieter programming season. While the Artist works closely with studio staff to fine-tune their plate design and making process, much of the work is completed independently. Strong self-management skills and comfort working independently in a rural area are essential.

All work is fired in Watershed’s kilns and is produced in terracotta clay. While Salad Days plates or shallow bowls should have a diameter of 8″ to 10″ and be stackable, the Artist has considerable creative license regarding the form and design. If the Artist completes their commissioned pieces early, they may stay at Watershed through the end of the residency period working on personal projects.

During the second weekend of July, the Salad Days Artist returns to Watershed to take part in the Salad Days celebration featuring their plates. Hundreds of guests visit the campus to select a plate of their choice, enjoy a delicious lunch, shop for pottery, and watch artist demonstrations. The Salad Days Artist often gives a talk on their work and has the opportunity to connect with the people who purchase their plates during the fundraiser.