Watershed’s winter residency & rental program offers one to three months of unstructured time for artists to immerse themselves in practice. The winter residency strikes a balance between living and working in community and focused solitude. Each resident receives dedicated space in our open concept studio — the perfect setting for all-encompassing exploration, from large production projects to multidisciplinary research through clay.
Artists may choose between a residency or rental agreement in their application.
2027 Winter Residency Dates
January Session: January 4 to January 29, 2027
February Session: February 1 to February 26, 2027
March Session: March 1 to March 26, 2027
Details
Structure
Accepted artists commit to one or more months at Watershed and may choose between a studio rental arrangement, which provides access to the studio building only; or be in-residence, living on campus in cozy cabins and using the Commons with full kitchen and living 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 and cook meals for themselves.
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 300 square feet of studio space, with two canvas-covered work tables and a shelf. 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.
Resident Amenities
- 24-hour Studio access
- Dedicated space in an open studio environment (such as two tables & a shelf, approx 300 sq ft)
- Kiln use (fee-based)
- Material use (fee-based)
- Use of studio laundry facilities for studio laundry (fee-based and not for personal laundry)
- Use of wood shop with approval from Studio Manager
- Use of Studio kitchenette
- 24-hour Commons access: kitchen/ dining/living room (excluding during event rentals with advance notice)
- Use of Commons laundry facilities (fee-based)
- Single room with a shared bathroom OR single room with private bathroom
- Guests permitted, 3 night maximum, $65 / night
- Linens $25 / month rental (if needed)
Renter Amenities
- 24-hour Studio access
- Dedicated space in an open studio environment (such as two tables & a shelf, approx 300 sq ft)
- Kiln use (fee-based)
- Material use (fee-based)
- Use of Studio laundry facilities for studio laundry (fee-based and not for personal laundry)
- Use of wood shop with approval from Studio Manager
- Use of Studio kitchenette
Renters do not have use of other campus buildings, sleeping and bathing are not permitted in the studio.
Fees
Application Fee
$25
Residency Fee
$1,250
Payment Schedule
$400 deposit for each month of residency due upon registration. Full payment due November 1. Details here.
Housing Fee
Single Room / Shared Bath — $750
Single Room / Private Bath — $900
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.
Cancellations
Please read our cancellation policy here.
Interested in applying?
Our 2027 Winter Residency application is now open!
