Executive Director: David S. East (he/him)
David East has over 20 years experience as a ceramic artist and educator, 15 of which, in a leadership role. East’s work includes an arts practice, education, curatorial work, writing as well as a long and varied involvement with Watershed. From his time as the cook and co-residence manager in 1995, to work in service to the organization, to his participation as an artist in residence, David’s commitment to Watershed is long standing.
David has served as the Faculty Advisor of Ceramics at the Maryland Institute College of Art, and has taught and been a visiting artist at numerous locations including University of Missouri-Columbia, Alfred University, Kansas City Art Institute, and the Tainan National College of Art, Taiwan. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally including in the GICBiennale Incheon, Korea, solo exhibitions at the Jane Hartsook Gallery, Greenwich House Pottery, NY, NY, Schulman Project, Baltimore, MD and many others. He has received numerous awards including, Individual Artist Awards from the Maryland State Arts Council, the Lighton Foundation, and the McKnight Foundation
David lives in Brunswick with his wife Catherine, a textile designer and artist, and son, Ronan.
Finance & Operations Manager: Tamsen Brooke Warner (she/her)
Tamsen does Watershed’s bookkeeping, prepares logistically for residencies, workshops, and the Salad Days Pottery Sale, and a little bit of everything else. She acts as a point of contact, so you’ll find her answering the phone, giving campus tours, and selling Watershed’s cute merch in the gallery shop.
Prior to joining the Watershed team in 2021, Tamsen worked at the Waterville Opera House for seven years in various roles, including executive director, box office manager, stage manager, and scenic painter. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and has worked with Waterville Creates, Ogunquit Playhouse, The Muny in St. Louis, and Connecticut Repertory Theatre. Tamsen learned she loves playing with clay at Ticonic Studios in Waterville and has taken an interest in slab-building pots. She resides in Augusta with her partner Ryan and two very spoiled, adorable cats.
Studio & Facilities Manager: Matthew Dercole (he/him)
Matthew Dercole brings a wealth of studio management and teaching experience and a wide range of skill & expertise in ceramic materials, equipment and techniques. As a previous resident, summer staff member, artist and educator with deep ties to the ceramics community, Matthew has an appreciation of the positive impact a Watershed residency experience has on artists and looks forward to contributing to Watershed’s creative community as Studio & Facilities Manager.
Matthew received his MFA in Ceramics from the University of Iowa. He has held positions as Work Study at the Clay Studio in Philadelphia, and studio staff at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts. He has participated as Artist in Residence at the Lux Center for the Arts in Lincoln NE, Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago IL, and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg TN. Matthew has worked for artist Theaster Gates and Rebuild Foundation and has held instructor positions in ceramics at multiple art centers and universities across the US. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including museums in Spain, Croatia, South Korea and Slovenia.
Studio Coordinator: Koala Largess (they/them)
Koala is a transplant from Baltimore who’s passionate about animals, the environment, and social justice work. They bring this lens to their work by crafting space for diverse peoples and cultivating appreciation for the materials they use. Starting in an industrial setting, Koala came to Maine to learn how to build boats. They’re a curious and tactile learner who dabbles in any medium they’re exposed to. You’ll find Koala around Watershed doing maintenance, helping residents and staff, and enjoying the local wildlife.
Program Coordinator: Aidan Fraser (she/her)
Aidan works behind the scenes to organize Watershed’s residencies, workshops, events, and exhibitions. A ceramist herself, she owns and operates Luster Hustler Ceramics. A Humanities graduate of the University of Southern Maine, Aidan has worked in clay for more than 10 years, starting with Raku firing at Watershed as a teenager and more recently firing the salt and wood kilns. She has worked at several Maine pottery studios, including Edgecomb Potters, Damariscotta Pottery, Running with Scissors Studios, and C&M Ceramics. While working at The Good Supply – a shop in Bristol, ME that features work by Maine artists and artisans – Aidan developed a passion for learning about other artists’ processes. At Watershed, Aidan is thrilled to work in the office on programs and events, and on her own work in the Windgate Studio.
Communications Coordinator: Georgia Howe (she/her)
Georgia is the person behind Watershed’s marketing and social media. A recent grad from Emerson College, she holds a degree in Creative Writing and has a knack for interdisciplinary innovation. While in Boston, Georgia gained years of experience implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in creative work. Her past work has ranged from creative direction to community outreach to social media management. She has multiple articles and fiction pieces published, and currently works on the newsletter team for a literary and arts magazine called Same Faces Collective.
Outside of work, you’ll find Georgia galavanting around Maine, either hiking, swimming, and paddleboarding. She loves writing, thrifting, and trying out new creative escapades. The key to her heart is a good cup of tea and a story to share.