2025 Winter Residency & Rental

Winter Residency and Studio Rentals at Watershed

Watershed invites artists to apply for our first winter season residency program to take place January 6, 2025 – March 28, 2025. The winter season at Watershed is designed to offer unstructured time and space for artists to immerse themselves in their practice, new projects and initiatives, utilizing Watershed’s state-of-the-art ceramics facility. The program will accommodate eight artists at a time, creating opportunity to live and work in community and also space for solitude and focus.

Artists accepted to the program will commit to one or more months in residence. Residents may choose between a studio rental arrangement, which provides access to the studio building only; or be in-residence, living on campus, using the new Commons building with full kitchen access and studio. Studio, administrative and program 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 meals provided during the winter season.

The deadline for first consideration is July 15th. Applicants will be notified within two weeks. Rolling applications will continue to be accepted as space is available thereafter. 

APPLY FOR 2025

Who Should Apply?

The Winter Residency and Studio rentals are open to any artist interested in time and space at Watershed. While our equipment and space is designed for ceramic practices, any artists (including artists with practices outside 2D and 3D work) are welcome to apply. Our staff may not be able to provide lengthy training on kilns or equipment, so artists who are not trained may need to consider seeking outside training or proposing projects within their current skill set. 

For example, we can imagine a fiber artist or studio jeweler being in residence and working in clay to create an element to incorporate into their work. We could provide support in using an electric kiln to complete a project like this.

Applicants should review the last section of this page titled “Please Consider” to determine if they understand and accept the winter conditions that may present during their time here.

Session Timing

Winter Residents & Renters will request one to three sessions. Each residency / rental period starts the first Monday of each month and ends the last Friday. Requests for extensions may be granted if space is available.

January Session: Monday, January 6 – Friday, January 31
February Session: Monday, February 3 – Friday, February 28th
March Session: Monday, March 3 – Friday, March 28th

Residents / Renters may stay through if staying for consecutive sessions

Resident Amenities

  • 24-hour Studio access
  • Use of Studio kitchenette
  • Kiln use (fee-based) 
  • Material use (fee-based)
  • Dedicated space in an open studio environment (such as two tables & a shelf, approx 300 sq ft)
  • Use of studio laundry facilities for studio laundry (fee-based and not for personal laundry)
  • Use of wood shop 
  • Single room with two twin beds in shared cabin
  • Use of Commons kitchen / dining / living room (excluding during event rentals with advance notice)
  • Use of Commons laundry facilities (fee-based)
  • Guests permitted, 3 night maximum, $50 / night
  • Linens $25 / month rental (if needed)

Renter Amenities

  • 24-hour Studio access
  • Use of Studio kitchenette
  • Kiln use (fee-based) 
  • Material use (fee)
  • Dedicated space in an open studio environment (such as two tables & a shelf, approx 300 sq ft)
  • Use of Studio laundry facilities for studio laundry (fee-based and not for personal laundry)
  • Use of wood shop 

Renters do not have use of other campus buildings, sleeping and bathing are not permitted in the studio.

Cost & Fees

Application fee: None
Residency per session: $1000
Rental per session: $500

Kiln & Material Fees:
Residents/Renters will 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:
A $200 nonrefundable deposit will be required within two weeks of acceptance to secure your spot and the balance is due by the last day of the month preceding the residency/rental session. Example: if you are notified on August 1st that you have a two-month residency in February & March, you will pay two $200 deposits by August 14th, the balance on January 31 and the full amount for March by February 28.

Please Consider!

  • Winter at Watershed can be icy, snowy & cold. Staff will work to maintain roads, paths and access to buildings during weather events.
  • Residents should be prepared to not be able to leave campus easily during major storms.
  • Winter residents & renters are expected to manage their studio practice independently, there is no instruction or individual support. Staff is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe and functional studio, is part of the community and can assist or advise from time to time.