Watershed’s Board of Trustees is delighted to announce that Sadie Bliss has stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director. In this capacity, Sadie will support ongoing programming, operations, and fundraising through the transition to a new permanent executive director in 2024.
Sadie is a long-time Watershed peer, supporter, and former Salad Days coordinator (back when the event was held in the front yard of Thompson Hall!). A seasoned leader, she served as Executive Director of the Maine Crafts Association (MCA) for over ten years, leaving that role in 2022. She brings strong arts administration experience and a deep dedication and connection to Maine, craft artists, and the organizations serving our thriving creative communities.
“I am excited to join Watershed at this pivotal time and am thrilled to support an organization I’ve long known and admired for their mission and vision,” shared Sadie. “As I get to know the staff, board, beautiful campus, and incredible facilities, I look forward to bringing programs and events to life between now and next summer.
I hope you will join me in contributing to Watershed’s growth and success by making a donation to our annual appeal, attending Salad Days (7/13/24), or applying for a residency – it will be incredible to see all of you here!”
As an experienced executive-level arts administrator, Bliss has dedicated her career to nurturing mission driven and fiscally thriving organizations. She is committed to empowering staff; contributing to diverse, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming systems and cultures; and creating new opportunities for connection and growth.
Sadie grew up in rural New Hampshire – the daughter of a self-employed ceramic artist. She earned a Masters Degree in Arts Administration from Boston University and became the Executive Director of MCA in 2012 after working for the organization since 2009. Prior to her time at MCA , Sadie served as Director of artSTRAND gallery in Provincetown, MA and managed CraftBoston, the Society of Arts and Crafts’ annual contemporary craft show.
Additionally, Sadie co-founded and directed Co.7, a gallery, studio, and event space in Portland, Oregon. She has worked with the Maine Arts Commission, The Mayor of Boston’s Office of Arts, and The Boston Center for the Arts, facilitating public art programming and conducting market research. While in Boston, Sadie lived and worked as a studio artist at The Distillery, where she organized open studio events, and collaborated with Rope-a-Dope poetry and printmaking press.
When she isn’t at Watershed, Sadie can be found skiing and snowboarding, at an ocean or lakeside beach, or enjoying the arts, community, and restaurants in Portland with her husband Loc and two children, Marvin and Juno.