Brief Description
The Salad Days Artist Residency at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts is a seven-month program where the selected artist produces 500 terracotta plates or shallow bowls for the center’s annual Salad Days fundraiser. This event attracts hundreds of art lovers who collect handmade ceramic works while enjoying a summer picnic. The resident artist also creates around 30 functional or decorative pieces for Watershed’s donor program.

Information & Application Details

  • Deadline: March 7, 2025
  • Duration: 7 months (September–April)
  • Location: Edgecomb, United States
  • Application Fee: $25
  • Application Type: Online

Eligibility

  • Open to U.S. citizens only (Watershed cannot support work or study visas for international applicants).
  • Artists must be comfortable working independently in a clay studio and have experience with production work.
  • Selection is based on proposal feasibility, quality of work, and ability to work independently on functional pieces.

Theme

  • Ceramics, specifically terracotta plates or shallow bowls (8″–10″ in diameter and stackable).

How to Apply

  • Complete the Salad Days Artist application (available on the Watershed website).
  • Submit a written description and visual prototype (sketch, drawing, or photo) of your proposed plate design.
  • Include images of past work.
  • Shortlisted applicants may be interviewed by Watershed staff.

Submission Requirements

  • Proposal for plate/bowl design (written & visual)
  • Portfolio of past work
  • Experience and interest in production ceramics

Selection Process

  • Applications are reviewed by Watershed staff with input from practicing ceramic artists.
  • Artists are notified by mid-April.
  • The residency begins in mid-September and runs until April.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • $4,000 stipend
  • Private housing
  • Free meals or meal stipend
  • Large dedicated studio space
  • Free materials and firings
  • Participation in Salad Days fundraiser & public artist talk
  • Time for personal projects after completing required work

Contact & Resources

  • Address: 103 Cochran Road, Edgecomb, ME 04556, USA

Website: watershedceramics.org/residencies/salad-days-artist-residency/

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