Focus On: Summer Residencies & Workshops 2021

When will everything return to normal?” As we move into the new year, perhaps a better question to ask is, “What is still possible?” The good news is that the number of possibilities grows every day. While residencies and workshops were not exempt from having to refocus or pause amidst the COVID-19 crisis, many are reopening their doors (in-person and virtually) to artists nationwide. Residencies provide a respite from the day-to-day, many located within breathtaking spaces across New England. Some tout Thoreau-esque peace and seclusion, while others promote community and collaboration. If you’re looking to remain close to home, many organizations offer innovative workshops to spark the joy of creation. Like the artists who enjoy them, no two programs are the same.

Residencies and workshops help to imagine what is still possible—and encourages you to make it happen. Look ahead and plan!

Maine

Haystack Mountain School of Crafts
An international, non-profit, studio program in the arts offering a two-week residency program, one- and two-week workshops to craftmakers and visual artists of all skill levels led by prominent faculty artists, and an annual conference focused on craft and community. The award-winning campus, designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes, is a series of shingled buildings cascading down the hillside overlooking Jericho Bay and the Deer Isle Thoroughfare. Please note for 2021: Individuals that were accepted into the program last year have been deferred to the coming season and as a result no new applications are being accepted this year. The next application cycle for the Open Studio Residency will take place in 2022. For more information about Haystack’s Open Studio Residency and its response to the coronavirus pandemic, visit haystack-mtn.org or contact (207) 348-2306.

Massachusetts

Montserrat College of Art
Dates and registration deadlines vary.
Montserrat College of Art offers summer programs for teens and adults both online and at its beautiful campus, three blocks from the ocean in historic, downtown Beverly, MA. The Pre-College Summer Program, July 11–31, is a three-week residential immersive art experience for high school students to take their art to the next level, build their college portfolio, and earn three college credits. The Art Educator Summer Institute, June 27–July 2, is a week-long summer program created for art educators teaching grades K through 12, and Community College Art Educators. The program offers an opportunity for educators from across the country to develop their own practice and build new skills that they can bring back to their classrooms.

23 Essex St., Beverly, MA
(978) 921-4242
montserrat.edu

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Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill
Nestled in the dunes of Truro and within walking distance to the bay, Castle Hill’s location provides an inspirational and meditative backdrop that enhances the workshop and residency experience. The wide range of workshops taught by distinguished faculty includes painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and more (workshops will be both virtual and in-person). Castle Hill hosts and produces the International Encaustic Conference June 5 & 6 (in 2021 it will be virtual) with two weeks of pre- and post conference workshops, both in person and virtual.

Castle Hill also offers a spring, fall, and summer artist residency for visual artists and writers. Visit opportunities on their website: castlehill.org.

New York

Millay Colony for the Arts
Millay’s Core Residency—offered free of charge to all accepted—includes private bedroom and studio, groceries, chef-prepared communal (delicious!) dinners along with a gifted and supportive multidisciplinary cohort. A gift from Edna St. Vincent Millay, Steepletop has blueberry fields, meadows, wooded trails, and much more to explore. Since 1973 they have hosted over 3,000 creators; their alumni are consistently honored with Pulitzer and Lambda Literary Prizes, Guggenheim Fellowships, PEN/America and National Book awards. Works created while in residence enrich lives and communities globally.

The next deadline is March 1, 2021 (late application is March 8)—Now accepting applications! millaycolony.submittable.com/submit.

454 East Hill Road
Austerlitz, NY 12017
(518) 392-3103; (518) 392-4144
residency@millaycolony.org
millaycolony.org

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While it is easier said than done, take time this winter to dwell on the possible. In the search for inspiration, you may even find new answers to those earlier questions. Perhaps you will decide not to return to “normal” and choose something different for yourself.

NOTE: All information is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. Please refer to the individual organizations’ website to receive the most up-to-date information and policies.