Open Studio Residency

Two people, one wearing a green Haystack beanie, a red shirt, black apron, and a protective face mask, the other wearing their brown hair in a ponytail, a gray shirt and a multicolored protective face mask, discuss a project at a jewelry bench.

Two people, one wearing a green Haystack beanie, a red shirt, black apron, and a protective face mask, the other wearing their brown hair in a ponytail, a gray shirt and a multicolored protective face mask, discuss a project at a jewelry bench.

Overhead shot of a person working on a clay wheel, their hands covered in wet clay and the beginnings of a ceramic project on the wheel.

Overhead shot of a person working on a clay wheel, their hands covered in wet clay and the beginnings of a ceramic project on the wheel.

Close-up shot of hands working at a jeweler's bench sanding a piece of metal.

Close-up shot of hands working at a jeweler's bench sanding a piece of metal.

View of the backs of two people, one with dark, medium length hair and wearing a green jacket, the other with short dark hair and wearing a blue shirt, look at a laptop screen with various photographs displayed on the screen.

View of the backs of two people, one with dark, medium length hair and wearing a green jacket, the other with short dark hair and wearing a blue shirt, look at a laptop screen with various photographs displayed on the screen.

On a rainy, gray day, two people walk along a wooden walkways outside one of the shingled haystack studios.

On a rainy, gray day, two people walk along a wooden walkways outside one of the shingled haystack studios.

A person with short hair and wearing protective goggle, a dark sweatshirt, and a black apron, holds a flaming torch in the metals studio, while another person with dark hair and wearing protective glasses and a face mask looks on.

A person with short hair and wearing protective goggle, a dark sweatshirt, and a black apron, holds a flaming torch in the metals studio, while another person with dark hair and wearing protective glasses and a face mask looks on.

Open Studio Residency

Deer Isle, ME, United States

Haystack’s Open Studio Residency runs from September 1–12, 2025. The program fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas among peers and provides two weeks of studio time and an opportunity to work in a community of makers. The program supports approximately fifty participants—from the craft field and other creative disciplines—who have uninterrupted time to work in six studios (ceramics, fiber, glass, graphics, metals, and wood) to develop ideas and experiment in various media. Participants can choose to work in one particular studio or move among them depending on the nature of their work. All of the studios are staffed by technicians who can assist with projects.

The Haystack Fab Lab will also be open, providing an opportunity for experimentation with digital fabrication as a way for residents to augment and complement their creative practices. In addition to open studios, there will be time for participants to share work and discuss ideas across disciplines. Residents include established and emerging artists working in a range of visual art and craft-based materials—individuals working in craft, art, design, writing, and other creative disciplines—and who are self-directed and focused—are encouraged to apply.

Contact

PO 518
Deer Isle, ME 04627
United States

Year Founded
2013
Context
Rural
Remote
Residency Structure
Embedded in a craft school
Residency Program Type
Studio-based (with housing)
Retreat
Residency Length
2 weeks - 2 weeks
Languages
English
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
50
Collaborative Residency
May apply as a team
Discipline
Book Arts
Ceramics/Clay Arts/Pottery
Digital Fabrication
Digital Media
Environmental Arts
Fine Metals/Jewelry
Glass Arts
Graphic Design
Installation Arts
Interdisciplinary Arts
Landscape Architecture
Mixed Media
Moving Image
Multimedia Arts
Painting
Paper Arts
Printmaking
Sculpture
Sound Art
Storytelling
Textile & Fiber Arts/Weaving
Visual Arts
Woodworking
Companions
Pets are not allowed
Country of Residence
Open to artists based anywhere in the world
Family Friendly
Residents granted leave during residency
Stage of Career
Any stage of career
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Donate a work of art
Participate in public programming
Participate in open studio with fellow residents
How does your residency program support artists?
Opportunity to be in another context
Immersion in new culture and/context
Unstructured time
Access to studio space to create new work
Access to equipment, specialized facilities and/or technical support
Inspiration from natural environment
Opportunities to collaborate with other artists/residents
Opportunities to develop relationships with other artists/residents
Additional Eligibility Information

An independent committee reviews applications to the Open Studio Residency and both national and international artists working in a variety of disciplines are eligible for consideration. Past participants may reapply to the residency but preference may be given to first-time applicants. Selection is based on work samples, the nature and scope of the project that will be done during the residency (if applicable), and the ability to work in a creative community. All applications are for the entire two-week session. Participants must be twenty-one years of age or older to participate in the Open Studio Residency.

For full Open Studio Residency info, visit our website HERE

Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
50
Total Applicant Pool in Most Current Year
200
Artist Stipend
0
US Dollar (USD)
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
0
US Dollar (USD)
Fee Details

Those selected to participate only cover the costs of their travel and material fees. ⁠

Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support
Application Fee
0
US Dollar (USD)
Application Type
Open application
What does your program provide during the residency experience?
Manual / handbook before arrival
Communication before arrival to discuss accommodations, medical conditions, or other health needs
Orientation upon arrival
Assistive listening devices
Staff/volunteer providing guidance to help locate facilities or activities
Is your campus wheelchair accessible?
Inaccessible
Additional Accessibility Information

Some buildings are accessible to those with mobility issues and we will work with you on meeting your needs as closely as we can.

Caregiver/Aide/PCA
Housing available on campus
Case by case consideration by staff
Accessibility Contact Name
Haystack Registrar
Accessibility Contact Email
registrar@haystack-mtn.org
Accessibility Contact Phone Number
Type of Housing
Private housing on campus (individual apartment/cabin/house)
Shared bedroom
Accessible Housing
Inaccessible
Housing for Companion And/or Caregivers
Case by case consideration
Accessible Communal Spaces
Inaccessible
Additional Housing Information
No laundry access
No WIFI in housing
Meals Provided
All meals
Additional Meals Information
Vegan meal options can be requested
Vegetarian meal options can be requested
Gluten-free meal options can be requested
Kosher and halal options can be requested
Food allergies and restrictions can be accommodated
Snack and beverage provided
Computer/Internet Access
Computer and internet connection provided in common area (shared)
Studios/Facilities Details

Please check out website for more detailed studio equipment information.

Studios/Special Equipment
Shared Studios
Dedicated Studio/Shop Technicians - Full Time
Exhibition / Installation Space
Ceramics Workspace
Electric Wheels
Kick Wheels
Slab Roller
Clay Mixers
Raku Kiln
Electric Kiln
Gas Kiln
Glass Blowing Workspace
Dedicated Metal Shop
Plasma Cutter
Heavy Metals / Blacksmithing
Fine Metals / Jewelry Making
Jeweler’s Bench
Anvils, Stakes + Hammers
Hydraulic Press
Soldering Workspace
Gas/Oxy Torches
Acetylene/Air Torches
Soldering Picks+Tweezers
Solderite Boards
Bench Grinder
Buffing Machine
Enameling Kilns
Large Format Printer / Plotter
Printers + Scanner
Easels
Drawing Benches
Printmaking Workspaces
Book Arts Facilities
Etching Press
Glass Inking Table
Drying Racks
Hot Plates
Paper Soaking Sinks
Light Tables
Large Sinks
Washout Room
Papermaking Studio
Textiles Workspace
Floor Looms
Fiber Arts Workspace
Dye Area
Padded Screen Print Tables
Dedicated Wood Shop
Woodworking Tools
Tablesaw
Bandsaw
Router Table
Jointer
Planer
Wood Vises And Wood Working Table
Other
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
Inaccessible
Studio Support/Tech
Studio/facility orientation provided
Studio support provided by dedicated tech
Studios/facilities Details