Sheepscot Arts Preserve
Sheepscot Arts Preserve is a new artist residency center that is dedicated to supporting Visionary, Outsider and Narrative (Visual) Artists of all disciplines with an emphasis on visual artists. We are located on 42 beautiful acres bordering the Sheepscot River in Alna, Maine. The center provides group and individual artist residencies, free of cost. We also provide some, to all, of the meals depending on the type of residency you attend. We especially encourage self-taught artists and marginalized artists to apply but welcome everyone who feels as if our residency is the right fit.
Our housing includes year round yurts, an off-grid cabin, and bedrooms in the 1800's farmhouse. Each artist has their own studio space to work and access to all communal areas on the property. Our studio spaces change depending on the needs of the artists in residence but are located throughout the different buildings on the property, including the yurts and the large timber frame barn. We are in a quiet rural area and have hiking trails that wind throughout the property.
We offer stipends to offset the cost of travel/loss of work for those who can't attend without one.
We have a suggested donation to cover our costs but our program is free to all, and your choice of donation is not part of our selection process.
180 Golden Ridge Rd.
Alna, ME 94118
United States
Residency Program Information
Residency Program Summary
Application Information
We accept Visionary, Outsider and Narrative (Visual) Artists of all disciplines with an emphasis on visual artists. Please see our website for info on what is meant by these terms. In particular please note that Narrative art refers to a distinct style of Visual Art.
We do not have any expectations for how your unique style fits into our defined vision but rather want to create a place for artists to explore on their own terms. If our program resonates with you, we welcome your application.
We are a new art center and are slowly building out our facilities, please check out the info on our website to make sure that we can provide everything you need.
Our program is free of charge.
We have some stipends on offer for up to $500 per session for travel/materials/childcare.
For group Residencies we provide all meals.
For Individual Residencies we provide dinner.
Donations are appreciated but not mandatory. We will offer you the choice to donate after you have already been accepted into the program. We make no judgments based on whether your choose to donate or not.
Suggested donation is up to $250 per session to offset the costs of running the center.
Accessibility
We are a new art center and are working hard to make parts of the property accessible to everyone. At this moment we are not ADA accessible but if you think our space will work for you, please contact us and we will work to the best of our ability to accommodate you. By it’s very nature, people with mobility issues will find it difficult to get around. We are at the bottom of a long gravel driveway and the facilities are located in separate buildings accessed via an extensive lawn, and through dirt paths through the woods.
Housing & Accomodation
The communal areas include the kitchen, dining room and living room, a growing library, and a digital workspace. There are 2 porches, old outdoor classrooms, hiking trails and multiple outbuildings that residents can all use. Laundry facilities and a clothesline are available for residents to use.
Studio & Facilities
Each resident is provided with a dedicated work space.
Private workspaces include adjustable height tables, comfortable drafting chairs, lighting, storage, and walls or screens for hanging art,
The communal spaces in the large barn include privacy screens, large work tables, tall stools, and lighting.
All artists have use of all the communal materials including extra tables, an easel, a light box, tools, extra lighting, extension cords, tarps, a wash station, and leftover communal art supplies. Artists also have use of the communal textiles studio and access to the wood shop and a small table top printing press.
Residents must bring their own art supplies and are welcome to ship supplies in advance if needed.