Studio size?
Summer: 200–300 sq. ft.
Winter: ~100 sq. ft.
What are the summer studios like?
Our summer studios are located in refurbished livestock pens in the Luther Barn. We provide two tables, two chairs, and each studio has at least two working walls and some built in storage.
What are the winter studios like?
Our winter studios are located in Maxon Mills in converted hotel rooms from the 1920s. Studios are heated and kept at a comfortable temperature. The studios are semi-private, with 8’ partition walls which are open on top. We provide a table and chair.
Can I ship ahead art supplies?
Yes. There’s no art supply store in town, so plan ahead. There’s an art supply store 40 minutes away in Poughkeepsie, if need be.
Can I put holes in the walls?
Yes, go bananas. Spackle over anything larger than a pushpin hole before you leave.
What’s available in the Wood Shop?
Inventory list here.
What’s available in the Print Shop?
Inventory list here.
What’s available in the Wood Shop?
Inventory list here.
Are shop materials provided?
We have some scrap materials donated by previous residents and our print shop has a few common-use screens, but come prepared with your own wood, ink, etc.
Is there a slop sink?
Only in Maxon Mills.
Any material restrictions?
Nothing flammable or hazardous! Our studios are old and made entirely of wood. And be careful with toxic fumes, especially in the winter studios. No disposing of anything toxic in the sinks — we want to keep our river clean. If you’re unsure about it, ask.
WiFi?
Yes. In both your house and our summer/winter studios.
What is expected of me while I’m at the residency?
We’re not a product-oriented organization, so you don’t need to produce anything while in residence if you don't want to. Our program is open-ended and lets residents make their own studio hours, but all residents are highly encouraged to participate in monthly evenings of artist talks and sign up for studio visits.
Can I sell my work during the residency?
Of course. Open Studios on the last Saturday are a great opportunity to make sales. Artists are encouraged to give a 10% donation to the Wassaic Project of any works sold directly out of their studios.
Move-in date?
The 2nd of each month, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM (unless the 2nd falls on a Sunday or Monday, in which case move-in is on Tuesday). Our Residency Director, Will, will help coordinate your arrival/orientation.
Where will I live?
You’ll have a private room in one of our three residency houses: the Lodge, Schoolhouse, or HVA. All of the houses are walking distance from the studios and have plenty of parking.
In the summer, family residents live in the left half of the Schoolhouse. In the winter, family residents get the whole HVA.
How many artists are in residence each month?
9–12, in 9 bedrooms. Each artist or artist team gets their own bedroom with the appropriate number of beds.
Are meals provided?
No. Residents are responsible for their own meals (and bonds are formed in the kitchen!)
Are there washers/dryers in the houses?
Yes, there’s one washer/dryer setup in the Lodge.
Can I bring a spouse/partner/collaborator?
Yes. Non-family residents must pay a $100 impact fee, however. Guests are not allowed to use the studios or workshop spaces unless they also apply and are accepted to the residency program.
What if my spouse/partner/collaborator wants their own studio?
They’ll need to apply separately. Please note whether you’d be willing to come if they’re not accepted, though.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes. Check out our Family Residency! Now runs year-round.
Is the residency/housing accessible for people with disabilities?
Our residency is housed in historic spaces that are not accessible. Some of our summer studios have ramp access, but our residency housing and winter studios are up at least a short set of stairs. Our bathrooms are not ADA compliant, but during the summer we have ADA compliant porta-potties onsite. Artists who need to move around, twitch, pace, or not make eye contact are welcome. If you have access needs not addressed here, email us and we’ll work with you to support them.
This access text was adapted from the text developed by the Canaries for Refuge in the Means at Recess Art.
What to bring for the house?
The kitchen is stocked with pots, pans, plates, cups, etc. All the standard kitchen stuff. We provide bedding (sheets, pillows, blankets), but bring your bath towel. We’ll keep the bathroom stocked with toilet paper, hand soap, etc.
Do you have extra blankets?
Yes. Talk to us.
What to bring in general?
Art supplies. This is the big one — there are no art supply stores nearby.
Weather-appropriate clothing.
Proper footwear. Be smart — no open-toed sandals in the Wood Shop.
Towels, extra bedding (we’ll cover sheets, pillows, and a blanket).
Toiletries, medicine, etc. There’s a pharmacy in Amenia.
Bug spray with DEET. Summer gets muggy. Mosquitos and ticks love that.
Headphones. You’re sharing a space — no blasting hair metal at 7:00 AM in the Barn.
Ear plugs. You’ll probably get used to the train, but light sleepers may want ear plugs.
What not to bring?
Cats, hot plates, toxic materials. Again, be smart and ask if you’re unsure.
Visitors?
Yes. Any visitors need to be approved by staff and sign a waiver (which is sent to the Residency Director) before their arrival. Visitors can stay with a resident for up to three consecutive days, after which the resident will be charged a $100 per month impact fee.
Composting?
In the summer.
What’s it like?
Our residency houses and studios are located throughout the hamlet. Local attractions include a post office, a small general store, the Wassaic Park, and The Lantern Inn. All of these are within walking distance to each other. There is a shallow creek that flows alongside the road and a large expansive field just outside Luther Barn's studios. It’s a quiet town, and we love it.
Getting around?
We recommend bringing a car, but NYC is easily accessible by train via Wassaic’s Metro North stop ($37 round trip). Staff members/residents make weekly grocery runs. Housing, studios, and shops are within walking distance.
Mail?
We have a PO box at the local post office (two minutes from the Mill).
Pets?
Dogs, with an interview and $100 per month fee. Cats, no (allergies, sorry). Anything else? Ask us.
Hiking?
Tons. Bring DEET bug spray, and check for ticks.
Daycare?
We don’t provide it, but we can recommend great local babysitters.
Can I visit before my residency?
Yes. Email will@wassaicproject.org to schedule a visit.
What are my studio visits like?
We arrange 2–3 studio visits per month with our embedded critics, Ghost of a Dream, and with guests — including critics, gallerists, artists, curators, and our co-directors. They are somewhat informal and can last anywhere from 20–45 minutes depending on the visitor’s schedule.
What other programming is there?
Early in each month, we host a monthly evening of artist presentations about their practices. On the last Saturday of each month, we host an Open Studios program, where we invite the public to explore residents’ studios and ask them questions about their work. Participation in each is optional, but highly encouraged.
Fee?
Summer: $900 per month.
Winter: $600 per month.
Payment schedule?
Summer: First month’s fee due one month prior to residency + $100 security deposit due upon signing contract.
Winter: First month’s fee due one month prior to residency + $100 security deposit due upon signing contract.
Subsequent fees are due on the first of each month. No refunds, sorry. The security deposit is returned within 30 days of the end of your stay. Need to work out a payment plan? Talk to us.
Financial support?
Based on need as self-reported in your application, up to $300 monthly. Our intention is for financial assistance to be given to artists for whom it would be impossible to attend without financial support. If that is not the case for you, please do not apply for assistance. We are unlike other residency programs in that our residency is integrated into our exhibition program — your monthly fee helps us keep both of them running. That said, requesting financial assistance has no bearing on your application.
Are fellowships open to international applicants?
Yes.
I’m receiving funding from my school/state/country. Does that change things?
Yes — the individual artist fee is a subsidised rate. In these cases, you’ll be responsible for covering the full value of the residency: $1,500 per month, or $1,900 per month for family residents.
What if I need to leave early?
Family residency fees are pro-rated weekly. All other residents will be responsible for the full monthly fee.
What fellowships are offered?
We offer the following fellowships:
To be considered for the Work and Family Fellowship and Sustainable Arts Fellowship:
In your application, please take some time to reflect on the ways in which care and caregiving, whatever those words mean to you, come through (or might come through) in your work. It’s okay if this isn’t something you’ve considered before. We think of these fellowships as a starting point towards building a future where artists shape the way society sees and values care.
All applicants are considered for the Mary Ann Unger Fellowship and the ArtForArtists Fellowship for Social Justice-Based Practice and do not have to complete any additional information on their application.
When are applications open?
See here.
Are writers/filmmakers able to apply?
Yes!
I’m a mid-career or established artist, should I still apply?
Yes! Our applicant pool usually consists mostly of emerging artists, but we encourage everyone to apply.
Are applications open to international residents?
Yes.
I’ve been a resident before — can I reapply?
Yes. No waiting period.
Can I apply for a shorter/longer residency?
We do not offer residencies less than one month, or more than six months. Family residents can apply for 1–8 weeks.
How does the review process work?
Applicants are evaluated by a review committee composed of our Co-Directors, Residency Director, and our Review Panel. Residents are selected based on the quality of their work, commitment to their practice, and ability to interact positively with the community at large.
What happens after I’m accepted?
We ask that all accepted residents reply to confirm their spot within 10 days. Upon confirmation, we also ask that residents review and sign our Residency Agreement.
For our 2023 summer residency:
Question not answered above? Consult our Residency Guidelines or Code of Conduct, or email danielle@wassaicproject.org.