For the Fall 2024 season, Merrymeeting will be hosting our second annual artist-in-residence program for Maine artists. In fact, we will be supporting two residencies this Fall; one based out of Topsham/Bowdoinham and the other based out of the Bath/Wiscasset region. As our arts community has expanded over the last few years, we have recognized the need to support Maine artists in a more direct way. Maine artists and the local arts communities we serve are the backbone of our cultural footprint. The more we promote them, by developing opportunities to showcase their work, the stronger our communities will be for it.

Eligibility: Any visual artist living and working in Maine may apply. All types of studio practices are welcome. Current students in accredited post-secondary fine art programs are ineligible to apply.

NOTE: AIR application will be emailed directly to you after registration.

Quick Details:

• Partnering Art Gallery: Merrymeeting Arts Center (Topsham/Bowdoinham residency)
• Partnering Art Gallery: Chocolate Church Arts Center (Bath/Wiscasset residency)
• Type of Residency: Day program for working Maine artists (no living space provided, only studio space)
• Length of Residency: 4 weeks (Sept 2024 for Topsham/Bowdoinham residency, Oct 2024 for Bath/Wiscasset residency)
• Studio space for Topsham residency will be at 35 Republic Ave, 04086; Studio space for Bath residency will be at 34 Wing Farm Pkwy, 04530.
• Artist Stipend: $1,000.00
• Materials Stipend: Up to $250.00 (via reimbursement)
• Marketing Budget: Up to $150.00 (used by Merrymeeting)

AIR Artist Commitments:

• Artist Talk (one night) in the 1st week of residency.
• Public Engagement Activity (one night) in the 2nd week of residency.
• Culminating Project (solo show) in the 4th week of residency.
• One-time donation of one piece from solo show to Merrymeeting.

FMI: Contact Jose Rodriguez Jr. at rodriguezj@link75.org

Application period: 2/1-6/1

***Please note that the date for this workshop has changed. The new date is Monday May 20th.

Explore the significance of knives as essential tools throughout history, used for cutting, carving, and shaping materials. While knives remain crucial in the modern era, many have limited their use to the kitchen. Rediscover confidence and resilience by mastering basic knife safety and carving skills. This course offers a comprehensive understanding of knives, guiding students to create practical utensils. Students will make a fine pair of chopsticks and/or a jam spreader. Next, try to make a spinning top! We’ll cover safety, techniques, good form, and various basic carving projects using a variety of green woods.

Unleash your inner artist with the sun as your paintbrush! This beginner-friendly cyanotype workshop will demystify the fascinating world of alternative photography and guide you through every step of creating your own stunning, sun-kissed prints. We'll break down the science behind cyanotype, safely mix and prepare the light-sensitive chemicals, and walk you through applying them to paper. Then, it's time to let the sun do its magic! We'll explore different ways to expose your artwork, from using leaves and objects to creating layered effects. The fun doesn't stop there, experiment with stencils and botanical specimens for unique creative possibilities. Most materials will be supplied for this workshop! Please bring scissors, 1' to 2" flat paintbrush and any special papers or fabrics you would like to use. This workshop is 2 Days: 5/21 + 5/28. There is a $50 materials fee, payable to the instructor on the first night of class, you will keep the contact print frame at the end of class and any leftover solution.

Ever wanted to take some time for yourself and play with clay? Learn the basics of hand building and wheel throwing in this 6 week class. This class is geared toward the beginner. The first 10 people to sign up have priority on the wheel. Please let admins know if you prefer to hand build or wheel throw so we can keep an accurate account. Glazing will also be covered so that you can leave with finished pieces. $65 materials fee is due to the instructor on the first night of class. *Purchasing additional clay: The fee is an additional $65 to cover the firing, glazes and other consumables used during class. Please note: If you miss a class, you cannot make-up the class at another time. The ceramics schedule is very tight and these classes are usually full. Thank you for your understanding! *No Class: 4/16.

Are you comfortable with your clay abilities and just looking for a place to work and improve your skills? Join us in the Morse High School Ceramics Studio and start making all those things you have been dreaming up! This is not an instructor lead class, but the instructor will be on site working in case you need something. $65 for materials and studio fee, payable to instructor, must be paid on the first night of class. *Purchasing additional clay: The fee is an additional $65 to cover the firing, glazes and other consumables used during class. Please note: If you miss a class, you cannot make-up the class at another time. The ceramics schedule is very tight and these classes are usually full. Thank you for your understanding! *No Class: 4/16.

A three-week series of book arts classes that will cover various techniques and materials including Decorative Calligraphic Papers and two Case Bindings. One with a cloth spine and one with a paper spine. Each class will focus on a different topic, while we learn the basics of bookbinding vocabulary and a bit of book binding history. First class: Decorative Calligraphic Papers - Learn the basics of using broad edged mark-making tools & round pointed tip brushes in calligraphic ways. Second class: Case Binding with a Soft Cloth Spine – In this class, we will create the basic, multi-gathering, case bound book. Third class: Case Binding with a Paper Spine – The third class will focus on strengthening our skills in forming our text blocks, while learning an alternative style of cover. We will add a decorative paper spine to the hardbound covers. Materials & Tools provided.

Paint Night w/ Shirley! Come join us and paint an adorable Deer Fawn. This class is designed for absolute beginners and Shirley Anderson will lead you step by step through the process and teach you a few painting tips and techniques. Canvas and paints are supplied.

In this workshop, you will learn how to make solid dishsoap bars using the cold process technique with step-by-step directions and safety advice to follow while making soap with lye. Equipment and ingredients needed are included for an addtional $20.00 materials fee, payable to the instructor on the evening of the workshop.