FAQ – Sheepscot Arts Preserve

FAQs

Basics

What about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion?

Yes!! We welcome all and look for a diverse selection of artists for each cohort/opportunity. It is our belief that offering space for people to live together in community and to make art and share their experience is a way to promote understanding and compassion that will then spread outwards. Our center was founded to give a platform to underrepresented and/or marginalized artists and we are very serious about this mission.

Is your property accessible to all?

We are a new art center and are working hard to make 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 make it it accessible for 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. We invite anyone who needs it to bring an aide with them to help them with whatever they may need. Their aide will have accommodation and the same access to food and meals as the residents.

What ages do you accept?

Currently we accept applicants over 21.

What does communal mean and does it matter if I want to be left alone?

For us communal means that for a brief period of time we are here, living in community with a common purpose. It takes all types of people to create an interesting community, and people who are quieter and like being alone add just as much to the whole as people who love to socialize.

For group residencies we have communal dinners and encourage people to stick around after dinner and share their lives a bit. But besides that you are on your own with a private workspace and bedroom. For Self-guided residencies, you will be on the property with 1-2 other artists and can spend as much or as little time with people as you choose.

Is this really free?

Yes it is. Our goal is to create a space that offers an opportunity to everyone regardless of their financial means.

When you say “suggested donation” does that really mean “required”?

No. Suggested donation means it’s completely up to you. We ask for a suggested donation of a minimal amount, to help defray the costs of running the residency. But there is no requirement and absolutely no judgment on you if you choose, or choose not, to donate. All information will be available when our applications are live.

Do you have stipends available?

For 2025 We are offering stipends of up to $500.00 with a $250.00 average, to help offset costs of childcare, travel, supplies, attendance etc. If you are accepted into the residency there will be space on your acceptance form to request a stipend. If your ability to attend this residency is dependent on a stipend, please note that everyone accepted into the program who needs a stipend will get one. We do ask that if you can afford these things on your own, that you leave this opportunity for people who cannot.

A request for a stipend has absolutely no bearing on our jury process or your ability to be accepted.

What is required of me if I am accepted?

If you are accepted into the program you will asked to submit a few examples of your work and some info for our website. If you are in a group residency we will add these images to an introductory slide show. You will be asked to introduce yourself to the cohort on orientation day and talk briefly about your work and your intentions for the residency. If you are part of a self guided residency with other artists on the property, you will take part in a casual version of introduction/orientation on your first day.

We would appreciate the donation of an art book for our library. It can be one of yours, or something that inspires you. Used is fine. We also host open studios towards the end of the residency and expect that you will welcome people into your workspace and talk about your work and your processes.

If you are accepted for a self-guided residency, we ask for the images and info for the website and the donation of an art book.

Why can’t I use oil paints, solvents, and materials that are harsh on the environment?

Unfortunately we cannot allow the use of materials that generate hazardous waste on the property. We are in a rural area and have a septic system that is not built for flushing oil paints etc down the drain. If you are an oil painter or have a practice that uses other mediums that are not environmentally or septic friendly, we do encourage you to still apply and to use the time to explore other mediums. We have a special wash station for acrylic paints, and accept all gouache, water based inks, watercolors etc.

application info

Should I apply for a self guided residency or a group residency?

The information on the residencies page will help you decide which residency type is right for you. On it you will find an in depth description of who is eligible for each type of residency and what to expect. There will be separate applications for each.

Can we apply as a group or a team?

Our self guided residencies are opportunities for groups of people who are working on a collaborative project to stay here and work together. More info can be found on the self-guided residency page. If you are part of a group of 2 or more people please apply for a self-guided residency.

What are the requirements for applying?

The application will ask you to answer a series of questions, some multiple choice and some longer answers. You will also have to submit samples of your work, your CV, and any relevant web links. We are not looking for your responses to be perfectly written, we are just trying to get a sense of your goals for the residency, who you are, how you plan to spend your time here and how you will fit into the larger group.

What type of artists do you accept?

As stated in the mission statement we are focused on offering opportunities to Visionary, Outsider, and Narrative artists. We see these as broad categories, and if you feel that our center resonates with what you create, please apply. For more information check out the Visionary, Outsider, Narrative artist page on our site. And, if you are unfamiliar with these terms please make sure you are familiar with what they mean before applying.

Also note, that we tend to prefer figurative styles of art over abstract, and really put an emphasis on looking for work that has a visually narrative or searching existential arc to it. But overall we are open to considering your application if you feel this is the right space for you.

Does Narrative Art refer to Writers?

No. Narrative art is a distinct style of Visual Art that utilizes images as a means of communication. It can be a series of sequential images or one image that conveys a sense of movement, storytelling and the passage of time. Some examples of narrative art are, art based on mythology, religious art, animation, street art, folk art, illustration, etc.

Do you only accept Visual Artists? If not, what facilities are available for other types of artists?

We accept all types of artists. Painters, sculptors, illustrators, writers, performers, musicians, textile artists, graphic novelists, installation artists, performance artists, print makers etc. We are still building out our facilities so we may not be right for you at this time. For instance we do not have a kiln for ceramics. We do not have ventilation for stonework but have plenty of space outdoors for stone carving. For dancers or other performers we have a large barn with a concrete floor, a large flat mowed yard, and a small stage in the field plus various large spaces with wooden floors.

If you are interested in applying but aren’t sure we have the facilities for you, feel free to reach out to ask us, and let us know what you need. We invite feedback from artists in various disciplines to help us build out the spaces to accommodate as many disciplines as we can.

Do I need to submit a project proposal as part of my application?

We do not require a project proposal in order to be considered for our residency. If you plan to work on a project while you are here, we want to know the details. There is a space in the application for you to describe your intentions. If you do not have a project proposal and want to spend your time here exploring your practice in new ways, that is fine with us. Nobody is required to have a completed project upon leaving. But we do ask that you apply with a serious intention to work and grow your practice.

Who juries my work?

We are a small emerging residency center, so right now we are the sole jurors. As we grow in the future, we will create a jury pool from former residents, local artists and other art centers in the area.

Do I need to live in the US to apply?

No. You can apply from anywhere in the world as long as you are able to travel to the United States to attend the residency. It is mandatory that you speak enough English to be able to communicate your basic needs and to interact with the group. We do speak some Spanish.

How do I apply?

Please read through entire website to familiarize yourself with our program. In particular the FAQs and the residency types page can help you determine if this residency center is the right opportunity for you. When applications are open there will be a link to apply on the apply page.

Can I reapply next year if I wasn’t accepted this year?

Yes! There is a limited number of spaces each year at the residency and often applications we like have to be rejected simply due to lack of space. You are free to try again with updated work.

logistics

Do I need a car?

If you are part of a group residency- You do not need a car to be here. We provide all meals and take requests on the days we do town runs. Although if you want to explore the wider area, or know that you will need to leave the property at your own convenience, you will need a car. If you live close enough to drive we encourage you to drive here. If you do not bring a car, you will be able to arrange rides with other members of the cohort who do have a car, and, depending on the day, there may be room in the truck for you during a town run. Just be aware that it’s a rural area, so to go pretty much anywhere you need a car to get around.

If you are part of a self-guided residency- it is not required but way easier if you do have a car. We do less town runs during Self-Guided residencies but if you do not have a car, we will make sure to help you get enough supplies at the beginning of your stay with us. You are more on your own during a self-guided residency but if other artists are on the land with you at the same time, we will give you that information beforehand so you can potentially arrange rides with the other artists.

How do I get to the property if I don’t drive?

Boston Logan Airport is 2 hours and 45 minutes from here by car.
Portland International Jetport is 1 hour away.

Concord Coachlines -The Midcoast Maine bus runs once a day and leaves from Logan Airport in Boston and stops in Portland Maine on its way up to our area. We can pick you up from the stop in Wiscasset or Damariscotta. Concord Coachlines also has buses between Boston, Logan Airport, and Portland throughout the day.

Amtrak’s downeaster train goes from Boston to Midcoast Maine. We will pick up in Brunswick.

Before each cohort or individual residency begins you will have the opportunity to talk with your fellow artists to potentially arrange a ride from them. There are also taxi services and rental car opportunities through the Portland Airport.

What stores are close by?

There is a small farm stand open 4 days a week that is about 2 miles from the property.
Beyond that is a small upscale artisanal general store /restaurant about 3 miles away.
Damariscotta (15 minute drive) is the place to go for groceries and most other needs.
Whitefield has a general store (15 minute drive) with a farm, excellent cafe, and live music.
Wiscasset (10 minute drive) has a great bakery, sandwich place, and lots of fresh seafood.

Is there an art store nearby?

There is a small art store in Damariscotta. We recommend having your supplies delivered to the property before you arrive. Artist & Craftsman Supply in Portland is a huge well stocked art store. Portland is about an hour away.

What should I bring?

If you are accepted into the residency, you will get a list of suggested things to bring with you. You will need to bring all of your own art supplies.

What do you provide?

We provide all linens, towels, (and in group residencies, all food). We have communal art supplies available. These are supplies left behind by residents, so vary over time and are not dependable. We have a washing machine, dryer, and clothesline for you to use. You have free range of the property, and have a dedicated work space. You are able to also use any communal workspace you want for as long as you need.

Who cleans up after me?

You do! While we clean all the communal spaces everyday, it is up to you to take care of your laundry and your living space. If you work in one of the communal spaces, we also expect you to clean up after yourself when you are done.

You are expected to clean your own dishes after breakfast and lunch, and to clean up after you cook for yourself. During the group residencies, we eat a communal dinner and take turns cleaning the kitchen after. If you share meals with us during the Individual residency, you also will be expected to help clean up after these shared meals.

Can I bring my pet?

No.

No dogs are allowed on the property, although we obviously make an exception for trained service dogs that are necessary to help you navigate the world.

While we understand the value of emotional support animals, we do not have the capacity to have untrained dogs or pets of any kind on the property. Please respect our limitations.

There are 2 resident cats on the property. They may come visit you during your stay. If you have cat allergies we will house you in one of the Yurts.

Meals

How do meals work during Group Residencies?

For group residencies, we provide food for breakfast and lunch, we put it out buffet style at specific times but you are welcome to come anytime and take it out yourself. You are welcome to grab snack food whenever you want.

For dinner we have a communal meal. We cook every night and all eat together. You are welcome to cook the communal meal for the group if that is something you enjoy. We will provide food for all meals regardless of who cooks it. We rotate kitchen clean up after dinner.

Do meals work the same in a self guided residency?

During a self-guided residency, you will be responsible for more of your meals. If you are solo, you are welcome to share dinner with us and there is often extra food around for snacks and other meals. But be prepared to get supplies and feed yourself.

If you are part of a group, you have use of the main kitchen but are responsible for your own meals including all the cooking, clean up, and supply runs.

What type of food do you serve?

We offer primarily vegetarian food with some exceptions but there is always a vegetarian option available. We cook a lot of local fresh produce and grains. We sometimes will cook seafood, and on the nights we grill, will accept requests for meat

Do you accommodate food allergies and special diets?

Yes! We will do our best to accommodate your food needs. Vegan and gluten-free substitutions are very easy with the type of food we serve. Although, if you have a severe food allergy we cannot guarantee there will be no cross contamination in the kitchen. And, if you have a very strict diet, you may have to bring in some supplemental food. If this is an issue for you, please contact us with any questions.

We sometimes will cook seafood and will accept meat requests on pizza nights, and on the days we grill, but if you prefer to eat a lot of animal protein you will be required to get it and cook it yourself.

Can I cook my own food?

Yes you can. We have a separate fridge for guests to keep their own food. You can go to town and stock up on whatever groceries you want and you can prepare what you want in the main kitchen when it is free.

Weather and wildlife

What is the weather like?

Maine has a 4 season climate and the weather fluctuates a lot during each season! It can be really hot and humid in the summers and bitterly cold and snowy in the winters. Spring alternates being wet and cold, with being warm enough for the world to come back to life. Fall is the most beautiful month with the most pleasant weather. New England falls are famous for the beautiful foliage and that is true here. In general, rainstorms can happen any time. This can range from fast moving thunderstorms to a period of wet days.

What about bugs?

Summers in Maine are filled with bugs. Some are really annoying. During a wet summer, mosquitoes are especially bad. In early summer, there are ticks in the field and biting flies. Despite the bugs, it is still pleasant to be outside. We have natural repellents available for use, and will give you tips before you come of the best ways to dress. By mid August most of the biting bugs are not a problem.

And critters?

We are in a rural area, that is heavily forested with a lot of land that is under conservation and protected as wildlife habitat. Therefore there are a lot of animals around. For the most part you will see flocks of wild turkeys, deer, chipmunks, squirrels and tons of birds of all types. You may also see porcupines, foxes and raccoons. You will also hear coyotes howl at night.

There are mice, voles, moles, and non-poisonous snakes all living within the radius of the living spaces. There are 2 cats on the property that keep the mouse population down.

What is the terrain like?

The residency center is located down a long driveway on a hill that looks out onto the surrounding area. There is a 5 acre homestead area with a large field of mowed grass and some cleared woods. There are bonfire pits, outdoor seating areas, primitive outdoor shelters, and covered porches. There is a large meadow filled with tons of wildflowers, wild blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries.

The rest of the 37 acres of the property is forested. There are many established paths leading through the forest, making it easy for you to explore the woods. There is a path down to the river, that leads through the salt marsh to the rivers edge. You are welcome to explore the entire property. The property boundaries are marked by old stone walls and property markers.

Are there hiking trails nearby?

Yes. There are trails through the woods on our property and property in conservation within walking and driving distance that welcomes the public.

Will there be open studios during my stay?

If you are taking part in the group residency we plan an open studios during the last week of the residency. Our open studios are not only opportunities for the wider community to engage with a variety of artists from around the world, but are also an opportunity for you to gain exposure for your work. We invite the local community in and also encourage local galleries and other art centers to attend.

If you are here for a long self guided residency and desire the opportunity to have a pop up show at the end of your stay we can discuss the options and will facilitate it either at our center or off site.

Are there any group events?

While we provide this opportunity for you to come here to work we do recognize the value of downtime. We do a few communal events and encourage you to participate but it is not mandatory. During long residencies, we will sometimes organize a group trip off the property based on the opportunities around and the wishes of the cohort as a whole.

Can I have visitors?

We do not allow visitors to the property unless we are doing an event. When we do the Open Studios you are welcome to invite family or friends but keep in mind that this is a time and opportunity for you to talk about your work with members of the community and the other art organizations that we invite in.

Are there days off and time to explore the area?

If you are interested in exploring the area, we recommend you give yourself some time to do this before or after your residency period. There is no set schedule for your time spent during the residency but we are providing this opportunity for you to have time and space to explore your work.

What resources are available if I am having a problem while here?

We are here to listen and to help you with anything you need. If you are having a problem with someone in the residency we take that very seriously. We want to make sure everyone has a safe and comfortable space to work. We encourage communication, and will help facilitate whatever is best for the particular situation. If you are having a personal problem, we are here to help you.

What are the expectations for residents?