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

Join us for an introduction to Zentangle! Zentangle is a drawing method using pens and paper designed to release your creativity and increase mindfulness and focus. Learn about the easy, low-cost method to express your inner artist, change up your crafting, and provide stress relief. Instructor will provide all supplies needed for starting your Zentangle journey. Each student should bring an adventurous spirit.

Create illustrations of nature with watercolor and ink. This class welcomes all skill levels to master classic dip pen and ink techniques, and integrate them with watercolor. Each week, students will delve into different subjects, such as botanicals, celestial scenes, and landscapes. Students will learn to create and control watercolor ‘blooms’, and use masking fluid. At the end of the course, students will have a variety of beautiful projects worthy of framing, and expertise in watercolor and dip pen techniques. Students can either buy themselves the required materials - a materials list will be provided - or they can buy material kits from the instructor (additional $30 fee).

***DATE CHANGE: Please note this workshop has been moved from Saturday March 30th to Saturday May 11th.

White pine, Maine’s state flower, and Red pine, are ubiquitous throughout the state and provide a vital pool of resources for human and nonhuman Mainers alike. Pine needles are beautiful and strong! They can be coiled and sewn together to make hats, lovely usable baskets, and/or adorably tiny ones. Learn to identify, regeneratively gather and harvest, properly store and process, and weave with pine needles. We'll cover the basics of coiled basketry, which is a global, ancient human skill, and create a wonderful pine-needle basket.

***Please Note: This workshop is only for Premier Members. Not open to the public.

Unlock your creative potential in 'Canva Essentials,' an engaging workshop focused on crafting digital assets with the user-friendly on-line software, Canva. From eye-catching social media graphics to polished presentations, discover the versatility of using a free or paid Canva account. In this workshop, you will learn the essentials like how to maneuver around the program, upload and place your own graphics and images, adjust your settings and explore advanced features.

Paint Night w/ Shirley! With its flashy orange wings, Monarch Butterflies certainly are a favorite. Whether you're a gardener or just a nature lover you will certainly enjoy this paint class that is designed for beginners. Shirley Anderson will lead you step by step through the process of bringing this beautiful Monarch Butterfly to life. 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.

***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.