In March 2018, I attended the Women's Studio Workshop Residency in NY. (The small town of Rosendale to be exact). I stayed for 5 weeks at the Women’s Studio Workshop. I got to experience part of the winter and part of the spring at the Women’s Studio Workshop. The Women’s Studio Workshop in NY was founded in 1974. I was in the paper making studio at the Women’s Studio Workshop in NY.
Coming from a small town, I really enjoyed the small community of Rosendale. I felt very safe and welcomed while at the residency, in town or on the Rail Trail nearby. Read more to figure out if attending the Women’s Studio Workshop in NY as your next artist residency is right for you!
About Women’s Studio Workshop in NY
Women’s Studio Workshop in NY was founded in 1974 by Ann Kalmbach, Tatana Kellner, Anita Wetzel, and Barbara Leoff Burge. Their goals were to develop a studio workspace for artists to create new work and collaborate. Programs were centered on the artistic process. The first studios were in a two-story single-family home. Etching was in the living room, paper making was in the attic, and screen printing was in the basement.
This passage is from their website - To read more- click here
The Rail Trail at the Women’s Studio Workshop
I was working in the paper making studio while I was there. I really enjoyed hiking in the area, especially on the Rail Trail. While on the Rail Trail I did numerous Patched installations using my handmade map paper. The Rail Trail is very close to the residency and is a great source of inspiration to artists there including myself!
Patched is an ongoing installation since 2017 by artist Jackie Partridge that uses handmade map paper pulp on trees where the bark has naturally peeled away.
At the Women’s Studio Workshop residency when I was there I made a lot of paper working with maps and blue jeans. I took advantage of the hollander beater and worked on my piece Sediment. You can learn more about the project here!
I got to try the vacuum table for the first time which was very exciting for my practice. I worked on creating large sheets of map paper on the vacuum table which I used in my Patched video. See the installation of this large sheet of handmade map paper below:
Highlights of the Women’s Studio Workshop in NY
I loved the Women’s Studio Workshop because the staff are very helpful and kind whether it is showing you how to use equipment or giving you a ride into to town to get groceries. I liked how every lunch we had a potluck so we could really get to know one another.
What I Love About Artist Residencies
I am always highly focused and productive while on an artist residency. It is nice to be in a new place and see how that relationship directly impacts my work. Since my work is directly related to the land and environment there is always new inspiration, ideas, and projects when I am in a new place. This is always exciting for me! Residencies give you time, space and materials to explore and practice with. New ideas always form when I am away from home!
What I Did at the Women’s Studio Workshop in NY
I had an opportunity to present my art in an artist talk while I was there to people at the residency and locals in the Rosendale area
I submitted a piece of art I made as part of their alumni collection
I met other artists and learned new techniques like the vacuum table
I explored the local scene and enjoyed the Rail Trail
Patched installation made on the Rail Trail at the Women’s Studio Workshop in NY
Accommodations at the Women’s Studio Workshop
I stayed with another person and we shared a bathroom and kitchen but had separate bedrooms. Bedding was included. Kitchen utensils and equipment were included. The price for the residency is highly affordable and their are options for grants from the residency or to apply for funding externally.
I would definitely go back to this artist residency again!
How You Can Go to the Women’s Studio Workshop in NY
Check out their calendar on dates of when you can apply to their upcoming programs and classes! https://wsworkshop.org/opportunity-calendar/
I would highly recommend this residency to all the artists out there!
Related Articles
Read about my artist profile on their webpage
Read my interview about my residency here!
Learn about the Patched Project Here!
Purchase my Patched Book -here!
Learn about the Women’s Studio Workshop Here!
Here is another great website to help you find the right artist residency for you! https://resartis.org/covid-19-updates/
Read about my artist residency at the Vermont Studio Center!
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