womens studio workshop — News/Blog-Jackie Partridge

How does an artist resident work? Is something you might be asking yourself if you have never been to an artist residency before. Artist residencies work by giving you uninterrupted time as an artist to make your art. So how does an artist residency work and where can you apply? What are the benefits of participating in an artist residency? I will let you know and share my experiences of the artist residencies I have been to below!

I have been to two artist residencies

A paper making artist residency at the Women’s Studio Workshop - click to read more

And an artist residency at Vermont Studio Center -click to read more.

How does an artist residency work?

Each experience was different and you can read more about the individual experiences by clicking the links above. Generally, an artist residency is for 1 week - 12 weeks long (sometimes longer). Artist residencies are in a new place which is great inspiration especially if the place, landscape or the environment inspires your work like it does mine. Usually, your accommodation is covered in the residency, sometimes it’s a private or shared room. Usually the bathroom is shared with others but sometimes it’s not. Sometimes your meals are included and other times you have access to a kitchen where you can make your own meals. You can apply to residencies in places like Akimbo and ResArtis. Some residencies are paid where you pay to attend and other times you can win grants or scholarships to help reduce the cost or to be able to attend for free! Usually there is a time and price commitment to think about before applying. Only apply if you have the time and the money to go.

What are the benefits of an artist residency?

Private time to work no distractions
A new location to inspire your work
24 access to a studio, tools and equipment
Space to hang and present your work
Other opportunities like presenting an artist talk or participating in an exhibition while you are there
A chance to network and meet other artists and arts professionals
Since usually you are paying to attend you are focused and produce a lot of work!

Other types of artist residencies

Recently, with Covid-19 some residencies have moved online. Some have virtual meetings on Zoom to share your work and get feedback. Some residencies are transitioning to online exhibitions or galleries on their websites. There are different types of artist residencies including: writing, music, performative arts, drama, textiles, papermaking, painting and more!

Jackie Partridge working at the Women’s Studio Workshop Artist Residency

How to Find the Perfect Artist Residency for you

Plan when you have time off to do it
Plan a budget on how much you would like to spend or ways to fundraise/apply for grants
Make a list of places you would be interested in travelling to
Search for opportunities based on your criteria
Pick one that speaks to you and is best suited for the type of art you make

Good luck with your applications. I am definitely interested in doing another artist residency soon! Check out some of the helpful links below!

Read my interview about my residency here!

Here is another great website to help you find the right artist residency for you! https://resartis.org/covid-19-updates/

Akimbo

How to get artist grants

Vermont Studio Center Residency

Women’s Studio Workshop Residency

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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!

Read about my artist profile on their webpage