Teach.                Connect.                Explore.

The Artist in Residence program invites experienced visual, performing, and interdisciplinary artists from around the country to stay at the ArtWaves campus for anywhere between one and two weeks.  During their stay artists have the opportunity to teach classes while enjoying time to create, reflect, and connect with other artists on beautiful Mount Desert Island, Maine.  This unique opportunity enables ArtWaves to bring a diversity of art instruction to the island and surrounding communities.

We’re currently accepting applications for Fall 2026 and Summer 2027.

What We’re Looking For

ArtWaves seeks professional artists and educators who:

• Have a strong background in their field (professional experience or higher education)

• Can design and deliver engaging, creative, and well-structured public classes or workshops

• Are excited to connect with the ArtWaves community and explore the island

Residency Overview

One-Week Residency

• Lead six hours of public programming (classes, workshops, talks, etc.)

• Use remaining time to explore, create, or connect with the community

Two-Week Residency

• Lead 12 hours of public programming

• Option to offer multiple workshops or an extended series

Accommodations

Residents stay in our on-campus residential farmhouse, featuring:

• A private bedroom and semi-private bathroom

• Shared kitchen space 

• Full access to ArtWaves studio spaces

• Wi-Fi and parking

• Next door to a convenience market and Island Explorer bus stop

Residency dates are flexible, please inquire for details.  

Check-in available after 2 PM and check-out by 10 AM.

How to Apply

Complete the Teach-With-Us form: 

https://artwavesmdi.org/Apply-to-teach 

If you do not receive a response within a week, please send a follow up email to office@artwavesmdi.org

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but must be received at least three months prior to preferred dates to allow time for event promotion.

Include the following:

• High quality images of your work / process to be used for marketing your workshop / classes

• Complete & accurate contact information
• 2-3 professional / academic references

Workshop Proposal Requirements

• Workshop Title

• Target Audience (beginner, intermediate, advanced, children, teens, adults, families)

• Materials List

• Workshop Description

• 2–5 Supporting Images (related to class process or outcomes)

• Instructor Bio or Artist Statement and a photo

We’re especially excited to receive proposals that are creative, hands-on, and community focused.