We Visit Watershed

While in Maine for the Columbus Day weekend, we visited the Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts. Now, we have been going to Maine for the past 20 or so summers, but somehow never got over to see this, but during Wiscasset's Art Walk, they had a display in the storefront next door to us, and announced a "pop up sale" at the center. After looking up the address, it was slightly embarrassing to notice that it was only a three minute drive away.

The main workshop building is bigger than it looks from this end.

The site of the center was originally occupied by a brick manufacturer, using local clays. When this business no longer made sense, the owners wanted to do something with the property, and the Watershed Center came into being. While visiting, we were given a tour of the facilities.

Some of the original facility including a brick kiln large enough to walk in is still in place, they have upgraded and added, with a variety of kilns and equipment.

The glazing area

One of the kiln rooms

The outdoor kiln area

While they offer workshops and classes, the summer program for visiting artists is totally unstructured. Ceramic artists come to the center to work, network, and gain inspiration through camaraderie with like minded people.

As part of their outreach, they have the "Mudmobile" to travel off site for educational programs.

Ready to hit the road

During the summer, they host a benefit called "Salad Days", where you buy a plate, have a salad luncheon, then take your plate home. We'll make sure to check this out next summer.

The shard pile for pots that didn't turn out well