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ARTIST IN RESIDENCY PROGRAM | 2026

CALLING ALL ARTISTS AND POTTERS...

Homer Watson House & Gallery has a long history of supporting artists.  Artists have shown their work in exhibitions, sold their work at one of the many Art Markets or exhibitions, and as Instructors they have shared their knowledge and skill with students of all ages.

In 2026 a new experience has been created providing Waterloo Region artists a unique chance to focus on their work.  The Homer Watson House Foundation is pleased to announce a new short-term, Artist-in-Residence program for 2026.  Applications will be open for artists at all stages in their career to participate in the program.  Both Round 1 & 2 will provide an opportunity for 1 Potter (functional, sculptural, etc.) and 1 Artist working in any other art form (visual, media, interdisciplinary, writing, etc.) for a total of 4 artists each year.

About the Residency:

The Residencies are available to artists at all stages of their careers living within the Region of Waterloo.  The one-week immersive period will provide unlimited access to either the Pottery Studio in the Coach House or to the Garden Studio.  Round 1 will run from 9:00 AM Monday, January 5 through to end of day Sunday, January 11, 2026. (apply below)  Round 2 will run from 9:00 AM Saturday September 12 through to end of day, Friday September 18, 2026. (application coming in March 2026)

Each Round consists of one session for a Potter and one session for an Artist working in any discipline.  All disciplines will be considered including but not limited to:  Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Sculpture, Ceramics, New Media, Mixed Media, Writing, etc.

This residency does not provide accommodations.

The intent of this Residency is to allow regional artists a week to concentrate solely on their practice.  There is no expectation of a finished project, a lecture or a workshop as part of the time spent on the property.  This is a time to explore new techniques, focus on finishing a project, or time to play with concepts they would like to explore.

HWHG will provide an honourarium of $500 with the money issued at the start date of each Residency Round.  The funds can be used at the artists discretion and receipts do not need to be provided as part of a final report.

HWHG will supply space and access to any existing equipment in both Studios.  The Potter will get 1 bisque kiln firing and 1 glaze firing which would be run by the Studio Assistant at a time that meets HWHG schedule.  The Potter will supply their own clay and glazes after review by the Studio Assistant to ensure kiln temperatures can be correctly met.  The Artist will have access to any existing tools and equipment within the Garden Studio.  Specialized equipment, paint and paper/wood/fabric/other would be supplied by artist.

There will be a pre-meet so that each artist can have a chance to see the space they will be using so they will be ready to settle right in and enjoy the week in their studio space.

Application Information:

Applicants must reside within the geographical boundaries of the Region of Waterloo.  Applicants can practice any art form.

Please contact Cathy Masterson at: director@homerwatson.on.ca should you have any questions regarding the residency or the application.

Artist-in-Residency Round 1: January 5-11, 2026

  • Round 1 application closes:  November 7, 2025
  • Jury reviews: November 10 – 15
  • Results delivered: November 17

Artist-in-Residency Round 2: September 12-18 2026

  • Round 2 application opens: March 2, 2026
  • Application closes: March 30, 2026
  • Jury reviews: March 30 – April 4, 2026
  • Results delivered: April 7, 2025

Residency Selection Jury Criteria for Ranking—Total /40

A Residency proposal that clearly states:

  • The focus of your recent work
  • The goals/experiences you hope to achieve during your residency
  • The benefit of the residency to the Potter/Artist development and the likelihood to benefit from growth
  • The potential impact of this residency in furthering the career of the Potter/Artist

Application Form | Artist-in-Residency Round 1: January 5-11, 2026

Artist Information

Name(Required)
Address (MUST be a resident of Region of Waterloo)(Required)
Where did you hear about this new Residency?(Required)
I am applying for:(Required)

Artistic Discipline

Be succinct when answering the below questions. Note there is a word count to each box. Use plain language and focus your answer only on each question.
Drop files here or
Max. file size: 5 MB, Max. files: 5.

    Submit Application

    Please ensure all your information is correct and complete and then press the submit button below. Due to the volume of submissions, you will only be contacted if the Director/Curator would like to learn more about your Residency plans. Thank you.
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    The Loch Doon area was memorialized in celebrated Scottish poet, Robert Burns piece “Ye banks and braes O’ bonnie Doon”

    Ye banks and braes o’ bonny Doon,
    How can ye bloom sae fresh and fair?
    How can ye chant, ye little birds,
    And I sae weary fu’ o’ care?
    Thou’lt break my heart, thou warbling bird,
    That wantons thro’ the flowering thorn:
    Thou minds me o’ departed joys,
    Departed, never to return.

    Aft hae I rov’d by bonnie Doon,
    To see the rose and woodbine twine;
    And ilka bird sang o’ its love,
    And fondly sae did I o’ mine.
    Wi’ lightsome heart I pu’d a rose,
    Fu’ sweet upon its thorny tree;
    And my fause lover stole my rose,
    But, ah! he left the thorn wi’ me.

    Bring a Friend Promo:
    Use Promo code:
    BAF2025 at checkout

    10% off

    Art Programs when you sign up for 2 people at the same time!

    Looking for a fun and creative way to spend time with your friends? Sign up for one of our art programs together during our Bring a Friend promotion and receive an extra 10% off your HWHG (minimum 2 people) program registration!

    • Offer valid on HWHG program registrations from Jan 1 through Dec 31, 2025.
    • Includes Children’s Art Programs, Adult Art Programs, Family Programs, Day School and Art Camps.
    • Excludes birthday party bookings, field trip bookings, open studio program, and memberships.
    • No adjustments on previous purchases. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent.
    Both registrations must be done through one account and on one transaction for the discount to be applied.
    The Gallery is closed this week for exhibition changeover. We apologize for any inconvenience.