Why an artist retreat?
There are a number of ways to focus on your pot making. offer the studio and guesthouse to artists who want to dedicate time and space to developing their craft in a private setting as compared with a group workshop (which is also an option at my studio). Whether or not you have your own studio or rent space to make your pots or sculpture, it's important from time to time to refocus your practice, to revisit your goals, to "shake things up". When you remove the distractions of daily life and dedicate yourself solely to your work, you begin to see things differently. You begin to ask different questions and, with the renewed attention, you begin to work out new ideas.
Weekend or longer term?
The space is available for short term projects, or for longer stays to develop and complete a series for the electric kilns and/or the wood kiln.
Because the studio and guesthouse are in close proximity (during winter, the same building), artists can transition between rest time and work time easily. The studio is light filled and well-equipped. The buildings and property are beautiful and simply appointed, and include lovely gardens during summer months and peaceful forest trails for meandering.
The natural surroundings of Pownal, Vermont offer serene beauty and are certain to inspire.
We are located three miles from state highway 7 on a dead end dirt road, about equidistant from Bennington, VT and Williamstown, MA and 25 minutes from North Adams, MA. MASS MoCA, the Clark Art Institute and Bennington Museum are all within 30 minutes from the studio, as are Mount Greylock State Forest in MA and southern Vermont hiking trails.
If you are interested in an extended stay as a working artist and/or wood kiln rental, please contact me for details. Rates vary for studio use, guesthouse stays, and wood kiln schedules. Wood firing season is usually April-October, but the studio is always open except for when we're on holiday.
Between May and October extended stay residency includes use of the private studio which is equipped with an electric wheel and work tables. It's located close to the main studio where all tools and equipment, including two electric kilns are located. The guesthouse is located on the second floor of the studio.
During Winter months, residents will have use of the main studio space which includes use of wheels, ample table space, and shelf storage for ongoing projects.
The studio is equipped with the following tools:
9 electric wheels
1 treadle wheel
2 electric kilns
1 catenary arch wood fire kiln
1 raku kiln
The main studio hosts weekly classes, workshops and other social gatherings around working with clay. During your stay you will be welcome in the studio at all times.
Guesthouse: $750/week. It is self catering and has a full kitchen for cooking, private bedrooms and private bathroom. Sheets and towels are included.
Studio: $595/week. The studio is open 24/7 for use during your stay. With planning I am available for lessons, which is an additional cost. See the learn pottery page for more information on options.
Total for guesthouse and studio use:$1345/week
Instruction, materials, and firing are separate.
Additional family members, spouses, partners, friends stay for a 50% discount —$672.50 for total use.
I look forward to discussing your ideas and planning your time here on Mason Hill!
for more information:
413-652-2492
Guesthouse
The guesthouse is perfect for quiet reflection and connecting with nature. There are four bedrooms -three sleep 3 (two with queen beds and a single bunk, one with double bed and single bunk), and one sleeps 4, singles on the floor, a full kitchen and one bathroom with shower. The guest area shares an entrance with our beloved occasional tenant. You will encounter each other on the stairway and across the corner of the kitchen when they enter and exit (see photos of kitchen).
There are beautiful outdoor areas including a nature trail.
For weekend pottery focused retreats, please visit the learn pottery page and see the 2-day Throwing Retreat details.
There is wifi. It is pretty good with occasional sluggishness. ...This is really the country.
The pottery studio is located on the first floor of the studio building. It is a full time (pretty quiet) operation. We reserve the right to monitor visits to the studio, especially during the pandemic.
$1345/week for guesthouse and daily studio use
(must have pottery experience.
See below for options including lessons)
private lessons $150 for 2.5 hrs
Bring your own group to fire the wood kiln
Please call to discuss bringing your own group to fire the wood kiln. The guesthouse accommodates 8 comfortably. There are four bedrooms. See below for guesthouse details, but please contact the studio before booking on airbnb.
The schedule might look like this:
Day 1
arrival, intro to studio and settling in, begin glazing
Day 2
glazing, intro to glazing for wood fire ($35 lab fee if you're not participating as a workshop guest, ie, bunking in the guesthouse for the weeklong experience)
wadding
Day 3
kiln loading
Day 4
finish loading the kiln, build the door, (candling) pre-firing
Good day for cooking for firing day (potluck style meals are at the kiln during firing).
Day 5
firing
Day 6
cooling
Day 7
cooling
Sunday
unloading, clean kiln and woodfire area, departure
$1200/per person for groups of 4-8 (50% reservation deposit is expected one month prior to arrival date)
For participation as a local artist who doesn't require housing, please contact the studio.
Call to schedule
413-652-2492
2 Day Throwing Retreats
Spaces: 6
Duration 2 days, 10-4
Equipment & Materials: provided
What you will learn:
You will learn to throw and/or improve technique
Level: Beginner and Intermediate
You will keep with 2 pieces including shipment
This retreat is designed as an introduction to throwing on the potters wheel or improving your skills. We'll spend some time evaluating your goals and focus on improving centering and then move on to making simple forms such as cylinders, jugs, vases, plates or bowls.
This retreat includes two nights in the studio guesthouse. Guests will enjoy the privacy of the guesthouse as well as access to a private kitchen and bathroom. Guests will be responsible for their meals and may keep food in the full refrigerator. All bedding is included.
I look forward to working with you and helping you improve your skills!
If you can't make the scheduled retreat, call to schedule your own! It's a great family activity!
$750/1 person
$500/2 or more per person
Retreats and workshops often need 6-10 people to run. We reserve the right to cancel due to low numbers, in which case you will be fully refunded.
Workshop Cancelation policy:
full refund until 60 days before start date.
50% refund 30 days before start date.
No refund after 30 days before start date unless participant finds replacement.