A not-for-profit artist residency located on Brier Island, Nova Scotia.
The Hammer and Sky Artist Residency.
The Hammer and Sky Artist Residency was founded in 2020 by Jane Zdansky and John Schwinghamer.
The two week residencies are open to artists from all backgrounds and at any stage of their career. The residency is suitable for visual artists, performers, writers and musicians.
The facilities are set on 6 acres of pastoral land that include a restored heritage church with a common studio, space for workshops and exhibitions. Artists stay in the “Buckman House”, a two bedroom house that can be a shared accommodation or in the “Loft” which is private. There are also three private studios near the church and a fiber arts studio on the waterfront that should be ready for use in the fall of 2025.
The church also has a large vintage printing press that is accessible to experienced print makers.
How to get here.
Brier Island is located on the Western-most tip of Nova Scotia (Canada). There are a few ways to get there:
Get to Saint-John (New Brunswick) and take the Bay Ferry to Digby NS (2 1/2 hrs). From Digby, it’s an easy 60km drive down the scenic Digby neck with two short ferry rides that are free.
Fly to Halifax (Nova Scotia) rent a car, and drive to Brier Island (3 1/2 hrs).
If you’re coming from the US, go to Bar Harbour (ME) and take the Cat ferry to Yarmouth (3 1/2 hrs) and then make your way to Brier Island (4 hrs).
If you have access to a private plane, fly to Brier island and land on the 800m (private) paved runway that is across the street from the church. Prior permission to land on the runway is encouraged.