We’ve been welcoming artists to Brier Island since 2018.

The Hammer and Sky Artist Residency

We started accepting applications on January 15, deadline for applications: February 15, 2025.

General:

Timing: The residency is available in two week intervals. Before applying, contact us for availability. Residencies start on Sunday afternoon and finish 2 weeks later on Saturday morning.

Cost: $500 per week (companions are $250 per week - with shared studio), two week minimum stay.

Under 35? We offer a discounted rate for artists under 35 yrs old (proof required) - inquire for details.

Off Season: From November to March - save big. Inquire for details.

Payment Terms: 50% due upon acceptance and 50% due one month before arrival.

The facilities:

The Buckman House: The Buckman house is a shared accommodation. The house is a bungalow in a quiet area with views over Brier Island’s Big Meadow Bog Trail. It is comfortable and well renovated with two separate bedrooms. Each bedroom has two single beds and a private bathroom. There is also a fully equipped kitchen, a dining room that seats six and a living room with wood stove. The house is heated and air conditioned by heat pump and electric baseboards. If you choose to bring a companion (for additional fee of $250 per week) they will share your room with a separate bed.

The Loft: The Loft is a cozy space with a stunning view of the Grand passage and the village of Westport. It has a a small living room (sofa, coffee table, and two arm chairs) and mini kitchen (microwave, countertop oven, countertop cooktop and a small fridge). The Loft has a double bed and a bathroom with shower - note that companions pay an additional fee of $250 per week.

The Church: The church is a 2400 square foot beautiful bright space that used to seat 250 people and is famous for being the church that Joshua Slocum attended as a young man. At the residency, the church is used as a studio space for printers and it is a common space for the artists to gather and sometimes go over the days work with a glass of wine.

The Studios: There are three private studios on the 6 acre lot. The residents walk up to the studios that are about 100 meters from the church (during rainy periods, rubber boots are recommended). The studios were built in post and beam style and measure 12 feet by 16 feet with exposed beams, a balcony, privacy, great natural light and spectacular views on a clear day. Most residents say the studios are inspiring and beautiful. Note that we encourage artist to leave some evidence of their stay, like a drawing on a studio wall or something else…

How to apply:

Before submitting your application, take the time to read the FAQ page. Reading this will probably answer a few of your questions.

Artists are responsible for organizing their own schedules.

All the facilities of the Hammer and Sky Studios are non-smoking and pet free (note that we own a friendly border collie that wanders around the premises).

Artists are expected to leave their premises in a reasonably clean state before they leave. Details are supplied upon acceptance to the residency.

To apply, send an e-mail with the following to hammernsky@gmail.com:

  1. Artist c.v.

  2. Statement of intent

  3. Images of your work

Once we receive your e-mail with the above information, we will respond to you. We begin accepting applications in January and follow up within 2 weeks if you’ve been accepted.

Please note that we do not accept every person that applies. Sometimes there just isn’t enough space for everybody.

Note: Applicants are responsible for travel expenses, food, insurance, art supplies, materials, shipping costs or other expenses.