Images clockwise: The Hunter by Holden Willard, Deepest Waters by Brian Smith, Beautiful & Brutal by Alicia Ethridge, From Spiritual Microbiomes by Eileen Ryan

 

Next Session: December 2025

This residency is designed to support artists in exploring the themes of creativity and ecology and their relationship to the question, “What does it mean to live a good life?” The residency is co-sponsored by Seguinland Institute and The Parsonage Gallery–two organizations deeply committed to the central themes of the residency. 

Artists will spend two weeks in waterside cottages located on Seguinland Institute’s 50 acre campus, occupying a wooded peninsula on the island of Georgetown. Following the residency, artists are invited to display work in a dedicated group show at The Parsonage, a contemporary art gallery located on a historic estate overlooking the Penobscot Bay. The show will occur in the winter of 2026.

During the residency, Seguinland’s Executive Director, Philip Francis, Creative Director, Marsha Dunn, and Aaron Rosen, Co-Founder and Director of The Parsonage will facilitate a dialogue amongst the artists and a diverse group of local community members centered on the themes of creativity, ecology and the good life. In addition, Aaron will conduct studio visits with artists. 

 

  • Artists will reside in waterside cottages on Seguinland Institute’s unique campus, occupying a wooded peninsula on the island of Georgetown.

  • Cottages will include studio space. The focus of the residency is on providing artists with contemplative time and space for planning new work, undertaking research (especially site-specific), and engaging with the communities of midcoast Maine. The space will not be suitable for all creative practices (e.g. it is not equipped for welding, ceramic firing, etc.)

  • After a catered welcome dinner, meals will be safe-catered by residents at kitchens in their cottages.

  • Pickup/dropoff available within Maine:

    Airport (Portland)

    Coach (Portland, Brunswick, Freeport)

    Rail (Portland, Freeport, Brunswick)

Our 2024 MEAR Artists

We were honored to have the following artists participate in our inaugural 2024 MEAR Cohort. Alicia Ethridge, Eileen Ryan, Brian Smith and Holden Willard.

Photos of Holden Willard courtesy of Gardner Reed

At the MEAR residency I was able to focus on re-establishing my love with plein-air painting.  I had the space, and support of the program to be able to hone in a concise body of personal work.  The grounds, and surrounding area of Georgetown are essential to discover if you're interested in connecting with the environment - regardless of focus within your work.  If you have the opportunity to work here, I would highly recommend doing so. You'll find a lot more than just nature at your fingertips.  

- Holden Willard 2024 

Attending the residency at MEAR offered me the unencumbered time to renew my practice, delve into research and find inspiration in the beautiful natural environs of midcoast Maine...The Parsonage Gallery and Seguinland Institute were wonderful hosts and ensured the experience was relaxing, fulfilling as well as offering us opportunities to foster new connections with the greater community.
- Alicia Ethridge 2024 

The two weeks of focused time allowed for me to dig deep into a process I've been craving time to explore. I was amazed at how much I was able to get done when the only distraction is the gorgeous nature surrounding the cabins. This moment of focused work has become such a propellant in my studio practice as I work through new ideas.
- Brian Smith 2024

My time at MEAR was restorative and inspiring. Being able to take time to immerse myself in research and my art practice allowed me the opportunity to build new ideas, and reawaken past concepts. The salt marsh provided a wealth of samples and observational data to collect from as well as a stunning backdrop for my studio practice. I am inspired by the people I met at the residency and at Seguinland.
- Eileen Ryan 2024