Yes. In our Exhibitions and Sales, Mary Sky focuses on the intersection of digital and fine art. However, the Residency Program is open to artists of all disciplines, styles and sensibilities.

We ask that you self-evaluate whether the campus and facilities will meet your creative needs. Please read the rest of the FAQ on this page, and email us if you’re still unsure if we have the tools to support your project.

Yes. The Mary Sky Residency Program is open to all practicing artists, however we unfortunately do not have the ability provide assistance with travel to and from Vermont or visas.

Our residency season runs from July through October each year. You should apply in the year you want to attend. Please check our main Residency Page for application details and instructions. List any commitments that limit your availability on your application. The individualized nature of our program allows us to match most accepted residents with a slot that works for their scheduling needs.

No. You are under no obligation to participate when you apply. If you’re accepted, we ask that you contact us asap regarding your residency placement. If we don’t hear from you within 7 days of being accepted, we reserve the right to give away your spot to another applicant.

Our Board of Evaluators looks at many categories to determine who is accepted into the Residency Program. Your submitted portfolio is just one small piece of the puzzle.

We are interested in working with artists who push the boundaries of their field and whose practice challenges traditional delineations of discipline. We encourage established and emerging artists alike to apply. Artists are considered based on merit of the submitted portfolio and proposal.

Mary Sky is interested in promoting diversity in all Contemporary arts disciplines and fields. Our evaluation process places a preference on candidates who reflect this mission.

Above all, Mary Sky’s Evaluators look for a clearly articulated project proposal rooted in strong conceptual purpose.

Accepted residents have access to a materials allowance. Discretionary use of the stipend is subject to individual review and approval.

Mary Sky works with each artist to use the stipend to benefit your project. If you need to purchase materials ahead of time for use during the residency, we ask that you send an itemized list and we can release the funds directly to you. If your travel plans preclude bringing the materials you need with you, we can also purchase against a provided list and furnish the site ahead of your arrival.

Alternative uses of the materials allowance are approved on a case-by-case basis.

The residency campus is rural, and staying in the cabin is much like camping, which presents certain undeniable realities. You must be generally physically fit and able to walk up steep hills in order to participate in the program.

Our mountain spring-fed artesian well provides bountiful water on campus. A hose carries drinking water uphill to you for easy access. In the cabin, there is a gravity-fed sink.

Residents can cook with the push of a button on our double burner gas camping stove. Gas and cookware is provided. We have an outdoor wood stove that is also great for cooking, though does require some fire-starting skill. The cabin has a mini refrigerator for storing perishable food.

We highly recommend using the wood stove at some point during your stay, even if you never cook on it. It burns very efficiently and having a fire outdoors keeps the bugs away. Also, it’s just really lovely. We provide some firewood, though if you’re using the wood stove every day you may need to pick up extra firewood at the nearby supplier.

The outhouse contains a state of the art composting toilet for residents’ use. Further instructions regarding use of the composting toilet will be furnished upon your arrival.

Our outdoor shower is located behind the Rural Gallery building, adjacent to our small field of wildflowers. Residents can take warm showers surrounded by the beauty of the nature!

The Main Campus has 1GB high speed fiber internet from community-owned local provider EC Fiber. On Campus and in the surrounding area, cell phone service is limited. AT&T or T-Mobile subscribers usually have an easier time getting service than others. You can use the Wifi to call and text if using another provider.

A ceramic electric wall heater keeps the cabin warm and toasty on cold summer nights.

Other furnished provisions: Hand soap, dish soap, body wash, laundry soap, sponges, wash tubs, clothesline, camping towels, hand towels, pillows, sheets, blankets, bug spray, toilet paper, paper towels, utility knife, utensils, electric kettle, coffee, tea

Available to borrow for residents: video projector, video camera and equipment, film camera and equipment, sound recording equipment, MIDI keyboard, speakers, headphones -- just ask if you don’t see what you need listed here

We recommend if at all possible for you to drive directly to Campus, or strongly consider renting a car at the Burlington airport or other nearby airport. Montreal and Lebanon, New Hampshire are the next closest airports. If you cannot drive your own car or rent one we can arrange to pick you up at the airport or train station and drive you to Campus.

Amtrak recently opened a station in Middlebury, Vermont, which is about half an hour’s drive from Mary Sky’s Campus.

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If you cannot bring or rent a car, be advised that it will be harder for you to get around. We can arrange carpool as needed for supply runs, excursions, etc. There is limited transit in the area, though it is worth checking out the Vermont Dept of Transportation official guide to public transport with the latest updates here

We do not generally allow partners or family members to stay on site with you. It is important to the program that you rely on your own skills and senses to take responsibility for your progress.

Our cabin is furnished with one small loft bed. We do accept and consider all applications from couples if the work is collaborative, however the program and cabin are primarily intended for one resident at a time.

We usually advise against this as we’ve found that the ability to get quiet with one’s own thoughts and work can be clouded by the responsibilities of caring for others. If you are accepted into the program and believe your pet is absolutely necessary to your participation, or you have a Service Animal, please speak with us and we will make final decisions on a case-by-case basis.

YES, a Mary Sky residency is a great fit if you...

... work well on your own and enjoy spending time in nature.

... live a hectic lifestyle as necessary to your career as an artist, yet feel a desperate need for alone time.

... long for a chunk of time to make headway on a major project.

NO, we don't recommend the program if you...

... don't like camping or care for time outdoors.

... are uncomfortable spending a week more or less by yourself.

... do not work well in an unstructured, self-led environment.

Still unsure? Email us. We’re happy to discuss the program in more detail to help you decide, and can probably point you in the right direction for a better fit if needed.

If you identified strongly with the "Yes" section above, yet don't have a clear idea of what you'd like to achieve during your time at the program, we recommend developing a clear proposal plan before applying. Brainstorm a list of projects you've been wanting to complete and don’t feel you have the time. Narrow it down to one specific project and write about how you'd focus in on it during the residency. In the rest of your application, provide context that showcases your original perspective and broader artistic intentions. We can’t wait to hear what inspires you these days!

Great! Email us and we’ll do our best to answer it.