2026 Summer Residency Internship Handbook

2026 RESIDENT INTERNSHIP

Welcome! From the founding director

It is my pleasure to congratulate you on your resident internship award and to welcome you to Craigardan. We are so glad you’re here. This is an exciting time for us as we expand our campus and programs, support artists and scholars from around the world, engage with the local Adirondack community, and invest in long-range, sustainable farm design and universally accessible campus construction. I invite you to bring your energy, curiosity, and experience — along with an open mind and collaborative spirit — to your time in residence.

While Craigardan is very retreat-like, it is not at all resort-like. We are a working farm on a developing campus, set within the wildness of nature. Your 2026 experience will be similar to luxury camping. In 2027 we will open the new Mainhouse, which will continue to expand the campus experience. In preparation for your internship, please be sure to read this guide thoroughly, print it out, and keep it as a reference. Please communicate with staff in advance if you have questions or concerns; if you need transportation or other assistance; or if you have particular needs that are crucial for your success. We are here to assist you and we cannot do our work properly without open, advance communication.

While you are here, you will have the support to explore, create relationships and lifelong connections, expand your knowledge, have access to resources, and receive fellowship and feedback from the community. You will meet with staff weekly for organizational and artistic support, and have plenty of opportunities to engage in studio, farm, culinary, and cross-disciplinary programming.

We hope that you’ll bring a willingness to work hard, try new things, and to share a bit of yourself. We are here to support you and your work, but also to respond to and grow from all that you bring to Craigardan. Each resident’s presence, knowledge, and insight helps to inform this place and the future of our work; planting the seeds for change and growth.

Michele

Meet the Staff

Learn more about Michele, Jeremiah, Cassidy, and Meghan online at www.craigardan.org/ people

Michele Drozd co-founder, ceramic artist, and executive director

Community Agreement

Craigardan occupies the Indigenous lands and waters of the Kanienʼkehá:ka people, keepers of the Eastern Door of the Six Nations Rotinoshoni. We acknowledge that the Kanienʼkehá:ka people still safeguard the mountains, valleys, rivers, and lakes as their ancestors had done for millennia. We give our greetings and our thanks to the Kanienʼkehá:ka people and their relatives among the Six Nations for being on their land today.

We affirm our obligations to live in balance and harmony with each other. We accept responsibility for deceptive land sales and broken treaties that enabled non-Native settlers to establish this farm now called Craigardan on Indigenous land. And, we commit ourselves to healing the intergenerational traumas of colonization, racial discrimination, and environmental degradation through mutually beneficial alliances with our Indigenous neighbors and all communities of color to build sustainable systems that integrate the needs of human communities with the integrity of the natural world.

It is in this spirit of care, accountability, and healing that we come together at Craigardan. We take the safety and well-being of everyone in our community very seriously. As we bring together people with diverse experiences, we invite everyone to come with a spirit of humility, curiosity, and generosity. We recognize that being in community for a period of time is incredibly vulnerable, risky, and rewarding. We ask you to participate, interact, and lead with kindness.

As a guest at Craigardan, you are now a participant in our community and will be entrusted with and held accountable to the consensual agreements below. These community guidelines are based on our organizational values, experiences, and input from participants to promote an environment of safety and well-being, while also clarifying our expectations for each other. It is a living document that remains responsive to new experiences and feedback as we grow into a mutually-dignified, diverse community. Following these guidelines is required of everyone who shares the Craigardan space: staff, board, residents, interns, volunteers, and guests alike. Those who fail to follow these guidelines may be asked to leave.

AGREEMENTS:

• Lead with kindness.

• Honor personal space, belongings, and communicated boundaries of interaction.

• Practice care and consent in relationships, interactions, and in using community space.

• Respect the buildings, grounds, and natural environment that make up and surround Craigardan.

• Refrain from harmful speech.

• Do not misuse intoxicants or put oneself or others in harmful situations.

• Respect and practice not assuming the identity and ability of one another.

• Maintain a willingness to be held accountable for perceived transgressions or actual harm.

• Uphold Craigardan’s values when out in the local community.

OUR VALUES

We inhabit a space of process. We design for movement and change. We support and respect diversity in all forms. We are responsive as much as generative. We are present in heart, mind, and body. We take risks. We think forever.

Resident Internship Program

Overview

Three RI Focus Areas:

Farm + Food Resident Internship

Studio Resident Internship

A combination! Art + Farm Resident Internship

Resident Internship positions are for individuals who have a strong interest in learning the ceramic arts, the culinary arts, and/or farming. These are threemonth (minimum) positions.

We seek individuals who are actively engaged and productive people who are curious and wish to discover more about the intersections of food, farming, and the arts. Resident Interns (RIs) are integral members of Craigardan’s community serving as both artists/farmers-in-residence and interns on staff. This is an excellent opportunity for emerging artists and aspiring agriculturalists to receive a free residency experience while gaining a wide range of skills in a supportive, experiential learning environment. And, the internship can add significantly to a professional resume and portfolio.

Resident Internships are educational work exchange positions. Each participant receives an $850 weekly scholarship plus $33/hr pay equivalent ($1850 weekly value) towards a free residency, mentorship, hands-on learning, housing, a farm share, a materials budget, and free access to all programs and studio access in exchange for 30 hours per week of work on the community farm, and/or in the studio. (There is no money exchanged). This time will include rotating chore responsibilities on the Community Farm and in the Farmhouse.

RIs are expected to spend an additional 10 hours per week on their own individual projects and attend lectures and special programs. The internship program is a rigorous, 40 hour-per-week commitment; and participants receive support, encouragement, knowledge, an enriching residency experience, and professional development opportunities. RIs have the unique opportunity to spend three months at Craigardan, meeting dozens of amazing artists and scholars from around the world, working in all disciplines - the people and connections are a highlight of the experience.

As with all residents, RIs are responsible for purchasing any additional groceries needed beyond the farm share and pantry, and preparing their own meals in the family-style kitchen. Participants are encouraged to take time to explore outdoor activities and cultural opportunities in the Adirondacks and in the Champlain Valley; regions known for hiking, rock-climbing, biking, fishing, canoeing and swimming, along with food gatherings, music festivals, and multicultural events. All RIs are responsible for any additional personal expenses and a car is required.

INTERNSHIP VALUES

CURIOSITY approach everything with an open, inquisitive mind

RESPECT for people, for materials, for the land, and for the creative process

COLLABORATION help each other, share knowledge, and help build community

INTEGRITY be honest, show up on time, and follow through on your commitments

CARE for the facilities, the farm, the land and one another

Next Steps Prepare For Your Internship

Before your internship can be confirmed, you must read this handbook and complete these next steps.

NEXT STEPS:

Read, fill in and sign all paperwork, policies, and agreements:

Residency Agreement + Indemnity

Medical Form

Photo Release Waiver

General Info Form

Submit a Photo and Short Bio (to be included on the Craigardan website and used in additional communications)

Emails Communications To Expect:

• Resident Internship Cohort Intro: sent in March, this will introduce and allow you to connect with the other RIs

• What to expect on arrival: sent out two weeks before your arrival date with reminders

• Weekly Schedule: sent every Monday while in-residence with weekly happenings

• Exit Survey: sent two weeks after your departure to collect your valuable feedback

CONTACT INFO:

Main Office: 518.242.6535 (call/text)

Michele Drozd, Executive Director: michele@craigardan.org

Michele’s personal cell: 518-423-9892

Jeremiah Reiner, Program Manager: program@craigardan.org

Be sure to read this handbook carefully, and print or save for future reference as you prepare for your internship. Before You Arrive:

Please make sure the following are in order before your first day:

• Re-Read the Residency Internship Handbook in full. It contains essential information about the program and facilities.

• Confirm your arrival date, time, and transportation details with the program manager.

• Arrange your transportation. A car is highly recommended for participation. Please ensure yours is road-ready for rural Adirondack conditions. Our campus is located at the end of a ½ mile-long gravel driveway.

• Pack for variable weather and physical work. You will be outdoors, in a studio, and in a farm environment. Sturdy boots, work clothes, rain jacket and layers are essential.

• Bring any personal medications, medical equipment, or dietary staples you rely on. While the farm share and pantry are well-stocked, specialty items may not always be available locally.

Arrival

Your First Week at Craigardan

Arriving somewhere new is exciting and a little overwhelming. Your first week is designed to ease you in as well as orient you to the land, the facilities, the people, and the rhythms of life here in the Adirondacks. Be patient with yourself and we will do our best to pace your learning curve.

Arrival. Monday’s are important days on campus! Each week we welcome new residents with orientation, Monday Night Dinner, and introductions to the community. Please call in advance and speak with staff if arriving on a Monday doesn’t seem possible for you.

• Please arrive between 2pm and 4pm on Monday. Staff takes great care in planning for your arrival and orientation — please organize your day to arrive during this time-frame and account for traffic and possible delays.

• Arrive first to the farm at 9216 NYS Rt 9N, Elizabethtown, NY 12932. You’ll see our sign for the Craigardan Farm Store. Staff will greet you in the store with a quick Farmhouse orientation.

• You will then proceed up to the main campus where staff will greet you and walk you through a full site orientation covering:

• Housing — your canvas bell tent, shared bathrooms, laundry, and common areas on campus.

• The kitchen — pantry access, your farm share, personal food fridge, shared cooking norms, and the family-style meal culture.

• Key contacts — who to go to for what, and how to reach them.

• The weekly schedule — work hours, programming, and personal project time.

• Directly following orientation, everyone will gather for the weekly family Monday Night Dinner in Kilnhouse at 6pm. We will reaffirm our community agreement, do a round of introductions, and relax into a wonderful meal.

First Week. You will have time in your first two days to explore — walk the land, connect with fellow residents, unpack, and begin to settle into the schedule and rhythm of Craigardan. Your first day of work will include further work-space orientation:

• The Community Farm layout, tools, current crops, safety protocols, and your initial responsibilities.

• Studio space locations, access, and equipment overview.

• Personnel Policies and expectations

First Week Checklist:

Complete orientation with staff

Review and sign all program paperwork

Get site specific orientation to the spaces relevant to your track

Meet staff and schedule your first check-in

Review the work schedule and confirm your first week’s responsibilities

Familiarize yourself with the farm share system and the kitchen pantry

Locate the nearest emergency room and pharmacy

Learn about Craigardan’s communication channels

Learn about appropriate boundaries with Artists in Residence (AIRs)

MONDAY NIGHT DINNER

A Craigardan tradition — We will welcome you to campus with a feast! Expect lots of seasonal vegetables, local specialties, organic, grass-fed meat as a side (not a main!), and experimental dishes.

You will likely become an integral part of Monday Night Dinner preparation during your internship, and your weekly presence and participation will be an important part of the residency experience.

Transportation

To, From, and During

You will need to arrange transportation to and from Craigardan. Please reach out if you have questions beyond the information listed here.

Unfortunately staff cannot make special arrangements for early or late arrivals to campus. If you arrive in the area before the 2pm check-in time, there is a diner, cafe, and library in in Elizabethtown - or we recommend relaxing in one of the public parks in town.

If you hit an unexpected emergency and might arrive past the 4pm check-in window, please call the office immediately at 518-242-6535.

If you need to arrive or depart a day earlier or later, there are excellent accommodations nearby.

PLEASE NOTE: To help protect the health of everyone in the cohort we ask you to please wear a mask when taking public transportation or take appropriate precautions during your travel including in plane, train, or bus stations.

Find us. Google Maps or other mapping service will bring you to our Farm Store, at 9216 NYS Rt. 9N, Elizabethtown, NY 12932. Look for our roadside sign “CRAIGARDAN FARM STORE” and you might also see some sheep and chickens grazing around the building. If your GPS takes you up a dirt road called Hurricane Mountain Lane, that is incorrect — turn around! Airports.

Albany Airport: 2 hours from Craigardan. Rental car, uber, lyft, taxi and bus service available. Please note: while available at the airport, Uber and Lyft are not locally available in the Adirondacks.

Burlington Airport: 1.5 hours - 2 hours from Craigardan (depending on ferry crossing). Rental car, Uber, Lyft and taxi service available. Please note: while available at the airport, uber and lyft are not locally available. Some of these taxi services will pick you up from campus and bring you back to Burlington for a large fee.

Adirondack Regional Airport: 1 hour from Craigardan (daily flights to and from Boston (BOS) and NYC (JFK):

Rental Cars.

Adirondack/Vermont Rental Cars 833-RENT-SLK

Avis will deliver cars to Adirondack Regional Airport when prearranged for a fee: 518-561-2348

Car and Driver Services: Polar Express – 518-327-3331

Bus and Train.

The Trailways Bus stops daily in Keene and Keene Valley. We can arrange to pick you up and drop you off for a flat rate fee of $40 round trip — scheduled with staff and paid for in advance.

Amtrak: The line between NYC and Montreal is open. The nearest stop is Westport train station and we can arrange to pick you up and drop you off for a flat rate fee of $40 round trip — scheduled with staff and paid for in advance.

UBER and LYFT are not available locally. Please do not plan on being able to use either service during your residency or for transportation back to an airport, bus, or train station.

Local Lodging Options

Deer’s Head Inn - 4 miles away in Elizabethtown

Keene Valley Lodge - 9 miles away in Keene Valley

Trails End Inn - Located 9 miles away in Keene Valley

Bark Eater Inn - Located 9 miles away in Keene

There are also state-run campgrounds and KOAs within a short drive.

A WALK TO THE FARM

Note that the farm and clay barn studio are a 10 minute walk from the main campus. You can take the trail (which includes an easy stream crossing), or walk the road. You may also drive, but we encourage you to slow down while here and take the time to go for a walk each day.

Better yet…bring your bike! In addition to on-campus transportation, there are tons of great roads and trails to ride nearby. And, if you want to learn how to mountain bike, we lead group rides geared towards beginners every Tuesday evening.

STUDIO SPACES

Studio access is one of the privileges of the RI experience. You will have free access to Craigardan studio facilities along with responsibilities:

• Leave the studio cleaner than you found it.

• Follow all safety protocols, especially in the ceramics studio (kiln use, raw materials, chemical handling, etc.).

• Respect the work and space of fellow artists.

• Reserve equipment or kiln time with staff and honor your reservations.

• Report any equipment issues or safety concerns to staff immediately.

Living + Housing

your tiny private cabin or tent is equipped with a twin bed, linens and towels, nite stand, clothes rack or cubbies, and a comfortable chair. You’ll have electricity via outlets in the cabins or a portable

Resident Interns have studio access but no permanent studio

Shared living spaces on the main campus are in Kilnhouse with the professional summer kitchen and dining area; Bathhouse with four individual, full bathrooms; and Applebarn with a living area and library. Note that these are shared spaces for residents, staff, meetings, and sometimes community members depending on programming. Absolute quiet is not guaranteed in Applebarn! In 2027 we will open the new Mainhouse which will offer significant,

A washer and dryer are available in Farmhouse for your use from

A laundry reservation sign-up sheet is posted in Kilnhouse for your convenience and to coordinate with others. Please

Wireless internet is available on the front porch of Farmhouse (at the access is not available in the

ce phone number is 518.242.6535 and is available for your use for domestic calls. Please note there is little-to-no cell reception on campus, and it may be useful to enable WiFi calling prior to your internship. Please keep phones on silent while in-residence.

Printing. We have a printer available in the office for limited printing needs for free (up to 20 pages). Additional pages cost $.10 per page to print.

Mailing Address. Your mailing address during your internship: Your Name, c/o Craigardan, 9216 NYS Rt. 9N, Elizabethtown, NY 12932. You are welcome to mail yourself packages in advance of your residency.

Logistics Costs, Accessibility, and Accommodations

Personal Items and Supplies. We provide basic household supplies, such as laundry soap, toilet paper, dish soap, and surface cleaning supplies in all spaces. Please bring all necessary personal items such as shampoo, toothpaste, etc. If you forget your toothbrush, there is a drug store and pharmacy, as well as a grocery store in Elizabethtown.

Meals + Dietary Restrictions. Except for Monday Night Dinners, you will be preparing your own meals individually or as a group with other residents. We encourage and facilitate a rotating, team dinner-prep schedule. To complement the stocked kitchen + weekly farm share provided for you, you will likely need to purchase additional grocery items to supplement the pantryespecially if you have dietary restrictions. Please inform the program manager of any requirements, including allergies, intolerances, religious observances, or medical needs before you arrive. We will do our best to ensure the shared kitchen can accommodate you. The Farm Store is a great resource for additional items, plus we are within a 5 to 25-minute drive to larger grocery stores, specialty markets, other farm stores, and farmers markets.

Studio materials, shipping, and kiln firing costs. You will need to budget for any art supplies, materials costs, shipping, and firing fees. Ceramic raw materials and clay are available for purchase in the clay studio. Firing fees are posted and vary according to the kiln and a cost sheet will be sent to all clay residents in advance. There are no art supply stores in the region, and we recommend bringing your materials with you, or shipping a box ahead of time. If you have artwork to ship home afterwards, you can drop a box off at the USPS in Elizabethtown, or the local UPS pick-up point in Keene Valley.

Local Transportation. We highly recommend bringing a car. We do not offer transportation into town or to trailheads, but ridesharing with other residents is typically possible. There is a lot to see and do outside of Craigardan. Uber and Lyft are not locally available.

Additional Expenses. Please budget for personal or public transportation to and from Craigardan — including the $40 round

trip shuttle fee to get to the local bus stop or train station. Once here, you might wish to go out to eat, purchase artwork or local goods, or buy chocolate bars in the Farm Store!

Accessibility. Craigardan’s campus includes outdoor farm and mountainous terrain, rustic studio spaces, and residential facilities, some of which may present physical access challenges. Please note that while our new campus is designed to be universally accessible, we will have increasing ability to accommodate specific needs as the new campus is built. If you have mobility considerations or a physical disability, please contact the program manager before arrival so we can discuss your needs.

Other Accommodations. If you have a learning difference, mental health condition, sensory need, or any other circumstance that may affect how you engage with the program, we encourage you to share what would be helpful with the program manager or farm manager. All such conversations are treated with complete confidentiality. Craigardan will work with you individually to hopefully find approaches that allow you to do your best work.

Please Note. We recognize the personal and financial commitment it takes to participate in a residency or internship and to find the time and resources to learn and do your best work. It is our aim to continue to develop more financial aid opportunities, provide more fellowships, and increase scholarship and work-exchange funding as Craigardan grows.

PERSONAL EXPENSES

Your scholarship covers housing, your farm share, and access to most programs. Please come prepared with enough funds to cover at least three months of personal expenses. There are no income-earning opportunities during your internship. You are responsible for:

• Additional groceries beyond the farm share and shared pantry.

• Personal transportation — a car is necessary for participation in the program.

• Arts supplies, materials, and firing fees.

• Personal health, travel, and other individual expenses.

What to Pack

A checklist

You will experience all seasons during your time in residence and we highly recommend that you pack layers. In spring (May-June) it can be warm or quite cold and wet. In summer (July-August) the days are hot and the nights are cool. Fall (September-October) is typically warm during the day and cold in the mornings and at night. What happens from November through April? Winter!

Clothing Bring clothes for dirty work (studio, farm, etc.), hiking and outdoor activities, and possibly an evening out or two. Bring hiking and/or work boots, sandals, and a bathing suit and towel for swimming holes and waterfalls. In fall choose wool over cotton clothing and lots of insulating layers, including hats, gloves, and insulated coat. We also recommend that you bring slippers or indoor shoes. Remember that we are a working farm in a mountainous landscape. Bring sensible shoes for all conditions.

Suggested clothing checklist:

Shorts and pants

Sweatshirt, rain jacket, and warm coat and hat (even in summer)

Work clothes for clay studio or farm

Closed-toed shoes

These clothes will get dirty and weathered

Hat, bathing suit, swimming towel

Sandals, sneakers, and hiking shoes

T-shirts and long sleeve shirts

Slippers or indoor shoes

Clay Folks: Bring all needed personal safety equipment, including respirator, safety glasses, kiln glasses and kiln gloves, and/or hearing protection.

Farm Folks: Bring rain gear, including work pants and a raincoat, as well as waterproof boots. We will work outside in all weather conditions.

Culinary Folks: Bring closed-toed shoes to work in the kitchen, as well as a hat or other hair covering. Bring your favorite knives, hard-to-find spices and ingredients, and project-specific small appliances.

Tools + Equipment checklist:

Personal safety equipment for studios

Work shoes

Baseball cap or hat for sun and kitchen

Personal studio tools or equipment

Pocket knife

REQUIRED for EVERYONE:

Reliable headlamp or flashlight for unlit paths and hikes

Personal toiletries including sunscreen and bug spray

Charging cords for all personal devices

Rain Jacket - Be sure it is waterproof - 2 or 3 Layer fabric

All art supplies that you will need during residency

Closed toed work boots or work shoes

We also suggest:

Headphones

Camera

Inspiration for your studio such as books or images

Outdoor gear such as bikes, hiking or climbing gear

A car!

Craigardan is a 6-mile drive from the small towns of Keene and Keene Valley, a 4-mile drive from Elizabethtown, and a 16-mile drive from Lake Placid. We highly recommend having a car!

Do Not Bring:

• Illegal drugs

• Weapons

• Items that you can’t take with you when you leave

• Pets or emotional support animals

We are a working farm! Please leave your pets at home including emotional support animals. Service dogs are, of course, permitted. Our Farmhouse cat, Alice, will happily provide snuggles. We additionally have a local SPCA that accepts volunteers.

Notable items that we supply for you:

• Coffee and tea and various ways to prepare them.

• Linens: bed sheets, blankets, pillows, and bath towels

• Yoga gear including mats, blocks, blankets, and straps

• A variety of sunscreen and bug spray options

TAKE NOTE: Ticks and tick-borne diseases are widespread in the Adirondacks. We recommend quick body checks throughout and at the end of each day when working/playing outdoors, especially in tall grass and wilderness areas. Tick remover tools can be found in all first-aid kits.

Bugs and biting insects of all types exist here year-round and will share the outdoor spaces with you. If you are prone to bug bites, plan to wear long pants and longsleeve shirts and a hat, plus bug spray.

Weekly Schedule Programs

With all that the region and Craigardan has to offer, it can be challenging to fit it all into three short months. To make the most of your time here, it is important to maintain a sense of discipline while also trusting in the creative process, in the value of new experiences, and in yourself and your personal needs while in residence. As Resident Interns, we expect that you will prioritize on-campus programs. Your RI work schedule will allow you to participate in these weekly opportunities:

Monday Night Dinners. The weekly family feast that brings staff and special local guests together with residents. This is the one meal per week that is prepared for you by staff.

Tuesday Farm Hours. Weekly volunteer time on the farm from 9am-11am for folks who wish to learn and help out in the garden or with animals.

Public Programs. Optional and free access to all classes and programs as scheduled. Residents must reserve a spot in advance for all public programs by emailing staff at program@craigardan.org. Classes typically take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The full program guide is available at craigardan.org/events in April.

Wednesday Crit. Here, “crit” means “critical thinking” not “criticism. These are optional weekly group conversations on Wednesdays led by staff for artistic/ creative support, constructive feedback, and practicing the craft of critical thinking and dialogue. Anyone can bring their in-process or finished work to share.

Thursday Check-Ins. Optional check-ins with staff on Thursdays for organizational support, logistics, problem-solving, and professional development. This is particularly helpful for folks experiencing their first residency, and to help prepare for the Applebarn Talk.

Friday Applebarn Talks. Free public series of artist talks and presentations. Each artist-in-residence is required to present at one talk as part of their scholarship or fellowship award. We can record this for you, and even set up remote participation for family and friends far and wide.

And, after you depart…

WORK SCHEDULE

You will receive your work schedule on your first day of arrival. Every RIs schedule may be different depending on the area of focus and projects or programs at hand.

Expect no more than 30 work hours per week, with an average of 5-6 hours of work per day, 5-6 days per week, depending on area of focus.

Alumni Support. Ongoing community participation, unique opportunities, fellowships, meet-ups, and organizational support with fellow Craigardan alumni.

The Gardan Journal. submit your work to our annual print and digital publication to expand your audience (free).

Studio Internship

What to expect

The Clay Studio RI will work directly with Craigardan staff in the organization and execution of all studio processes, classes and workshops, kiln firings, and general studio maintenance. This position allows an aspiring ceramist with the opportunity to work with and assist professional artists, gain valuable teaching, technical, and organizational skills, and develop their artistic voice. RIs receive access to studio space and opportunities to sell work in the farm store gallery.

Responsibilities:

• No more than 30 work hours per week, with an average of 5-6 hours of work per day, 5-6 days per week under the direction of the executive director; hours will include weekends and special events (schedule may vary based on organizational needs)

• 10 hours of personal work each week dedicated to own studio practice

• ordering materials, making and reclaiming clay, mixing glazes, loading and firing kilns, stacking wood, handling student work

• maintenance of the studio and completing general clean up and studio projects

• studio assistant for classes and community outreach projects with the opportunity to teach

• organizing studio critiques and meetings

• present a slide lecture or other presentation to program participants and the public as part of the community lecture series.

Requirements:

• a positive attitude

• must be able to safely lift 50 lbs and perform moderate to heavy physical labor indoors and outdoors

• a BFA or BA with a concentration in ceramics preferred, and/or an extensive pottery apprenticeship, or equivalent experience; college juniors or seniors enrolled in a BFA or BA program with a concentration in ceramics will be considered

• basic knowledge of studio equipment and operations

• ability to prioritize tasks and work independently as well as collaboratively

• excellent communication and time management skills

• enthusiasm for working in a complex studio environment with others

• interest in the intersection of food, farming and art with a strong desire to live and work communally in a remote, mountain environment

• interest in the residency program and attendance at weekly programs and lectures

• applicants are those who are serious about their future in the ceramic arts and who are interested in building upon their skills and developing a strong portfolio

• A vehicle, work boots, work gloves, and a respirator

• Advance financial planning to allow for 3+ months during the program without income

What Studio RI’s Learn:

• How to organize, operate and maintain a professional working and teaching studio

• Electric, wood, and salt kiln prep, firing and maintenance

• A deeper understanding of ceramic materials including clay body and glaze development, research, testing and mixing

• How to teach community ceramics classes

• Materials inventory, ordering and sales

• How to organize and lead special events such as open studio days, community workshops, and studio critiques

• How to work efficiently and effectively in a dynamic studio environment

Farm + Food Internship

What to expect

The Farm + Food RI will work directly with Craigardan staff in all aspects of our small-scale, working farm from seedling to plated meal. This position allows aspiring farmers to gain valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of a small diversified farm. RIs will gain technical skills and hands-on experience through hard, rewarding work. RIs practice sustainable food production, seasonal food preparation and preservation, and land stewardship as they become ambassadors for a more sustainable food culture and a stronger food system.

Responsibilities:

• No more than 30 work hours per week, with an average of 5-6 hours of work per day, 5-6 days per week on the farm and in the kitchen under the direction of the farm and kitchen managers; hours will include weekends and special events. (schedule may vary based on farm needs)

• 10 hours of personal project work per week dedicated to the RI’s area of interest

• working with animals, planting and harvesting vegetables, weeding, property and flower garden maintenance, and building/maintaining equipment and infrastructure

• assist with cooking, farming workshops, the community farm program, and the farm store

• assist with preserving seasonal harvests using root cellar storage, freezing, canning, fermentation, butchery, etc.

• assist with kitchen and farm cleanup and maintenance

• Present a slide lecture or other presentation to program participants and the public as part of the Applebarn lecture series.

Requirements:

• a positive attitude

• must be able to safely and repeatedly lift 50 lbs and perform moderate to heavy physical labor indoors and outdoors in all weather

• ability to prioritize tasks and work independently as well as in a team

• excellent communication and time management skills and the ability to work collaboratively

• interest in the intersection of food, farming and art and a strong desire to live, work, and participate communally in a remote, mountain environment

• interest in the residency program and attendance at weekly programs and lectures

• A degree in agriculture or a related field is not required; though applicants should be those who have gained some hands-on experience, are serious about a future in agriculture and farm-to-table eating, and are highly motivated to continue their education

• A vehicle, waterproof work boots (muck boots), work gloves and clothing

• Advance financial planning to allow for 3+ months during the program without income

What Farm + Food RI’s Learn / What the do:

• Farm chores for all animals and gardens, including irrigation

• Seeding, planting, weeding, pest management, and harvesting vegetables and herbs

• A variety of techniques to open new fields and make beds without heavy machinery using animals, plastic and mulch techniques, and hand tools

• Working with livestock to increase fertility and productivity for vegetable and pasture production

• Maximizing production on limited acreage - both for animal grazing and vegetable production

• Animal Husbandry including pasture rotation, fencing, and animal health for pigs, sheep, and chickens

• Harvesting and assembling a weekly farm share, food for the Free Food Fridge, and Egg Share programs

• Composting and closed-system techniques

• Processing vegetables - pickling, freezing, cooking

• Prepping and cooking a variety of products and ingredients with a focus on seasonal and local foods

• Working efficiently and effectively on the farm and in the kitchen

• Property and trail maintenance; as well as using farm equipment, hand and power and tools

Applebarn Talks

Preparing for your talk

As an RI, part of your Craigardan scholarship is for presenting one short, 10-15 minute talk, reading, slideshow, performance, video or other mode of communicating to each other and to the public about you and your work. Residents often comment that this was an unexpected highlight of their experience — getting to know each other on a deeper level and practicing articulating their process, while engaging with a thoughtful local audience.

Past residents have hung artwork and held gallery talks, DJ’ed dance parties, performed original musical works, read poetry or excerpts from their works of fiction or nonfiction, discussed in-process pieces, presented slide-talks on research, projected video pieces, installed temporary sculpture on-campus, told stories or presented oral histories, passed around pottery, held experimental meals, and played podcasts. There are very few limitations.

Typically 2-4 residents present each Friday for 10-15 minutes each (maximum). The talks start at 5pm and end at 6pm. If presenting in front of others is your worst nightmare, don’t fret — we’ll help you plan for your comfort level.

The audience size varies widely depending on the week. The setting is intimate, and safe. It is often a mix of fellow artists-in-residence, staff, and local community members — some driving 45 minutes or more to spend time hearing about you and your work. We advertise the talks each week, promoting you and your work locally and on social media.

This is also a celebration and culmination of sorts — typically marking the end of one’s time at Craigardan. We do our best to schedule talks for the final Friday before a Monday departure, but RI talks may need to be scheduled throughout the residency season. Staff provides light snacks and drinks for everyone to spend some time sharing and lingering. Afterwards, residents will often go out to dinner or cook together, make a campfire, or make plans to celebrate together in some other way.

Staff will assist you in preparing for your presentation. A projector, screen, and audio equipment are available. We can typically support most creative requests with enough advance notice, including recording the talk or allowing remote audience participation.

Policies And Expectations

Housekeeping. All shared spaces (Kilnhouse, Applebarn, and Bathhouse) are cleaned on Mondays. Part of your work schedule may be to help with cleaning. Note that the Kilnhouse kitchen is closed to residents every Monday from 1pm-6pm to clean the kitchen and prepare Monday Night Dinner. We ask that you clean your respective tents / cabins and studio spaces weekly during your internship, and to help keep common spaces clean and tidy throughout the week.

Campus Policies:

• Help us preserve and improve soils - parking is permitted only in designated areas, not on the fields or grass next to cabins.

• This is a working farm; Pets, with the exception of service dogs, are not permitted on the property. We cannot accommodate emotional support animals (ESAs).

• Candles and ignitable items are not permitted. There is a campfire ring and a supply of firewood on the main campus for resident use. Campfires must be attended at all times.

• Septic systems are fragile; please do not flush anything down the toilet except human waste and toilet paper.

• Please use all facilities respectfully. Clean up after yourself in the kitchen. Clay and dirt-covered clothes must be prewashed in a basin before laundering. Dispose of harmful materials and waste according to posted instructions.

• We are living in the heart of nature in Hurricane Mountain wilderness- be aware that summer storms often come on fast. Be attentive: close cabin and studio windows/doors and help secure items in Kilnhouse by completely closing and securing the large sliding doors.

• Help us keep you safe! When leaving for a hike, bike, or swim, communicate your expected route and return time to someone else on campus before you leave. This is an important safety precaution for anyone recreating outdoors.

• To be respectful of all residents, quiet hours are 9:00pm8:00am. Please be mindful of noise levels and music choices and use headphones in shared spaces.

Cell Phones & Technology. We ask that you be present and engaged during work hours, workshops, lectures, and community meals. Discretionary phone use is fine during personal time, but please be mindful of the community intentionality. Practice disconnecting while here and allow others to do so by keeping phones on SILENT while on campus.

Attendance & Reliability. The community depends on everyone showing up. If you are ill or have an emergency, please notify staff as early as possible via group chat. Chronic absenteeism or unreliability affects the whole community and will result in a formal conversation with staff.

Out of respect for the program, our staff, and the other artists in the community, we ask you to plan to stay for the full duration of your internship from start to finish — and not to plan trips or vacations during your three months in residence.

Alcohol & Substances. Craigardan is a professional and educational environment with a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol and substance abuse. Please use good judgment. Any behavior that negatively impacts your work, your safety, or the wellbeing of the community may result in dismissal.

Confidentiality. You may be exposed to personal information about fellow residents and visiting artists. Please treat all such information with discretion and respect. Do not share others’ personal information.

Social Media. We love it when RIs share their Craigardan experience! When posting about Craigardan, please be thoughtful: always ask before photographing or tagging other residents or their work. Always represent Craigardan accurately and positively, and don’t forget to tag us.

GUEST POLICY

Visitors are not permitted to stay on campus, but there are plenty of local accommodations available. Daytime visitors are welcome with advance notice to staff, from 9am-6pm Monday through Saturday, but may not participate in programs or campus activities that are not open to the general public.

We ask that all daytime visitors check in at Farmhouse office first before going up to campus.

Boundaries + Healthy Relationships

Living and working in close community is one of the most rewarding parts of the Craigardan experience. It also requires mindfulness. Clear, respected boundaries are what allow trust to form and the community to feel safe for everyone. Please read this section carefully. These are important guidelines that create a foundation for a healthy and thriving community at Craigardan.

Personal & Emotional Boundaries. Craigardan is a deeply human place. Meaningful conversations happen, friendships form quickly, and people share openly about things that matter to them. This openness is a gift, and it comes with responsibility.

• You have the right to set limits on conversations, interactions, or situations that feel uncomfortable to you.

• Be attentive to the signals of others. If someone seems withdrawn or sets a limit, please respect it without pressure or guilt.

• If you feel overwhelmed by the emotional intensity that communal living can sometimes bring, or if you are going through something difficult personally, we encourage you to reach out to a staff member.

Physical Space & Privacy. Shared living means shared space, and shared space requires mutual respect from everyone.

• Private living quarters are private. Always knock and wait before entering another person’s room. Do not enter without a verbal invitation.

• Personal belongings in the forms of food, tools, art materials and clothing are not communal unless verbally offered. Please ask before borrowing anything.

• Be aware of how your presence affects others. Loud music, late-night noise, or monopolizing shared resources affects the whole community.

• If you feel your physical space or privacy has been violated, please speak to a staff member.

Staff Boundaries. Craigardan’s staff are invested in your growth and wellbeing. These are professional relationships, and maintaining appropriate boundaries within them protects everyone.

• While many staff relationships become warm and lasting, they are not peer friendships, please maintain a professional dynamic.

• Staff are not available around the clock. Please respect working hours and use designated forms of communication unless there is an urgent concern.

• If a staff member ever makes you feel uncomfortable, you have the right to raise that concern with the Executive Director. All concerns are handled with discretion and care.

• Staff will never ask you to do anything outside the scope of your resident internship responsibilities.

Resident Interns & Artists-in-Residence. While RIs will share spaces, meals, and programs with AIRs, it is important to understand the distinction in roles:

• Artists-in-Residence are independent residents pursuing their own practice. They are not your supervisors, mentors, or employers. Please treat them as you would a respected colleague.

• AIRs have their own working rhythms, schedules, and creative needs. Be mindful not to interrupt their studio time or impose on their space without an invitation.

• Socializing with AIRs is warmly encouraged. These connections are often one of the highlights of your residency. Always be attentive to cues about when someone is in ‘work mode’ versus open to conversation.

• Romantic or sexual relationships between RIs and AIRs, or between RIs and staff are prohibited. If a situation arises that feels complicated, please speak with the Executive Director in confidence.

• Any behavior that is unwanted, persistent, or makes another resident feel unsafe, regardless of the intent, is taken seriously and will result in a meeting with staff.

Your Professional Responsibility as a Staff Member. This is one of the most important things to understand about your dual role at Craigardan: you are not only a resident, you are a member of staff. This key distinction matters, especially in your relationships with AIRs. AIRs are your colleagues and part of your community — but you work here. Those two things can coexist beautifully as long as you stay clear about which hat you’re wearing. AIRs are guests of Craigardan. They experience the program from the outside. As an RI, you are on the inside. You attend team meetings, you carry out organizational policies, and you may from time-to-time be aware of information, decisions, or context that has not been shared with AIRs. This is normal and appropriate. It also requires a high level of professionalism.

• Uphold Craigardan’s policies and guidelines even if an AIR questions or pushes back on them. If an AIR disagrees with a guideline or decision, the right response is to direct them to staff, and not to debate the policy on the organization’s behalf, and not to validate complaints about Craigardan as an institution.

• Do not share internal staff information, organizational decisions, or operational details with AIRs. This includes scheduling decisions, other residents’ situations, staffing matters, or anything discussed in a staff context. When in doubt, say nothing and check in with staff.

• If an AIR attempts to draw you into a grievance, complaint, or conflict with the organization or with staff, you are not to engage. A simple, and warm response such as “That sounds like something worth raising directly with staff” is always appropriate. Be sure to let a staff member know about the conversation.

• None of this means you should be cold or guarded with AIRs. Warm, genuine relationships are part of what makes Craigardan special. It simply means you carry your staff role with you, even in casual settings, and are expected to act accordingly.

Feedback And Evaluation

Growth requires honest reflection. Craigardan is committed to supporting your development throughout your internship. Structured feedback moments are built into the program so that you always know where you stand and have the support you need to thrive.

Staff Check-Ins. You will meet weekly with the Program Manager throughout your residency. These sessions are yours to use well. Come prepared with updates, questions about your work, and anything you want input on. Staff will offer observations, encouragement, and honest feedback.

Mid-Residency Review. At the midpoint of your residency, approximately six weeks in for a three-month internship, you will have a formal check-in with the Executive Director. This is a genuine opportunity to check-in and ensure you are getting the most from your time here. This is a two-way conversation covering:

• Your progress on individual project work and program responsibilities.

• Any challenges or concerns — practical, creative, or interpersonal.

• Goals and intentions for the second half of your internship.

• Feedback from staff on your engagement, reliability, and community contribution.

End-of-Residency Review. In your final week, you will have a closing conversation with the Executive Director covering your overall experience, your growth, and your plans going forward. You will also be invited to share feedback on the program itself.

Giving Feedback. You do not have to wait for a formal check-in to raise a question or concern. If something is not working for you then please let us know early. We would rather hear a concern in your first week than discover it was simmering for weeks or even months. Feedback offered in good faith is always welcome.

Communication And Contact Info

Clear, timely communication keeps the community running smoothly. Here is how we stay connected at Craigardan and what we expect from RIs.

Primary Communication Channels. Craigardan uses a combination of weekly meetings, white boards, email, and group texts to keep RIs informed and connected. Staff will walk you through the specifics during your orientation. In general:

• Day-to-day announcements, schedule changes, and updates are shared in person and on group texts.

• The Farmhouse whiteboard is used for chore notes. Please check it regularly.

• One-on-one communication with staff should happen in person, email, phone call, or text

• Weekly team meetings are held to align on the week ahead, raise questions, and share updates. Attendance is required.

Response Expectations. When staff reaches out, please respond as quickly as possible with an answer or affirmation. If you are unwell or dealing with an emergency, let someone know as early as possible rather than going silent. Please be proactive and communicate early. We want to know about your conflicts, delays, or concerns. Reaching out is always appreciated over silence.

Who to Contact for What

• Day-to-day schedule, chores, and farm questions — group text is best

• Studio access, equipment, and materials — ED

• Personal concerns — Program Manager or ED

• Medical emergencies — notify ED immediately

• Questions about your internship or program logistics —Program Manager. Community Meetings & Lectures. Beyond weekly team meetings, Craigardan hosts regular community gatherings, artist talks, and lectures open to all residents. These are not optional extras, they are core to the intellectual and creative life of the residency. Please treat them as you would any other program commitment: show up on time, be present, and engage.

Food + Eating!

The summer kitchen

Food, farming, food justice, and strengthening our local food system have been at the core of Craigardan since our founding. As one of the first art centers and residency programs in the world to have a farm or offer a culinary arts residency, we’ve been innovating ways to better explore food and farming as a creative practice for years.

So far, we know a few things to be true:

1) food brings people together

2) Good food is good health

3) Responsible farming + grocery shopping is an ecological act

4) Farming and cooking is a creative process

We use food to build community and to encourage residents to step outside of their current practice and to participate in a different creative process. We hope that you’ll cook and eat together while in-residence.

Summer kitchen. Until the new Mainhouse is built (spring 2027), our primary kitchen is in the Kilnhouse pavilion. A beautiful and professional work space, it is equipped with commercial-grade stainless work tables, three-bay sink, and gas range and oven. It has:

• Two refrigerator/freezers for resident food storage and the weekly farm share

• Individual food storage bins for everyone’s personal pantry items

• A stocked pantry

• A very large wood-fired bread / pizza oven

• Kitchen equipment: microwave, toaster, food processor, Kitchen Aid mixer, immersion blender, pasta maker, pressure cooker, hand mixer, mandolin, etc.

• All dishware, cookware, bakeware, glassware, and utensils

Meals. Except for Monday Night Dinners, you will prepare all of your own meals. Most resident cohorts choose to eat breakfast and lunch independently and then gather as a group to prepare dinner. We ask that you share in team-cooking, and staff facilitates this with a sign-up sheet.

Typical breakfasts. coffee or tea with oatmeal, yogurt, toast, or eggs and veggies.

Typical lunches. leftovers from Monday Night Dinner or the evening beforehand; salads, sandwiches, easy soups or noodles, or a quick sauté of veggies.

Typical dinners. make use of the farm share, incorporating seasonal vegetables with a variety of grains, beans, or meat. A nightly salad is common, paired with a pasta dinner featuring fresh tomatoes; or tacos with shredded cabbage and radishes and our ground pork or lamb; or rice and beans with zucchini and carrots. Cookbooks are available in the library for inspiration, and we have a binder in the kitchen of our own recipes and easy

suggestions to help residents make good use of the seasonal farm share and pantry.

If you don’t consider yourself a cook, every group needs a person to contribute by cleaning up and doing dishes. Or if you just want to eat a bowl of cereal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner — well, that’s ok too.

Stocked pantry. each week the kitchen is stocked with an inspiring supply including

• A variety of cereals, grains, beans, noodles, and pasta

• baking supplies, sugar, flours (including gluten-free)

• oils, butter, lard, vinegars, seasonings, and sauces

• coffee and tea

• herbs, spices, honey, and maple syrup

• Popcorn and homemade ready-to-bake treats

Weekly farm share. each week the kitchen will be stocked with a communal share of food produced on our farm and on our partner farms in the region. This is your “weekly farm share” and depending on the season, the harvest, and availability, it may include various (limited) quantities of:

• A wide variety of vegetables and greens (veggies from the farm are unlimited!)

• Fruit such as apples, pears, and berries

• Dairy including local milk and yogurt

• Bread from one of our local bakers

• Meat and Eggs from our farm

Our focus is on local, seasonal ingredients with lots of vegetables. We’ll help you learn about and embrace new vegetables and seasonal menus. We’ll provide you with recipes and tips, and we look forward to learning from you as well.

Residents often supplement the pantry and farm share with:

• Additional meat or tofu

• Snacks like chips, crackers, pretzels or cereal bars

• Cheese, sour cream, half-and-half

• Non-local fruit and veg like bananas and avocados

• Chocolate bars or ice cream

• Seltzer, soda, or alcoholic beverages

• Items that you eat frequently like eggs and yogurt

The Farm Store. The store is open from 9:00am - 6:00pm, Monday - Saturday. We stock local, organic, and all-natural products and we subsidize the cost to make quality food more affordable. The store accepts cash, credit card, and EBT / SNAP. We also have a Free Food Fridge for folks who need it, available 24/7 no questions asked.

Supporting the farm store supports Craigardan and the local farming economy. We stock:

‣ Seasonal vegetables and fruits from Craigardan and partner farms

‣ Local Eggs and meat including chicken, beef, pork and lamb

‣ Local cheeses, yogurt, and milk

‣ Cottage cheese, sour cream, and other dairy

‣ Local ferments, sauces, and salsas

‣ granola, cereals and crackers

‣ Fresh and frozen bread, tortillas, and baked goods

‣ Butter and a variety of oils and vinegars

‣ Flours, grains, dry beans, rice, and pastas

‣ Sugar, honey, and local maple syrup

‣ Packaged snacks, such as crackers, chips, pretzels, snack bars, and chocolate

‣ Frozen fruit, vegetables, seafood, and ice cream

‣ Peanut butter, jams, canned fish, ramen, and other lunchtime + dinner options

‣ Frozen, prepared foods including Pakistani meals, dumplings, tamales, and local pizzas

‣ Seltzers, kombucha, natural sodas and organic, fair-trade coffee, tea, and hot cocoa

‣ Household items, soaps, and cleaning products

‣ Pottery, of course! Plus, books, woodcraft and Craigardan swag

In addition to our Farm Store, there is a small grocery store in town and weekly farmers markets. Larger grocery stores are 30 minutes away in Lake Placid.

We compost! And we’ll ask you to follow our kitchen composting guidelines to reduce waste and help feed our pigs and chickens.

Do you have dietary restrictions? It is crucial that you note any food allergies or dietary restrictions on your medical form. It is entirely possible to be vegan or gluten-free here — but we need to know the true limits of your diet to best accommodate you.

PLEASE NOTE: The food provided in the pantry and farm share is intended to fulfill most of your dietary requirements each week, but likely not all of the food you’ll need or want. Please budget for and anticipate making supplemental food purchases while here.

Campus Map Spacial orientation

Craigardan is located in a stretch of forest off the flanks of Hurricane Mountain in between Elizabethtown and Keene — directly in the heart of the Adirondack Park’s High Peaks region. The Craigardan campus is an ideal location to go outside and stretch the legs and the mind in the largest state park in America. We’ll connect you with the history of this region, and provide you with suggestions to explore both on and off-campus.

When you arrive, you will receive a map of the campus and trails.

Our 320 acre property has a developing network of trails, a lookout point, two streams, two entrances, and two separate focal areas: the Main Campus and the Community Farm

The Main Campus is a 1/2 mile drive or a 10-15 minute walk up the property from the farm. It consists of:

• Six individual Artist Cabins: insulated with electricity, heat, windows and a fan

• Bathhouse: four insulated bathrooms with on-demand hot water, stall showers and heat

• Kilnhouse: professional summer kitchen and dining in an open-air pavilion. Also houses our wood kiln.

• Applebarn: first-floor living space and library, and second-floor studios and our program office. Applebarn has heat but no air conditioning.

• Tents: we have a few canvas tents in private wooded locations for deluxe camping accommodations. Each has a twin bed, carpet, solar lights, Anker portable power station, chair, and bins for clothes and personal items.

• Mainhouse: currently under construction and scheduled for completion in spring 2027.

The Community Farm is located downhill from the main campus (a 10-15 minute walk). It consists of:

• Farm buildings: greenhouse, sheds, and equipment

• Vegetable gardens: accessible raised beds, pastures, hen house, and apiary

• Farmhouse: Farm Store, main office, laundry room

• Clay Barn: with studios for ceramic artists, electric kilns, clay making area and raw materials

TAKE NOTE that trails in the Adirondacks (including at Craigardan) are primitive and technical. Walkers and hikers will encounter roots, rocks, uneven terrain, steep hills, stream crossings, and sometimes fallen trees or tall grass. Appropriate clothing and footwear is important.

• Note the farm animals rotate pastures and may be located on the farm, up on campus, or anywhere in between!

Health + Safety And Emergencies

Your safety is our first priority. Craigardan involves physical work on the farm, in the woods, kitchen, and studio environments. It is important that all RIs understand basic safety protocols and know what to do in an emergency.

General Safety Principles

• Never operate farm equipment, power tools, or kilns without proper training and staff approval. If you are unsure, always ask before you act.

• Wear appropriate protective equipment at all times in relevant environments. Closed-toe shoes and appropriate clothing are required daily. Eye protection, gloves and hearing protection will be necessary.

• Keep work areas clean and organized. Cluttered spaces can cause accidents.

• Report any unsafe conditions, broken equipment, or hazards to staff ASAP.

• Report any bites, stings, cuts, or injuries to staff — no matter how minor they seem.

Studio Safety

• Kiln operation is restricted to trained and authorized individuals only. Do not load, fire, or adjust kilns without verbal permission from the Executive Director.

• Wear a respirator when mixing dry materials in the studio.

• Chemical glazes and studio materials must be stored, handled, and disposed of appropriately.

Farm Safety

• All tool use requires proper training from staff. Do not use tools you have not been shown how to use safely.

• Sun protection, hydration, and appropriate clothing are your responsibility during outdoor work. Hypothermia can occur more easily during spring and fall. Heat exhaustion is a real risk in the summer months. We experience large temperature swings and sudden changes in weather. Check the weather report daily.

• Be alert around farm animals. Move calmly, follow staff guidance, and never approach unfamiliar animals alone.

Emergency Procedures. In an emergency dial 911. Then notify a Craigardan staff member immediately. You will never be penalized for calling 911.

• Nearest Emergency Room: The University of Vermont Health Network – Elizabethtown Community Hospital, 75 Park Street, Elizabethtown, NY (approx. 7 minutes).

• Nearest Pharmacy: 7550 Court St, Elizabethtown, NY 12932

• Craigardan Emergency Contact: Michele Drozd 518423 - 9892

Mental Health & Wellbeing. Communal living, physical work and creative intensity can be demanding in ways that are not always visible. If you are struggling emotionally, creatively, or personally, please reach out to the program manager or another staff person whom you feel comfortable speaking with. You will not be judged, and you will not be alone.

Craigardan can help connect you with external support resources if needed. Your emotional and physical wellbeing is important. Call or text 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

FIRST AID KITS

First aid kits are available in the Farmhouse and Kilnhouse. All RIs should familiarize themselves with their locations during orientation week.

Notify the program manager if first aid kits need attention.

LOCAL RESOURCES

• Information about our local food system can be found at https:// adirondackharvest.com

• Information about the Adirondack region can be found at https:// visitadirondacks.com

• Information about Elizabethtown, NY can be found at https://elizabethtown-ny.gov

• Information about Keene and Keene Valley, NY can be found at https:// www.townofkeeneny.com

• Information about Lake Placid can be found at https://www.lakeplacid.com

• Read the local news: https:// www.northcountrypublicradio.org and https://www.adirondackalmanack.com

• Sign up for a local news bulletin: https:// jaynews.org

The Adirondacks

Our Location

Craigardan is located in a beautiful and very remote area of the six-million-acre Adirondack Park, a protected state park in the North Country of New York. With over 130,000 permanent residents, we are the only such park in the United States that combines human industry with wilderness protections. Craigardan sits on 320-acres of previously logged land that we are nurturing back to health, and is surrounded by large tracts of public and private wilderness areas in a patchwork with small towns and tight-knit communities.

This is a mostly white region (lacking diversity) with communities experiencing both extreme poverty and extreme wealth. Elizabethtown is the county seat, with many public services including the court houses, social services, and an excellent mental health clinic. We have a full hospital, dentist offices, churches, pharmacy, grocery store, hardware store, liquor store, and dollar store. There are a few restaurants and car mechanics. We are also in the middle of a few multi-use recreational trail networks and one of the oldest golf courses in America. We are 1.5-2 hours from multiple airports, and 15 minutes to a train station and bus stop.

Residents of the park carry on a strong tradition of what it means to be Adirondackers — multi-talented, self-sufficient, nature-loving people. Here, folks of all ages and backgrounds are doing and creating amazing things while having deep conversations about the future of the park, wild lands and waters, and the vibrancy of our human communities.

Life in the Adirondacks. The Adirondacks and the Champlain Valley offer an extraordinary natural and cultural landscape, and we actively encourage you to explore.

Outdoor Activities. This region is renowned for hiking, rock-climbing, biking, fishing, canoeing, and swimming. Whether you’re experienced in the outdoors or a first-timer, there is something here for you. Staff will provide excellent recommendations.

Cultural Life. The Champlain Valley hosts food gatherings, music festivals, farmers’ markets, and multicultural events throughout the season. Keep an eye on community bulletin boards and the program calendar for local happenings. Getting out into the broader community is will enrich your residency experience.

Departure And Wrap-Up

The end of a residency is its own kind of work. Leaving well — completing your projects, contributing to the handover, and saying proper goodbyes — is part of what it means to be a good community member. Please give your final week the same care and attention you brought to your first.

Final Week Responsibilities

• Complete your end-of-residency review with the ED

• Document your individual project work thoroughly — photographs, written notes, portfolio materials. Do not leave this to the last day

• Return all borrowed tools, materials, and equipment to their correct locations in good condition

• Clean your personal living space thoroughly and return it to the condition in which you found it. Bedding should be brought to the laundry room

• Clear all personal belongings from shared studio spaces, storage areas, and the farm

• Complete any outstanding chore responsibilities or arrange a handover with your manager

• Return any keys or equipment issued to you at orientation

Your Work + Portfolio. Before you leave, ensure you have everything you need to represent your residency experience going forward:

• High-quality photographs or documentation of completed work.

• Written reflections or notes from your time here. These are valuable for grant applications, artist statements, and future residency proposals.

• Contact information for staff, visiting artists, and fellow RIs you wish to stay in touch with.

• Remember to reach out in the future for letters of recommendation and other assistance.

Any artwork left on-site after your departure date may be disposed of or stored at Craigardan’s discretion. Please do not leave work behind without explicit arrangements made in advance with the program manager.

Staying Connected. Your Craigardan network does not end when you leave - you become a part of our active alumni

network. We actively celebrate the ongoing work of our alumni and love to share your achievements. Stay in touch, tag us on social media, and let us know where your practice takes you. Many past RIs have returned as visiting artists, collaborators, and friends of the program and we hope you will too.

Departure. While we understand that life takes unexpected twists and turns and emergencies do happen, out of respect for the residency, our staff, and the other artists in the community, we ask you to plan to stay for the full duration of your program.

When it is time to leave:

• Please plan to be moved out of your cabin, studio, and shared spaces by 10am on the Monday of your departure. This gives staff the necessary time to prepare for incoming artists.

• If you have a car: please bring your laundry bag with sheets and towels down to the farmhouse.

• If we are providing you with transportation to the train or bus: please leave your laundry bag on the front porch of your cabin. You may hang out in Applebarn or Kilnhouse until our prearranged pick up time, but expect cleaning to happen around you.

• Please be sure to say goodbye! We appreciate knowing your departure plans and don’t want to miss the opportunity to bid you farewell.

Craigardan Alumni Stay connected

After your residency we hope you’ll stay connected. We are developing a range of ways to carry your residency forward and to support alumni and your work well beyond your time at Craigardan. Alumni benefits and opportunities currently include:

Alumni Application Process. Alumni are welcome to reapply for future residencies as early as the following year, and have access to a streamlined application form with no application fee.

Alumni Week. Free exchange opportunity to come back to Craigardan and help out with the annual Summer Firing Celebration benefit event. Think plenty of studio time, catching up with old friends, tons of great food, a wood kiln firing, and helping out in the set up, day-of program, and clean up of our July celebration.

Craigardan Residency Alumni Facebook Group. A dedicated page for former, current, and accepted Craigardan residents. This is a safe space for all group members to stay in touch, network, share ideas, ask questions and support each other with their current and future creative pursuits.

The Gardan Journal. Submit your work regularly to the Gardan Journal for digital and print publication. We publish one issue per year.

Alumni Giving / Alumni Fellowship. Pay the gift forward and help support the artists who come after you. We encourage alumni gifts large and small towards the Alumni Fellowship, or a fellowship of your choosing. The more support a fellowship receives, the more awards we can make in a given year. We currently accept $10, $25, $50, or more towards the Alumni, Trillium, Master Artist, First Peoples and Teaching Fellowships. Please reach out to learn more.

Bi-Annual Alumni Newsletter. Share your work! We encourage you to submit your milestones and achievements to be featured in our Alumni newsletter EBlast. Have you written a new book? Opened a new studio? Won awards? Have an upcoming show? We want to hear from you so that we can share your updates with the wider community.

Coming Soon:

DON’T FORGET to take pride in your residency award. Include your residency in your CV and bio, post your acceptance to social media, tag @craigardan in your news and updates, and continue to stay in touch after departure.

• Alumni exhibitions in the new Main House

• Alumni Meetups around the country