Abbott Watts Residency for Photography

In the fall of 2021, Monson Arts launched a new residency opportunity specifically for photographers. The Abbott Watts Residency for Photography at Monson Arts was established to support imagination, innovation and creative risk-taking for artists using the photographic medium.

This unique opportunity coincides with the general visual arts and writing residencies that take place throughout the year at Monson Arts. Five placements per year are reserved for the Abbott Watts Photography Resident. The application process takes place during the general open call for all other residencies. Sessions are 2-weeks or 4-weeks. Each awarded Abbott Watts resident will receive a private bedroom in shared housing in Monson, all meals, and access to the photography studio located nearby in the town of Blanchard (about a 5-10 minute drive from Monson Arts). The Abbott Watts Residency also offers a stipend of $250 for 2-week residencies and $500 for 4-week residencies.

The photography studio contains a darkroom that will accommodate silver gelatin printing up to 40” x 50” from negatives 35mm to 8″ x 10”. The darkroom also supports any other analog alternative process.

The facility also includes a private digital studio, with workstation computers, large monitors and Adobe Creative Cloud software. The resident can bring their own computer equipment if they prefer.

In the main studio there is a 44” Epson digital printer, scanners, trimmers and a 48 x 96” dry-mount press. There are both analog and digital cameras available. Residents are expected to supply their own materials, film, paper, chemicals, etc.

DSL broadband is available at the studio in Blanchard and hi-speed fiberoptic internet is available in housing in Monson. Cellular phone service is limited in both locations.