Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture
The Best Art Residency in America for Legacy, Diversity, and Artistic Growth

The Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture is considered by many to be the best artist residency program in the United States. Located in rural Skowhegan, Maine, it was founded in 1946 and offers a nine-week summer program for emerging and mid-career artists. Around 65 artists live and work together on a 350-acre campus, creating in a supportive and collaborative environment. The residency is conducted in English and attracts artists from all over the world.

Skowhegan School Artist-in-Residence program

Why Skowhegan is Considered the Best

Strong History & Reputation:
For nearly 80 years, Skowhegan has helped shape the careers of many famous artists, including Jacob Lawrence, Alex Katz, Ellsworth Kelly, and Nari Ward. The program's alumni network is large and influential in the art world.
Emphasis on Experimentation:
Unlike a traditional school, Skowhegan values the creative process more than the final product. Artists are encouraged to take risks, try new things, and focus on exploration rather than creating work for galleries or the art market.
Diverse Perspectives:
Skowhegan cultivates a globally engaged artistic community, integrating voices across geographies, identities, and disciplines. With a strong focus on intersectionality, the residency brings together diasporic, LGBTQ+, and marginalized perspectives.

Bridging School and Residency

The Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture is a mix between a school and an artist residency, focusing on structured, community-based learning instead of just giving artists time alone to work. Founded in 1946 as an alternative way to teach art, Skowhegan encourages mentorship, feedback, and collaboration in an immersive, full-time setting. While it has features of a residency, like private studios, a remote location, and temporary housing, these elements support its goal of group learning rather than just independent work. Unlike most residencies, Skowhegan includes structured programs and academic resources, making it more like a school. Its focus on mentorship and community sets it apart, creating a unique space that combines education with the residency experience.

Program Details & Financial Support

Duration:
The residency lasts nine weeks during the summer, and applications are due in October.
Application Process:
There is an application fee of $20–$80 (depending on when you apply). The acceptance rate is very low, about 3%.
Cost & Financial Aid:
Tuition is $6,000, but most of artists receive scholarships or financial aid. The program covers room, board, and studio space, making it accessible to artists regardless of financial background.

Who Are Skowhegan Residents?

Emerging but Experienced:
Most residents are in their 30s. They already have a strong exhibition history but are still in a stage of growth and exploration in their careers.
Multidisciplinary Artists:
Skowhegan residents often work across different media, combining painting, sculpture, video, performance, photography, textiles, and installation. This flexibility allows them to tell complex, personal, and political stories through their art.
Exploring Social Themes:
Many artists at Skowhegan focus on identity, migration, and social issues. Their work often addresses queer and cultural identities, displacement, economic struggles, and systemic injustices. Some also use archives and historical references to explore memory and resilience.
Already Established in the Art World:
Many Skowhegan residents have already exhibited at major biennials (like the Whitney Biennial), participated in prestigious residencies (such as Ox-Bow and Recess), and shown work in galleries and museums that focus on activism and social justice.
Highly Educated & Well-Connected:
Most residents hold BFAs or MFAs from top art schools like the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), RISD, and Hunter College. Many have also completed other competitive artist residencies.
Culturally Diverse:
While the majority of participants are based in the United States, Skowhegan attracts artists with global perspectives. Many residents bring in influences from Latin America, Asia, and Africa, making it a melting pot of different artistic traditions and ideas.

Who Should Apply?

Skowhegan is best for artists who are serious about experimenting and pushing their practice further. The program is ideal for those who enjoy a collaborative, critique-based environment and are open to engaging with other artists in deep discussions about art and society. Applicants should have a strong portfolio and a commitment to making art, rather than just focusing on commercial success.

Final Thoughts

Skowhegan is an intense and inspiring residency that pushes artists to grow. With its long history, strong community, and focus on experimentation, it remains a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for artists who want to challenge themselves and expand their creative practice.