Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts invites visitors to their 55-acre campus in Newcastle for the 29th annual Salad Days celebration and fundraiser. This community and clay-centric festival offers an opportunity to get to know the arts nonprofit that attracts world-class artists to Midcoast Maine. Guests can shop the event’s pottery sale, enjoy a delicious picnic brunch and explore the Center’s brand-new Commons building.
Every year, Watershed commissions an artist to make hundreds of earthenware plates for the Salad Days event. The artist resides at Watershed during production and becomes an integral part of the campus community. At Salad Days, guests will select their favorite plate made by this year’s Salad Days Artist-in-Residence, Jeremiah Ibarra. Attendees must purchase plate tickets in advance on Watershed’s website.
In addition to browsing for ceramic pieces at the fundraiser, guests can catch pottery demonstrations by master ceramists, tour Watershed’s beautiful campus, indulge in fresh local fare, and win prizes in the art raffle. There will also be on-site screen printing services by Little Chair Printing. Interested attendees should bring their own 100% cotton items and clothing to be printed on.
Most of the event takes place outdoors in an expansive field dotted with tents. Guests are encouraged to mingle with artists, staff and ceramic-enthusiasts who flock from all over the country to the event.
“There are so many things to celebrate during this year’s Salad Days. We can’t wait to share the beautiful facilities that will help us support a whole new level of programming,” says Watershed executive director David S. East. “Watershed has a bright future, and I look forward to celebrating with new and long-standing friends alike.”
Funds raised during Salad Days support Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts’ education programs and residencies for artists working in clay. The event is sponsored by local businesses, including VIP event sponsor Lucy Lacoste Gallery, Plate Tent sponsor JF Scott Construction, and Dining Tent sponsor OutSkirt Studios.
Salad Days will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 13 at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, 19 Brick Hill Road in Newcastle. The VIP event will be held at the same location on the day before from 3 to 7 p.m. July 12. For directions, tickets and more details, visit www.watershedceramics.org/events/salad-days.
