Maine Programs

Haystack provides opportunities to work both alone and with others.

Open Door, first offered at Haystack in 1982, has become an important event for the school and the Maine arts community. This intensive fall session for Maine residents allows the chance to retreat and devote extended time to one’s work. All levels of students take part, from beginners to advanced professionals, each working in their own art forms or investigating other media. Open Door is traditionally held on Columbus Day weekend, and led by prominent New England craftmakers and visual artists. This workshop has become one of Maine's best known professional development opportunities for working artists.

From October 9-12, ninety Mainers, ages 18 and older, participated in this year's program. 2009 Open Door workshops and faculty included:

• Blacksmithing with Doug Wilson
• Clay with Aysha Peltz
• Drawing with MaJo Keleshian
• Fibers with Carol Stein
• Metals with Sharon Portelance
• Writing with Jeffrey Thomson
• Wood/Mixed Media with Michael Stasiuk

View the 2009 Open Door brochure

For participants of all skill levels - from beginners to advanced professionals - this program offers Maine residents the opportunity for retreat and focus time.

Haystack's environment encourages exploration of traditional and new materials and techniques.