ART|WORK Retreat is a space for writers and creators to step away from daily demands and return to their work with time, focus, and support.
Set in a historic mill building on the banks of the Ashuelot River, the retreat offers quiet, light-filled studios for extended creative work. Writers in all genres are invited to use this time for drafting, revision, experimentation, or deepening an ongoing project.
Two private studios—the East and West rooms—look out over the river and surrounding landscape. Each offers a simple, focused working environment designed for sustained attention. A shared kitchen with stove and refrigerator is available for guest use.
ART|WORK also includes an optional fellowship component. Writers may choose to engage in light collaborative work connected to the ongoing rehabilitation of the mill building, or simply remain focused on their writing practice.
Optional critiques and creative mentoring are available with in-house artists or, when appropriate, through our partner artists via Zoom.
If this feels like the right place for you, please review the Application Guidelines and Pricing below before beginning your application.
Questions about applying
If you have questions, please feel free to email us at: artworkresidency@32mcenter.org
Applicants may call: 347-441-0089 and leave a detailed voice message. We will respond as soon as we are able.
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
Details
Writers & Artists Retreat
A quiet, self-directed retreat for writers and artists.
We host a maximum of two guests per week to preserve quiet, focus, and space.
All guests are accepted through application.
Studios & Pricing
- East Studio
- $400 per person / 5 – night stay (Monday–Friday)
- ($80 per night)
- West Studio
- $450 per person / 5 – night stay (Monday–Friday)
- ($90 per night)
Optional 6th Night (when available)
- You may extend your stay through Saturday night:
- East Studio: $480 total (6 nights)
- West Studio: $540 total (6 nights)
Departure Sunday by 10:00 a.m.
Stay Options
- Standard stay: 5 nights (Monday–Friday)
Departure Saturday at 10:00 a.m. - Extended stay (when available): 6 nights (Monday–Saturday)
Departure Sunday at 10:00 a.m. - Two-week stays may be booked.
Please inquire for availability (a weekend break may be included depending on scheduling).
Arrival
Arrival time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Included
- Shared kitchen facilities
- Quiet, self-directed creative time
- Access to studio space
- One optional 40-minute creative mentoring or critique session per stay.
Application
- Application required for acceptance
- $25 application fee (currently waived)
- Please review guidelines before applying
Writers & Artists Fellowship
(Work Exchange)
A limited number of discounted retreat stays are available each year for individuals who wish to help restore and maintain the property.
Acceptance is competitive and based on fit and availability.
Requirements:
- Application required
- Two letters of reference from individuals familiar with your work
- 8–15 hours per week of work exchange
- Skills may include:
- carpentry
- gardening
- painting
- grounds maintenance
Notes
- Reduced retreat fee is offered in exchange for labor (varies based on hours and contribution)
- Shared kitchen facilities included
- Availability is limited
- $15 application fee
East Studio
West Studio
Week details
Stay Length
1 week / 5 or 6 days
(2-week stays are available—please inquire for availability and scheduling)
Arrival & Departure
Arrival: Monday at 10:00 a.m.
Departure:
- Saturday at 10:00 a.m. (5-day stay)
- Sunday at 10:00 a.m. (6-day stay)
Departure timing depends on selected option.
Two-week stays are available. If you are interested in a longer visit, please contact us regarding availability, departure timing, and rates.
Studio Options
West Studio
- Two studio rooms (futon bed)
- Adjacent private bathroom
- Shared kitchen
- Parking for one vehicle
- River view
East Studio
- One combined studio space (futon bed)
- Adjacent shared bathroom
- Shared kitchenParking for one vehicle
- River view
Fees
Application fee:
- Regular retreat: $25 (currently waived)
- Fellowship retreat: $15
Deposit:
- $250 non-refundable deposit required upon acceptance
(see note below regarding deposits)
Extra day (6th night when available):
- $80–$90 depending on studio
Fellowship Retreat (Work Exchange)
We offer discounted retreat time* once yearly for those wishing to help restore the property and land depending on availability of our rooms.
Retreat Environment
32M offers an unplugged, focused environment.
- No on-site internet is available
- Guests may use personal phone hotspot or satellite access if needed
- Internet is also available at the village library during open hours
A bicycle may be available for guest use when possible.
Guests provide their own food and creative supplies.
Additional Studio Space (optional use)
Writers may request access to a second-floor 19th-century mill workers’ room during daytime hours for quiet writing and inspiration.
No additional fee. Please inquire.
Policies & Guidelines
Community Guidelines
32M is a shared environment designed to support quiet, focus, and respect for others. We ask all guests to be mindful of:
- differing needs for silence and solitude
- noise levels in shared spaces
- respect for personal belongings and food in the shared kitchen
- general care for the space and surroundings
Safety & Care of the Space
To ensure the safety and preservation of the retreat environment:
- No smoking is permitted indoors or in buildings
- No illegal substances are allowed on the property
- Open flames (including candles) are not permitted indoors
- Guests are asked not to climb or descend the riverbank rocks, for safety reasons
Community Experience
Guests are welcome to engage with one another during meals or shared moments, or to maintain privacy and solitude as preferred.
There is no expectation of participation in group interaction.
Grounds for Removal
We aim to maintain a respectful and safe environment for all guests.
Behavior that damages property, disrupts the safety or well-being of others, or violates the above guidelines may result in early departure from the retreat.
Application Timeline (ART | WORK + Retreats)
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis during open season.
The retreat is open during summer and early fall, typically closing in late September.
Fellowship Applications
Summer 2026
- Rolling applications open: February 17, 2026
- Notifications begin: April 1 – May 31, 2026 and continue on a rolling basis
Optional Public Sharing
During their stay, guests may optionally share their work in an informal gathering.
This may include:
- current work in progress
- previously completed work
- readings, presentations, or informal discussion
- Participation is entirely optional
Work | Help Fellowship
The Work | Help Fellowship offers a limited number of reduced-cost stays for individuals who contribute to the ongoing care and restoration of 32 Main, a historic mill workers’ quarters being developed into a workshop, dormitory, and creative community space.
Fellowship participants contribute up to 15 hours per week of hands-on work, which may include:
- carpentry
- painting
- gardening
- general maintenance and grounds care
In exchange, participants receive a reduced retreat fee (based on hours and type of work).
Application fee: $15
Work assignments are shaped in conversation with each participant’s skills and interests.
Application
Application Overview
All stays at 32M are application-based to ensure a good fit between the artist and the retreat environment.
We host a small number of residents each season, with a maximum of two guests at a time.
Application Fee & Deposit
- Regular Retreat Application Fee: currently waived (normally $25)
- Fellowship Application Fee: $15
- Deposit: $250 (non-refundable; see note below)
How to Apply
Please email your application to:
ArtWorkResidency@32mcenter.org
Subject line: Art | Work Residency Application
Include the following materials:
1. Residency Details
- Preferred dates
- Number of weeks requested (1–2 weeks)
- First and second choice of dates
- Preferred studio (and second choice, if applicable)
2. Statement of Purpose
A description of your intentions for your time at 32M.
What do you hope to explore, develop, or focus on during your residency?
3. Creative Work
- CV or artistic history (or equivalent description of your creative path)
- Up to 3 links to representative work (no downloads)
4. Project Description
Please describe what you plan to work on during your stay.
5. Fellowship Applicants Only
If applying for the Work/Help Fellowship, please also include:
- A statement about your interest in participating in the restoration and transformation of 32 Main
- Names of two references who can speak to your creative practice (letters may be sent separately or included with your application)
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed based primarily on:
- clarity of intention
- strength of creative practice
- alignment between the applicant’s work and the retreat environment
We are especially interested in supporting artists who are using their time at 32M to explore new ideas, materials, processes, or directions in their work.
About Your Materials
We encourage applicants to share only their most representative work. Quantity is not a factor in selection.
We understand that not all artists have had access to formal training or the opportunity to develop a traditional CV. If that applies to you, you are welcome to submit a description of your creative practice and meaningful experiences related to your work instead.
Scheduling
Residency sessions run from 1–2 weeks.
Please include:
- number of weeks requested
- preferred dates
- alternate dates
Note on Deposits
Deposits are non-refundable. However, they may be applied toward a future residency within one year if we are notified at least three weeks in advance of the scheduled arrival date.
Please contact us for rescheduling options or questions.
Previous ART|WORK visiting fellows
Summer 2023
Visiting Assistant Professor of Spanish, Contributing Faculty Architectural Studies —Amherst College
Summer 2022
Summer 2021
Gahlord Dewald, experimental double bass
Experimenting with musical gesture in digitally-mediated performance environments.
Visiting fellows contribute to and participate in the evolving creative and physical life of 32M.
note on deposits
*Deposits are non-refundable but may be used for future residency within one year, if notified up to three weeks in advance. Contact us for details.