Fiber Arts on the land
Building a connected future, one fiber at a time!
2026 Fiber Arts Residency
Fourth Annual Gael Roots Community Farm & Catskill Art Space Fiber Arts Residency September 20 - 27, 2026
The Residency
Gael Roots Community Farm and Catskill Art Space (CAS), offer a residency for one fine artist working with fiber interested in the opportunity to delve into their work on a 150-acre farm and foster a deeper connection to the fibers they incorporate into their craft.
This is a unique residency, tailored to the artist selected. Priority will be given to artists who intend to engage with the farm environment as an influence on their creative practice. Artists are invited to participate in farm activities (including farm-to-table meals) interact with the farm team, fiber artists and mentors, and visitors.
In advance of the residency, our fiber arts mentor, Samm Kunce, works closely with the artist selected to help shape their time, plan learning opportunities, and otherwise tailor the residency to their specific goals for their stay.
The artist awarded the residency will be invited to stay on Gael Roots Community Farm for a week (see session dates below) to work as they see fit.
The residency includes:
A $1,500 stipend
Mentorship and support from fiber artist Samm Kunce.
A private room and shared bath in the Gael Roots Farmhouse
Time to enjoy a scenic 150-acre farm - walking trails, large vegetable garden, heritage breed Icelandic and Shetlund sheep, Highland cows, wetlands, forest, and fields.
Meals: Includes a fully stocked kitchen and garden for the artist to prepare their own breakfast and dinner. Lunch is prepared by the staff and served communally. Two evenings include communal dinners.
The farmhouse is a 120-year-old home with narrow entrances, stairs and no elevator; and the grounds on the farm are uneven. Within your application, there is an opportunity to describe needed accommodations, and you are welcome to reach out with any questions to seeds@gaelrootsfarm.org.
Eligibility
Any fiber artist is welcome to apply. If you have been a recipient of this residency in the past, you are welcome to re-apply after 4 years.
2026 Session Dates run Sunday, September 20th through Sunday September 27th. The presentation at CAS is scheduled for Saturday, September 26th.
Gael Roots Farm and Catskill Art Space
Gael Roots Community Farm is a non-profit organization working at the intersections of agricultural education, food access and building a fiber arts community. Gael Roots is named after the Gaels, the ancient people of Ireland and Scotland, because the organization values a reciprocal relationship with nature. We raise heritage breed Icelandic and Shetland sheep and lambs, highland cows, and grow vegetables, herbs, wild and cultivated dye plants, and fiber flax.
Catskill Art Space (CAS) explores contemporary art practices of emerging and established artists. Through exhibitions, performances, classes, lectures and screenings, CAS fosters creative community in the Catskills.
Dye samples on cotton and silk created by 2024 Fiber Artist Davana Robedee
Weaving in the works by 2023 Fiber Artist In Residence Sophy Naess
Yarn dyed by the 2023 Fiber Artist in Residence. The colors came from plants harvested around Gael Roots and Wild Roots.
Local Fiber Artist and residency mentor Samm Kunce harvesting fiber flax in August of 2022