Sea Breeze Artist Residency
for writers and visual artists
Mission
Founded in the spring of 2023, the Sea Breeze Artist Residency was created to offer artists and writers an inspiring place to focus on their work. The residency honors Mary Newhouse, a passionate advocate for the arts and a devoted steward of Block Island’s natural beauty. Mary believed that individual creative endeavors have the power to make the world a better place, and her spirit continues to guide our mission.
The Residency on Block Island
The ten-day residency takes place at Sea Breeze on Block Island, just off the coast of Rhode Island. Known for its strong traditions of artistic support and environmental conservation, Block Island offers a unique and tranquil setting for creative practice. We host two sessions each year during the quieter seasons of May and October.
Each resident enjoys a private guest room. Visual artists are provided a 14' x 14' on-site studio, while writers may choose to work either at Sea Breeze or at the Island Free Library, one of the island’s year-round community hubs. Breakfast and a light lunch are provided daily. A bicycle, equipped with helmet and lock, is also available for residents to explore the island at their own pace.
An important part of this residency is fostering dialogue and connection within the Block Island community.
Artists-in-residence are invited to share their work and creative process through open studios, public talks, and other community-centered events, all free and open to the public. To help residents understand what makes Block Island so distinctive, we also organize special activities that introduce them to the island’s culture, history, and natural environment.
The residency is committed to supporting the local economy by partnering with island vendors and small businesses whenever possible. Our public programs also help generate off-season activity, contributing to tourism during the shoulder months.
Resident-led workshops and classes provide students at the local Block Island School with valuable exposure to a wide range of contemporary artistic practices and creative approaches. Past initiatives have included artist talks, hands-on workshops, open studios, and other interactive events. Our mission is to foster meaningful connections between artists, writers, and the Block Island community while strengthening local engagement. To support this goal, the residency covers materials for public workshops, open studios, talks, Q&As, and school-based classes.
Spring Session 2026: Thursday, April 30 - Sunday, May 10
Fall Session 2026: Tuesday, October 13 - Thursday October 22
One writer and one visual artist residency will be awarded for each ten day session in 2026.
The selection process is overseen by a panel of jurors, based on work submitted.
APPLICATIONS WILL BE OPEN SOON!
check back for more details, or email us to be added to our list
Spring Session 2026 :
Thursday, April 30 - Sunday May 10
Fall Session 2026:
Tuesday, October 13 - Thurs October 22
If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please email us: contact@seabreezeblockisland.com
Writers
Writers may apply in the following fields : Poetry - Fiction - Non-fiction - Playwriting - Graphic
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Work sample. Please submit your work sample in manuscript format, double-spaced, 12 point font. Please submit no more than a maximum of 10 pages. Can be work-in-progress, published pieces, excerpts, or a selection of short works. Work samples completed within the past four years are required.
Statement. On a single page, in 12 point font, tell us about your work and explain any contexts for the work you feel are important. We would like to know what you plan to focus on while in residence at Sea Breeze. We hope to get an understanding of who you are as a writer, your creative process, and how the residency can positively impact your own writing practice.
Biography. On one page in 12 point font, please include any relevant educational background, professional experience, and any accomplishments to date. Please include a link to your website, if you have one.
Artists
Visual artists may apply in the following fields : Drawing - Painting - Sculpture - Photography - Mixed media
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Images. You can submit up to 8 jpegs maximum of individual works. Please identify each image by title, year, medium, and dimensions. Work samples completed within the last 4 years are required.
Statement. On a single page, in 12 point font, tell us about your work, and what you plan to focus on while in residence at Sea Breeze. We hope to get an understanding of who you are as an artist, your creative process, and how the residency can positively impact your work.
Biography. On one page, in 12 point font, please include your educational background, professional experience, and any accomplishments to date. Please include a link to your website, or social media account, as applicable.
Visual Artist’s Guestroom and Workspace
For the visual artist residency, a private guestroom and bathroom, plus a studio workspace is provided. Breakfast and lunch are included. The studio is a 14x14 foot room, with a 3x6 foot work table and large wall spaces. Please note: there is no sink access in the studio. There is access right outside the studio to a hose and bucket.
Writer’s Guestroom and Workspace
For the writer residency, a private guestroom and bathroom is provided, with a table and chair for writing. Breakfast and lunch are included. Please note: we do not have wifi available at our location. You can use your hotspot in the guestroom, or there is the option to work at our local Library, which has free wifi.
Meet the Team
Co-founder - Sea Breeze Artist Residency
FAQs
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The year-round ferry leaves from Pt. Judith, R.I. The closest Amtrak station is Kingston, RI. Taxi or Uber can be arranged from Kingston to Pt Judith. Passenger-only ferry tickets do not need to be booked in advance. There is parking available near the ferry (fees do apply).
Ferry schedules: https://www.blockislandferry.com/point-judith/
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There is a $35 application fee via PayPal. The residency is free to attend. We provide a guestroom with private bathroom, breakfast and lunch. The artist has a 300 foot studio space. We also provide one bike, with helmet lock, and map of the island. A small stipend will be given for helping to cover costs of other meals out. We do not cover any travel expenses.
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Bring warm clothes to layer, a waterproof outer layer, and waterproof shoes. Weather can be unpredictable during the off-season, and often is different than the mainland. We are located right on the coast, and winds can be strong at our location. We recommend you check the weather report for the island before your stay.
Please plan to bring all of your writing and art supplies and materials needed to generate your work during your residency. If needed, please bring a hotspot for wifi. The island has very limited resources.
We provide all of the following as part of our service to our guests : linens, towels, beach towels, irons, hairdryers, bath amenities (soap, shampoo, conditioner). Daily housecleaning is also provided.
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The Sea Breeze residency provides your breakfast and lunch every day. Each morning, a delicious chef-prepared breakfast is delivered to your room. A light lunch will also be prepared for you to pick up. There are no cooking or grilling facilities available on the property. The residents are responsible for dinner meals. Several restaurants are open during the off-season, within walking distance.
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The average temperature is in the 50’s F during the off season in May and October. If windy, the air feels colder. Typically the island runs 10 degrees cooler than the mainland and New England area.
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A car is not necessary on the island. Block Island is small, 7 miles long and 3 miles wide. We are conveniently located within a 10 minute walk to the main town, Old Harbor, the ferry, restaurants, and shops. We provide a beach cruiser bike to use during your stay, which is a great way to explore the island. Taxis are also available. If you want to bring your car, please note that all cars require advance reservations on the ferry, and these book up quickly, even off-season.
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Yes, cell phones work fine. Service can be spotty on the island at times. We do not have WiFi at our location. The best free WiFi service is at The Island Free Library, a short 10 minute walk from Sea Breeze. https://islandfreelibrary.org/
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The residency guestroom is for a single guest. We cannot accommodate any pets or additional guests.
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We understand that circumstances may change. If you need to cancel your residency, we require a 15 day notice from the start of the session. This would give us enough time to reach out to someone else. Thanks for your understanding.
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Yes, thank you ! We accept donations of any amount, to help us cover the full cost of the residency. The Sea Breeze Residency covers all juror application and advertising fees, plus staff, lodging and food expenses. See below for more details, or contact us by email. To make non-profit donations, please connect with our island community at Block Island Arts Council here: BIAC
Every little bit helps us all, and we are grateful.
**All donor’s names will be displayed on our website.
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The best fastest way to reach us is via email. Please email us at: contact@seabreezeblockisland.com If you prefer to reach us via phone, our number is (401) 466-2275 Please leave a message, if we are unable to pick-up. Our mailing address is: Sea Breeze, PO Box 141, Block Island, RI 02807
HELP US WITH A DonatION
Your donation will assist us in providing this unique opportunity for artists to work without interruption in a supportive environment. Click the link below to donate now. By supporting the Sea Breeze Artist Residency, you are part of the creative process, and help make the world a better place.
You can also make a donation to: The Block Island Arts Council.
BIAC is a non-profit community building organization, connecting artists on the island. Visit them here @BIAC
a big Thank you to our donors AND SPONSORS!!
Terri Chegwidden Nate Casto Austin Thomas David Sanders
Marsha Norman Sue and Phil Knoll
Sue Brown Black Leigh Klonsky Sharon Lehman Renee Meyer
Lazy Fish Island Free Library Island Bound Bookstore Perspehone’s
Block Island Arts Council Bodhi’s Bees The Roosa Fund
Block Island Arts and Crafts Guild Block Island Tourism Council Spring Street Gallery
Virginica’s