Writer and editor Mabel Loomis Todd and her husband, Amherst College astronomer David Todd, became enamored with Hog Island in 1908. They subsequently purchased a portion of the island and constructed a small cluster of buildings for the family’s summer getaway- a place to enjoy the lush forests, rocky shorelines, and marine and terrestrial wildlife of the rugged Maine coast.

After Mabel’s death in 1932, her daughter Millicent Todd Bingham acquired the rest of the island. In 1935 Millicent reached an agreement with the National Audubon Society to manage and use the property to educate teachers about the environment. Hog Island Audubon Camp and the Todd Wildlife Sanctuary opened in 1936.

In 2012 an extensive program was undertaken by the Friends of Hog Island to restore the Todd/Bingham compound’s original Main Lodge and Writer’s Cabin structures as well as their purpose as a creative retreat. The “Bingham Cottages,” as they are now known, serve as home base for the Audubon Artist Residency.

(Visit our website for more information about Hog Island Audubon Camp history and programs.

The rustic nature of the facility means that it is not for everyone, so please take note of the following details and be sure the situation will work for you before applying. 

How much does it cost to be an Artist in Residence?

There is no charge for the residency aside from the application fee. We do require residents to provide some programming to the camp during their stay, and the donation of a piece of work for the camp collection and archives. We reserve the right to bill you for any physical damage to the building, grounds, or property during your stay, excluding ordinary wear and tear.

Just how rustic IS it? 

The Residency cabin is a simple, uninsulated and unheated wooden structure. Its interior tends to be dark even on sunny days, so Residents typically spend most of their time working either in the field or on the large covered porch of the cabin.

The cabin location is a 3/4-mile hike from the Audubon camp. Artist residents should be in good health and able to regularly walk the uneven, rocky and rooted path to the main campus for the evening meal and services like WIFI and showers. Expect solitude and immersion in nature, including varied weather and the possibility of ticks and mosquitoes.

Audubon camp staff are here to support you, but we expect the Artist in Residence to be self-directed and independent during their stay.

Is there running water?

There is no running water at the Bingham Cottages residency site. Drinking water will be provided in a cooler. Toilet facility is an outhouse (outdoor, covered drop toilet). Showers and flush toilets are available at the Audubon camp, approximately 3/4-mile away by hiking trail.

Is there electricity? How about WIFI?

Minimal electricity is available at the Residency cabin via a small solar panel. One power outlet will charge a cell phone or laptop and small LED lamps. There is no internet service at the Cottages, but WIFI is available at the main campus. Cell phone service can be spotty.

What do I do about meals?

There are no cooking facilities and cooking is not allowed at the Bingham Cottages site. Breakfast and lunch foods that can be stored in a cooler will be provided at your cabin, and you are welcome to bring your own snacks that do not require refrigeration. The Artist in Residence typically joins the full camp for the evening meal.

Can I bring my partner? How about my dog?

The Bingham Cottages can only accommodate one person at a time. Pets are not allowed on the island. We expect that the Artist in Residence has applied for this program because a mostly solitary experience in nature will inspire their work.

Is the Residency facility wheelchair accessible?

No. The distance from camp is too great and the trail is very rugged.

Can I smoke at the Cottages?

No. Smoking and vaping are not allowed in any Hog Island buildings and generally discouraged even outdoors. Fire is a very real concern for old historic wooden buildings and a wooded landscape that is often uprooted by storms.

How do I get to Hog Island?

Residents are responsible for getting themselves to the Audubon camp’s mainland dock in Bremen, where Audubon staff will pick them up for transportation to and from the island at an agreed-upon time. There is no regular scheduled boat between the island and the mainland Audubon dock.

If you drive, parking is available on the camp’s mainland property for the duration of your stay. 

This sounds like just what my work needs! How do I apply?

You are in the right place! For 2025 we have four individual Residencies available: June 8-20, July 13-25, August 10-22, or August 24-September 5. One Artist-in-Residence will be selected for each available residency period.  A panel of working artists and Audubon staff review all applications and make the selection. 

Application Requirements

Be prepared to submit the following materials

1) Your resume/CV with brief bio: Include exhibits, publications, and/or performances - not exceeding four pages.

2) Statement of Intent for Residency –Please describe how a residency at Hog Island will support you and your work. Include a description of a presentation you would be willing to share with the camp community: examples might include a short workshop, demonstration, reading, lecture, or similar program. Also include your preference for Residency dates. June 8-20, July 13-25, August 10-22, or August 24-September 5.

3) Samples of artistic work (as described below)

• Visual Artists (painters, sculptors, photographers, printmakers, mixed media artists, etc.) 6 images
• Literary Artists (writers, poets, etc.)  4-6 samples, not to exceed 6 pages
• Musicians, Composers, & Sound Artists  3 compositions not to exceed a total of 10 minutes.
• Performance Artists, Film Makers, and Videographers  3 productions not to exceed a total of 10 minutes.

Eligibility Criteria

Application is open to artists 21 years and older.