Call for Artists: Activate Fallingwater’s Terrace
Fallingwater Institute + Touchstone Center for Crafts Artist-in-Residence Program
In honor of Fallingwater’s 90th Anniversary and Handwork 2026, Fallingwater Institute + Touchstone Center for Crafts is thrilled to announce the creation of a collaborative artist in residence program. Artists working in all media are encouraged to apply for this exciting new residency opportunity. The Kaufmann family were known around the world as tastemakers and trendsetters of Modernism. Fallingwater’s collection of fine and decorative art reflects the Kaufmann’s sophisticated tastes and aesthetic vision for their country home.
During this residency, artists will spend one week living on-site at Fallingwater, gathering inspiration from Wright’s iconic work of architecture and the Kaufmann family’s curated collection of fine and decorative art. Then, spend one to two weeks in-residence at Touchstone Center for Crafts where artists will create, prototype, and develop a proposal for a site-specific installation for one of Fallingwater’s outdoor terraces, historically named “the pottery terrace” – where the Kaufmann’s once displayed their collection of functional and sculptural ceramic vessels.
Please note: Resulting works of art will be shown in an outdoor environment, exposed to all weather conditions and accessible by Fallingwater’s visiting public. All work must be for sale with a commission rate of 50%.
About Fallingwater Institute and Touchstone Center for Crafts
Fallingwater and Touchstone Center for Crafts, both located in the scenic Laurel Highlands of Southwestern Pennsylvania, are exceptional settings for artists to gather inspiration and observe their creative process in a lush, forest environment. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1930’s and now a house museum and UNESCO World Heritage site, Fallingwater serves as a symbol of innovation and creative expression for artists who are interested in exploring the nexus of art and nature, thinking beyond boundaries, and/or reflecting on the site’s rich history and heritage.
Touchstone Center for Crafts has served as a creative community hub for over 53 years, where artists of all skill level gather to learn from experts and use fully-equipped studios for blacksmithing, ceramics, small metals, glass, painting, and more. Together, Fallingwater and Touchstone present an opportunity for emerging and established artists to participate in a one-of-a-kind creative residency that combines the unique resources of both sites.
About Handwork 2026
Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026 is a nationwide, year-long initiative honoring the handmade as part of the U.S. Semiquincentennial. Led by Craft in America, the yearlong celebration brings together makers, museums, and organizations to showcase the craft traditions that define and connect America. Learn more.
About the Residency
The Fallingwater Institute + Touchstone Center for Crafts Artist Residency begins with a week-long stay on-site at Fallingwater from May 11-17, 2026, where the artist-in-residence is encouraged to immerse themself in Wright’s design, the beauty of Bear Run’s landscape, the site’s unique history, and the Kaufmann’s collection of fine and decorative art. Fallingwater staff will provide support as the artist pursues creative inquiries of the place while enjoying exceptional, private access to Fallingwater outside of public tour hours. Fallingwater Institute will provide transportation, on-site housing, a stocked pantry, access to Fallingwater and research support to the participating artist.
After spending a week in residence gathering inspiration at Fallingwater, Touchstone will offer each artist-in-residence a two-week immersive, studio residency at Touchstone Center for Crafts from May 18-June 1, 2026. Touchstone Center for Crafts will provide a $500 stipend for food and materials, as well as private lodging to each artist-in-residence. While in residence at Touchstone Center for Crafts, the selected artist will have full access to their designated studio, as well as the equipment. Consumables (i.e. oxygen, propane, etc.) and materials (i.e. steel, clay, etc.) are the responsibility of each artist-in-residence and will be charged at the cost of goods.
Available studios* include: blacksmithing, ceramics, glass, and various multi-purpose studio spaces.
*Touchstone studios have very specific, expensive equipment that must be maintained by qualified technicians. Anyone using the studios must be guided through safety and equipment usage and instructions upon arrival and possibly throughout the duration of the residency, depending on the incoming artists’ level of familiarity with the equipment they wish to use.
Residency Includes:
- A $2,000 artist stipend
- Travel to and from Fallingwater/Touchstone (flight, rental car, and/or mileage + tolls.)
- On-site housing at Fallingwater and Touchstone
- Meals and/or a stocked pantry while in residence at Fallingwater
- $500 stipend for food while in residence at Touchstone Center for Crafts
- Guided Architectural Tours and regularly scheduled after-hours access to Fallingwater
- Access to Fallingwater’s archive, if applicable
- Studio access during 2-Week Residency at Touchstone Center for Crafts
- Possibility of additional stipend for public engagement through artist talks, workshops or other educational programs
Residency Timeline
- Application Closes – March 1, 2026
- Applicants Notified by March 15, 2026
- Fallingwater Residency – May 11-17, 2026
- Touchstone Residency – May 18-June 1, 2026
- Artwork Installation – August 24-28, 2026
- Artwork on View – August 29-September-30, 2026
- Artwork Deinstallation – October 1-5, 2026
Application Requirements
Applications will be received via Slideroom with a $30 application fee.
Applications must include:
- Resume or CV
- Statement of Purpose/Intent
- 5 examples of your work