Willow Pond Fibre Artist Residency

Located in Erin, Ontario - just 45 minutes by car from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport - Willow Pond is a small-scale art residency dedicated to fibre and textile practices. 

This residency is specifically designed for fibre artists who are looking for a place they can focus on self-directed projects. 

While you’re here, you will have access to a well-equipped studio with the tools, materials, space and support for a wide range of wet and dry fibre art processes including: rug hooking, punch needle, weaving, felting, braiding, tufting, dyeing, stitching, and other innovative mixed textile work.

The studio has been created to support a wide range of fibre and textile practices, from traditional techniques to experimental work. Set in a 750 square foot fibre studio, the space is bright, welcoming, and filled with samples of fibre art from around the world as inspiration. 

At Willow Pond Residency, we believe in skill-building and purposeful creation, but your time is yours. You’re free to set goals and finish projects, or, be process-oriented - your choice. Your host, Yvonne Iten-Scott, is an experienced and internationally-regarded fibre artist and instructor, and she will be available for guidance, questions and support - more below. 

1. Fill in the application form below.
2. On the form, choose between 2, 4 or 1 week(s) for your residency. 
3. Indicate your preferred dates from those provided. 
4. Once complete, click the submit button.
5. We will be in touch to set up a 20 minute conversation to get to know each other, ask questions, and confirm the residency is a good fit. 
6. Upon acceptance, a deposit or full payment is due to hold your place. If needed, the remainder of the residency fee is due 2 weeks before your first day.
7. An orientation document will be provided before your arrival.
8. Once your residency is completed, you will receive a certificate of completion (optional). 

• Private bedroom with your own bathroom, either completely private (the entire unit) or shared (1 unit with two people.) Kitchenette and living areas are shared, but your bathroom is yours.
• 24/7 studio access (quiet work between 9pm and 9am).
• Tools, equipment, and natural dyeing facilities.
• A thoughtful and inspiring studio library.
• Optional guidance and support from your host twice a week (schedule to be confirmed once onsite)

This is a small, shared residency with a maximum of three artists at a time. Each artist has their own private room and bathroom. 

The kitchens are set up for simple, light cooking for everyday rather than elaborate meals. Standard groceries as well as health food stores and country markets are all within a 10-minute drive. 

You’ll be staying on a rural property with chickens, ducks and two dogs. Entry to accommodations is via one flight of stairs, or on the ground floor via some uneven paving stones, so cannot be considered wheelchair accessible.  The property is well lit and secure, with WiFi.

“This is an incredibly well-equipped, innovative and supportive residency I feel lucky I could be a part of! I’ve looked high and low, and it’s one of those really hard to find things: an affordable, fibre-focused residency with onsite accommodation and a really generous and experienced host. 

In the four weeks I spent here, I was able to deep dive into several projects and experiment with others. With Yvonne’s help, I used the studio electric wool carder, rigid heddle loom, rug hooking and proddy equipment, wet felting tools, as well as her big tables to create the biggest tapestry I've made to date! 

Bonus: all the magazines and books for a massive shot of inspiration! The accommodations are great too - extra marks for a very comfy bed and beautiful nature all around. I hope and plan to be back very soon.” 

- Andrea Lee, Textile Artist (Haliburton School of Art Fibre Art Certificate alumni)

• 2-week, 4-week or 1 week stays
• Sunday–Saturday cycles
• Quiet hours after 9pm (low-noise work is welcome)
• 2 friendly dogs are no extra charge
• Car required (no public transport)

• 2-week residency: $900
• 4-week residency: $1,600
• 1-week residency: $500

Residency fees are the same whether for the private suite, or the 2 bedroom option. Room assignment is first-come, first-served. Two artists who know each other are especially welcome to stay in the 2-bedroom unit.

A $300 deposit is required to secure your preferred residency dates upon acceptance. The remaining balance is due no later than 2 weeks prior to arrival.

Should your plans change, your deposit is refundable when you let us know in writing up to 30 days prior to your scheduled first day, minus a $50 administrative fee. Or, you can transfer your deposit to new dates within 1 year without penalty. 

After graduating from the Fibre Art Certificate, Yvonne Iten-Scott has been an instructor at the Haliburton School of Art and Design for the past 3 years. She is also an award-winning Homo Faber artist who has exhibited internationally. Co-curator of a popular exhibit "Magnificent Bugs in Rugs" which features 45 rug hooking artists worldwide, she loves supporting artists to learn traditional techniques and applying them in contemporary ways.

Yvonne’s practice is deeply rooted in fibre, and the studio reflects years of active making, teaching, and material exploration. She was also at the center of the controversial censoring of her work, "Origin." 

Specific to your residency, the time you spend at Willow Pond will be self-directed. However, Yvonne makes herself available for skill-building, questions, guidance and direction during your stay - there if you want it. She will give you a tour of the studio upon your arrival and invite questions and reflections each week, or by request. Often, she will be in the studio with you also elbow-deep in a fibre project.

The Halton Hills and neighbouring areas are a mecca for fibre art activities, shops, festivals, guild meetings and more. Do a little planning ahead or extend your stay to take advantage of all the region has to offer. 

Martina Lesar’s Hooked Rug Studio and Shop 

Camila Valley Farm Weaver's Supply 

Wellington Fibre Mill 

Linda’s Craftique Yarn Shop

Willow Pond is currently available to welcome you the following weeks in 2026 and 2027. Residency weeks are organized from Sunday to Saturday.

2026:

Oct 18 - 25

Oct 25 - Nov 1

Nov 1 - 8

Nov 8 - 15 

Nov 15 - 22

Nov 22 - 29

2027: 

Jan 31 - Feb 7

Feb 7 - 14

Feb 14 - 21

Feb 21 - 28