Animating the creative life is the tangible work of the hands and the heart, which have their own way of knowing.
— Maria Popova
Kinship Studio
Kinship Studio is a retreat and workshop center in Cumberland, Maryland. We welcome photographers and makers of all skill levels looking to seed, incubate, launch, or complete personal work or community projects. Whether learning a new skill, discovering a new or deeper direction for your work, or searching for an affordable way to prepare for an upcoming exhibition or portfolio review, Kinship Studio offers customized retreats ranging from self-directed and independent to fully-guided and supported.
Kinship Studio retreats are non-competitive, self-funded residencies, and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Just follow the steps below.
Learn more about retreats, studios & workspaces, and the house & community.
Read “What to Know Before Visiting” to make sure we are a good fit for you.
Fill out the Retreat Request Form, and will be in touch.
Types of retreats.
Custom-designed for your creative practice, Kinship Studio retreats are as varied and unique as the people who seek them out, ranging from completely self-directed to fully guided.
Self-Directed Retreat
Self-directed retreats are completely independent and include your chosen workspace/studio. This retreat is ideal for artists who have experience with the tools and processes of their requested studio and enjoy working alone.
Guided Retreat
Guided retreats are perfect for individuals who are exploring and learning. Here you can learn or refine a skill, enjoy guidance, instruction, and feedback while you work. Guided retreats are custom-designed to your creative needs.
Production Retreat
Do you have a project you want to launch, or work to share with the world? Production retreats support artists in creating new works, launching projects, preparing exhibitions/installations, or designing community arts initiatives.
What studio is best for your practice?
Explore the range of studio options we have available for your creative practice.
Digital & Print Studio
Equipped with a large format printer, film and print scanner, large work tables, color calibration, and the tools you need to print, mat, and frame your work.
Darkroom
Our spacious darkroom is perfect for your silver or alternative processes. Enlargers and film tanks can accommodate film sizes from 35mm to 8×10.
Mixed Media Studio
Get wildly creative with large cutting tables, multiple printers, organized, accessible tool storage, and a variety of printed materials for collage projects.
Writing & Book Studio
Our coziest space. Spend time writing or creating artists' books, maquettes, zines, or other handmade printed matter. Equipped with basic book-making tools and space to spread out.
Outdoor Studio
When it comes to UV processes, nothing beats sunlight. During the warmer months, we offer an outdoor garden studio with tables, a sink, XL trays, and contact frames for printing up to 20×24.
Makers Space
Allegany College Makers Space is a dream studio. Located 5 miles from Kinship Studio. You can print on plexiglass, wood, metal, or fabric. Embroider mixed-media projects or laser cutting wood or metal.
