Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts in Newcastle will welcome the public to its 31st annual Salad Days on Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., continuing a Midcoast Maine tradition that brings together handmade ceramics, seasonal food, and community.

This year's event marks the first Salad Days powered in part by Watershed's new solar installation, an important milestone in the organization's ongoing commitment to sustainability.

At the center of the celebration are more than 500 handmade ceramic plates created by 2026 Salad Days Artist Torie Crouse during a seven-month residency at Watershed. Guests who purchase a Plate Ticket will choose a one-of-a-kind plate to keep before enjoying a seasonal lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients.

Visitors can also enjoy artist demonstrations, the Invitational Pottery Sale, campus tours, and Watershed's popular Reverse Raffle, where every ticket holder takes home a handmade ceramic piece.

Over a span of three decades, Salad Days has grown from a simple gathering into one of Midcoast Maine's signature summer arts events, welcoming hundreds of visitors each year while remaining true to its purpose: celebrating the connection between art, food, and community.

Proceeds from Salad Days and the Garden Party, held the evening before on July 10, directly support Watershed's artist residencies, educational programs, and scholarships, ensuring that artists can participate regardless of financial means.

Founded in 1986, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts creates opportunities for life-changing experiences through art, time, place, and community. The nonprofit hosts artists from around the world through residencies, workshops, exhibitions, and public programs on its 54-acre campus in Newcastle.

Advance tickets are recommended, as Plate Tickets regularly sell out. Learn more or purchase tickets at www.watershedceramics.org/salad-days.