CLAREMONT, N.H. – The Claremont MakerSpace (CMS) is excited to announce woodworker Margo Dunlap was selected as the fall artist-in-residence (AIR), taking over the residency from printmaker Sarah Breisch. This 2025 AIR Program was supported in part by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Dunlap is a woodworker specializing in wooden sculpture, design objects, and furniture. Her body of work includes playful reinterpretations of 1990s childhood objects, including toys and jewelry. She uses storm-felled wood and low-impact finishing techniques where possible for environmental reasons. “I am thrilled to be selected for CMS’s fall artist-in-residence program, and to utilize the exciting tools in their woodshop for the next three months,” said Dunlap. “My residency will focus on three-dimensional carving with the ShopBot CNC machine to advance a body of sculptural woodwork.”
Dunlap’s initial plan is to start with an 1846 gravestone that she photographed in Cornish, followed by several others in the series, which are perfect seasonal additions for her lobby exhibit. They will be followed by 3D carvings of childhood objects.
Come meet Dunlap, see some of her work, and learn about her residency plans during a Meet the Artist event scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 6, from 5-7 p.m., at the Claremont MakerSpace. The event is also an open house for tours of the facility; details are available on the CMS event page. Dunlap will be working in studio and teaching until the end of December. You can follow Dunlap’s progress on her Instagram page.
Breisch just completed her summer residency, and is a printmaker specializing in linocut, drypoint intaglio, and tetrapak collagraph. Her work has been displayed in numerous regional exhibits throughout the area. During her residency, Breisch worked in studio creating new prints on paper and clothing. She also taught a printmaking class, and led a free community event to make cards using some of her print blocks.
“I loved getting to know the CMS community and making new friends,” said Breisch. “I am leaving my residency with the sense that an irrevocable change has occurred; given the gift of uninterrupted time and a devoted workspace, I have experienced many hours of deep, concentrated work on my art. A focused mind and occupied hands are the antidote to distraction and banality. Going forward, I hope to approach my time spent working on my craft with the reverence it deserves.”
Due to the schedule of fall artisan markets, we did not schedule a closing exhibit for Breisch, but instead promoted her work at several regional markets, including the CMS booth during the Claremont Fall Festival, as well as her booth at the Chester, Vt., and Henniker, N.H., fairs. Post-residency, Sarah will continue to teach printmaking at CMS, and you can continue to follow her work on her Rabbit Dog Fine Arts Facebook page or her website.
The AIR program is designed to empower New Hampshire- and Vermont-based artists with tools, training, and space to create compelling new work. Each artist receives $1,000 towards the creation of new work during the residency, three months of unlimited membership, a dedicated studio space, and training to use new tools. In return, the artists teach public classes and works with local students.
“CMS has been so fortunate this year to showcase a wide variety of talented local artists. The creativity in the twin state region is significant, and we are proud to support these amazing artists,” said Felicia Dalke, CMS executive director. Since the AIR program started at CMS in 2018, 13 artists have now been in residence, all but one were supported by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Dalke added, “with the recent state decision to defund the New Hampshire Arts Council, CMS will continue to offer the AIR program in 2026, leveraging sponsorships.” If you are interested in sponsoring a residency, please reach out to felicia@twinstatemakerspaces.org.
TwinState MakerSpaces Inc. is the parent company of the Claremont MakerSpace, and it is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. For more information about the Claremont MakerSpace, or to schedule a tour, please visit www.claremontmakerspace.org. The Claremont MakerSpace is located at 46 Main Street, Claremont, N.H.