What to Know About Chatham’s MFACW Fallingwater Residency
Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece, Fallingwater. (Photo courtesy of Sheila Squillante)
This summer, Chatham’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program is set to debut a short-term residency at Fallingwater. It’s a new venture for the MFACW program and the first of its kind at Fallingwater.
“This is groundbreaking for two reasons,” said Sheila Squillante, the director of the MFACW program. One reason is that Fallingwater, though it has hosted educational retreats in the past, has never done one for writers. The other: “No other MFA program in the country has this opportunity. Just ours.”
Here’s a few things you need to know about the residency. More info is available on chatham.edu.
When and where is it?
The residency is scheduled for June 16-20, 2025.
Fallingwater is a house and museum in Stewart Township, located in Fayette County, approximately 60 miles east of Chatham’s Shadyside Campus.
Fallingwater was designed by the renowned 20th-century architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It’s a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Participants in the program are set to stay at High Meadow Lodge, about a half mile from the Fallingwater home.
Who is it for?
“Right now, it’s specifically focused on MFA students,” Squillante said. “This summer, we need to have enough student enrollment to make it go.” Though there may be opportunities in the future to open the residency to program alumni and community members.
What does the residency entail?
Access to studio space for individual writing and group lectures
Official tour of the iconic Fallingwater house and grounds
Daily writing sessions and feedback
Nature walks and fireside readings
A fully-stocked kitchen and delicious meals prepared communally by residents
Where can I sign up?
Enrollment begins March 1, 2025. More information will be available then on chatham.edu.
Learn more about Chatham University’s MFA in Creative Writing and the Fourth River literary magazine.