skowheganart.org
It’s that time of year again – at least in my neck of the woods – when artists descend upon quiet hamlets to make the most of the summer months ahead. Take a look and you’ll be surprised, odds are there’s an artist residency program near you.
A studio space at the Penland Resident Artist Program | Image: Penland.org
If you’re an artist, you probably already know about these types of programs. For the uninitiated, it’s a pretty simple arrangement. Basically, artists apply for grants which allow them to escape their normal zones of creation and get a little change of scene. They strike out for schools and farms and even warehouses in previously unexplored cities, supplies in tow. Here, they can live and work on their art for a time, expenses paid by the program.
The Chinati Foundation's Artist Residency Program | Chinati.org
Three of the more well-known residencies are in Maine, North Carolina and Texas. I’m seriously not just tooting my home state’s horn – Maine’s Skowhegan residency is pretty high up there with the best of them.
If you’re not an artist, it’s well worth your time to make a trip out of heading to Skowhegan, or Asheville, or Marfa to take in a little nature and soak up some culture. Conveniently, these three locales couldn’t be more different.
"Shin Pond Maine" by Thurston Howes on Zatista.com
Skowhegan isn’t real close to much, other than scenic natural splendor. Combine that with some art and you have yourself one heck of a vacation.
"Appalachian Trail" by Nicholas Bell on Zatista.com
Penland is only about an hour from Asheville, North Carolina’s outdoor recreation destination. Plan to stay there and make a day trip to Penland’s gallery. On Tuesdays and Thursdays a campus tour is available, just be sure to make your reservations in advance.
"Something New" by Jeremy McKane on Zatista.com
And Marfa, well… Marfa’s in a league of its own. Aside from the grandiose Texas countryside, the area boasts an incredibly high concentration of artists and writers these days. You can scarcely throw a bottle cap without hitting one (not that you’d want to, unless they asked you to for a video art piece they’re making). Hotelier Liz Lambert recently opened up the Thunderbird Hotel here, so you can even get some bohemian accommodations nearby.
Try one or all three this summer – any is guaranteed to be worth the gas money.
I travel to Marfa at least 2 times per year. Do you research before you go. Many of the really cool spots are not so easy to find if you try to trail-blaze thru the town. I just stayed at the Thunderbird Motel. Its very cool.
Much of my work is based on west texas / marfa because thats where I go to relax. Its also very different style than my underwater fashion photography art. I like to mix things up.
Marfa will do that exact thing! Mix it up!