Project Description

DOWN THE ROAD
By 2012 I hope to open an artist’s retreat on a piece of land adjacent to my parent’s blueberry farm (Highland Valley Farm). The retreat would provide room and board for up to six visiting artists. Artists would have their day divided between communal meals, farm work, independent study, and group workshopping sessions. Artists would be paid for their work on the farm at the same rate the farm pays our other seasonal workers, and they would be able to use this money to offset program expenses. Throughout the week they would experience a combination of quiet and community, labor and rest. Throughout the work week, they would be stimulated by their peers while working together in the fields, the kitchen, and the “classroom.” At the weeks end they would have the opportunity to share their art and teach their craft to community members.

THIS SUMMER
As part of this planning process, I am organizing two week-long trial runs to take place on the farm this summer. Because of the tight living quarters, participation will be limited to 5 artists each week and artists must be comfortable sharing living space. The daily schedule will follow the routine I have imagined for the future with the work day split between farm labor and creative study. Participants will also be responsible for facilitating an early morning discussion related to the themes of their work and leading preparation for one of the dinner meals.