Have you been dreaming of changing your life and living in a more intentional manner tied closer to nature, but you just aren't sure how to start, where to look, or what the practical side of the dream would be?
Are you nervous about the state of the world and trying to think of alternative plans in potentially alternative places beyond our borders? Or maybe urban life is starting to be a drag, but you are worried about moving into more blue dot regions?
If you think that the pipe dream is worthwhile enough to investigate rather than continuing to push it to a backburner, then this innovative Homestead Experience Program that is designed specifically for those in the creative fields as an artist to artist mentorship exchange is for you!
Combine a residency with an adult camp vibe and a bootcamp style experiential learning for any age or stage of career.
There are several specific dates available in 2027 (and 2028). The month-long opportunities extend the workshop sessions over about 1.5 weeks, while the two-week sessions are designed for those who can only get away from life for a more intensive compressed workshop with some hands-on experiences. If there is enough interest in a two-week program in 2027, additional dates may be added.
2027 - May 2 - June 2 OR July 1 - August 1
2028 - Two week options: April 30 - May 14 OR May 21 to June 5 or Month: July 8 - August 9
Discover the difference between a dream of a homestead life with the practical realities of the day in and day out aspects of the lifestyle you decide to pursue.
This homestead experience program is a live and work opportunity that has plenty of time for you to also pursue your creative projects as well as explore the region.
In an active-learning mode, you will have the opportunity to have hands-on learning on the property in particular the care and maintenance of the animals and gardens. In seminar style gatherings, there will be q/a sessions to learn more of Val's story, decisions, trials and tribulations, and knowledge she has gained in the last decade. She will guide/coach you in a variety of basic tasks around the property so you can gain actual practical experience to embark on your own quest of similar lifestyle.
Topics include:
- identifying the type of property, location, and acquisition techniques that suits your dreams and goals
- how to adjust to living in rural America as a liberal progressive and as an entrepreneur in the creative fields
- where to start with your animal decisions (the quirkiness of various species, the things to consider and learn from her mistakes/challenges, why you might need LGDs - large guard dogs, and more)
- connecting to the community and finding help (from veterinary to a social network)
- thinking about the types of agriculture or the landscape you desire and figuring out some of the challenges ahead of time (differences between container and in ground vegetable garden, should you try fruit trees, should you try something that could be sold at farmer's markets)
- how to balance creative life with the daily grind on the land that is different than suburbia and urban conveniences
- actual demonstration lessons (how to install a wire fence with t-posts, composting and weeding, basic carpentry if you haven't tried before, and other topics based on your interests)
The program page features a few pictures and interviews with the 2026 participants.
Having an opportunity to really think through the aspects of the dream over a month-long experience may result in more confidence and a more refined plan moving forward.
Living more intentionally with nature can look different for different personalities and goals - some may want to live in a smaller scale city that has access to nature (hiking trails, parks, etc.) while others may envision themselves on a parcel with a forest, but not much to maintain so they can travel intermittently. And so on...
In this program, you'll hear firsthand stories from your host/guide/coach who was in a similar spot of a dream, but not sure about how to transition into the reality. You'll learn from her challenges, trials and tribulations, small moments of success and larger moments of hope in navigating this journey. In this program, the relationship is one of mentor and friend. As the program evolves, alumni will be considered part of a network to be considered in future planning what the legacy of this place becomes in the next two or three decades to have a life beyond the founder and in return, you'll be able to return when there are vacancies.
DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE DEADLINE.
READ MORE OF THE DETAILS AND WHAT IS INCLUDED ON THE WEBSITE.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. If your application fits, you will be invited to a video interview. All final participants will be required to sign a formal agreement of your commitment, the policies, etc.
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
​Applicants should complete the form on the website and be ready to make an commitment to yourself while taking a leap to make a commitment to this unique place.
The ideal people this is geared towards are those with deep ambition, a fearlessness approach to your goals, boundless energy and ability to wake up early, and a person who is not concerned with sweat equity.
Consider applying if:
- you have any experience or interest in any animal caretaking - volunteering, pet sitting, your own animals, and have a life dream that contains animal caretaking in some way - from a cat cafe, an animal sanctuary, or just being a chicken parent
- you have the physical ability to move throughout the day which could include walking on uneven terrain, lifting, shoveling, and other elements that may require hand-eye coordination
- you are not someone to complain - about the heat, the weather, the sounds, being away from home, not having access to a brand name coffee shop in walking distance, etc.
- you are someone who embraces new experiences - even being sweaty, potentially getting dirty, and overall just celebrating life in a slower pace
- you understand verbal instructions and if you are not sure you eagerly ask for clarifying explanations or supervision of a task before moving on to do it on your own
and most importantly
- you have a goal within the next few years to bring nature into your life in some way, for example, you want a container garden on your back porch or you are ready for a few backyard chickens
- you have a longer term goal to make your own nature lifestyle (may or may not be rural) more permanent and you are really ready to pick someone's brains so to speak about the ins and outs
- you may be looking for a coach or someone in your corner to be your longer term mentor in this new trajectory
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This is not for people who have this idea on a whim who may show up on the first day and change your mind to immediately pack up your car to leave.
Some sessions are $600, $700, or $1100.
All of the details of what is included are on the website. This is a program that includes a complimentary residency in combination so the traditional residency and lodging fees are waived/discounted.