**updated December 27, 2022. Deadline now March 3, but applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. **
Are you seeking a residency that has motivating theme and direction that will allow you to interact with others in a multi-disciplinary self-directed intensive?
Is nature your muse, collaborator, or co-conspirator?
Can you respond to the theme 'Water Rabbit Flower Moon' in some way?
May is one of the best times to be in a Sarasvati creative Space residency at Camp Wonder Wander.
The weather is most often lovely and after Feb-April rains, the flowers and trees, grass, etc. are in full bloom and colorful glory. {see the website info for images from the last two Mays}
2023 is the year of the Water Rabbit. “According to Chinese Horoscope 2023, following an eventful and regenerating period dominated by the Tiger, the advent of the Year of the Water Rabbit 2023 is a harbinger of gentleness and serenity. Since it is a sober year with an indolent rhythm that begins, rest, truce and intellectual challenges become the main dynamics of this Chinese New Year 2023 ruled by the Rabbit. So, both individually and collectively, it’s time to heal wounds, reacquire inner balance and make plans for the future.” You may find gentleness and serenity here with the lovely and peaceful Buffalo River on the edge of the 17 acres as well as the calm, joyfulness of our 13 donkeys (plus two foals by spring).
MAY 4 - 14, 2023
Limited to a maximum of 12 participants, this 10 night residency will have basic structure for group experiences, but plenty of time to focus on your work. Visit each other and talk about your creative process. At least two group critiques or presentations. Seeking a variety of disciplines to assign work space and have dynamic interesting interactions. Priority may be given to mediums that use the outdoor space primarily for work or installation such as plein air, photography/film, sculpture/installation, fiber arts, theater, or writing, among others.
This experience includes nature and homestead immersion featuring a guided Forest Therapy session - inspired by the Japanese Forest Bathing - and participating in a few of the farm-style activities most often in food prep and meal clean-up as well as being able to interact with the camp donkeys, chickens, peacocks and peahen, cats, two rabbits, and the two farm dogs.
ITINERARY BASICS (you will receive a complete agenda closer to the event):
Except for coordinated group activities including dinners and the day one Forest Therapy walk, your time is your own to find your rhythm and even rest, making sure to go for a walk, skip rocks at the river, hug the donkeys, or read a book for pleasure or research, etc. Each person will sign up on day one to participate in various facets of the meal preps and homestead chores so you can experience life in the countryside.
Activities include:
- Welcome Dinner and a get-to-know each other evening filled with pecha kucha style presentation - 20 slides, 20 seconds per slide to introduce yourself to the group and what you hope to accomplish.
- Our first full day will start with a Forest Therapy guided walk by Val your host and a certified guide by ANFT and will end in a full moon bonfire (weather permitting).
- Food will be included in the program fee and procured prior to arrival for continental breakfasts and lunches to grab when you prefer including farm fresh organic eggs from our free ranging chickens. We'll have a group dinner nightly. Each person will sign up to assist for at least one evening meal.
- We'll have a mid-point review after dinner to chat or show what you are working on and then a finale night to showcase your accomplishments for the week.
What's included?
- Coordinated group sessions by Val, MFA Graphic Design and former tenured associate professor (20+ yrs in academia before departing to found this program)
- Furnished lodging (single, double room, or dorm style loft options including hospitality and sales tax) plus space to work and assistance in any needs through your stay.
- Forest Therapy guided walk, Val is certified by ANFT
- All access to the land and visits with the animals, access to the library collection
- Documentation of your work and progress including at least one video, critique or conversations if desired
- Food - All food will be procured prior to the start of our session and include mostly organic and gluten free, vegetarian or pescatarian options. No junk food will be included. Mornings will be continental style with fresh eggs from the camp chickens, fruits, yogurts, breads, juices, coffee or tea (plus our delicious well water). We'll have a soda stream on hand to make fresh carbonated beverages if that's your thing, plus try out using fresh garden ingredients. You may be introduced to edible flowers, herbs from the garden, or foraging as part of the nature immersion and homestead experience. Lunch will be available to grab on your own and may include salads, sandwich elements, or possibly leftovers if we have any. Dinners will be together as a group and each person will volunteer to help for at least two meals in prep and clean-up. Some of our options may be slow-cooked crock pot. Understanding how to eat healthy and how fuel feeds our creative brains is an aspect of this experience.
- Supplies & Camp Care package:
- - camp water bottle
- - camp T-shirt (Pepper Patrol or Camp Logo) (size ordered after registration)
- - a nature journal with waterproof paper
NOT INCLUDED: Transportation to and from the camp, personal supplies, insurance,
GENERAL RULES & POLICIES TO CONSIDER BEFORE APPLYING:
No alcohol and no drugs. We are about 20 minutes drive to town. Please try to stay on site rather than venturing into town for coffee shop, fast food, or other regular life doses.
This is not party central, but as a group we can enjoy social time. Bring your instrument for evenings or bonfires. Please refrain from inappropriate fraternization with other participants. Additional rules outlined in the contract. No guests allowed. Artist couples may apply together.
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
- Submit your inquiry including portfolio references and your response to the theme as well as what you would accomplish in the 10 day experience.
- Based on the backgrounds and interests of each application, a group of 12 will be selected for the program.
- Over the ten day experience, you'll have some structured group activities and time on your own to work on your projects.
- We'll have group dinners, critiques, and add in some fun with art/design inspired movies and/or bonfires.
PROGRAM FEE BASED OFF OF ROOM OPTION. For all of those details, please visit: https://www.sarasvati.space/waterrabbit-flowermoon
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
You must elaborate on how nature will be integrated into your 10 day stay. Will you be planting seeds or harvesting the final stages?
Base rate for dorm loft beds is $1400 and the maximum rate is $1600. All details are on the website.