Life is Art

Life is Art

Manhattan Beach, CA, United States

Life is Art is a hosted, multidisciplinary Artist Residency for women at any stage of their creative practice.

The Residency is self funded and self directed.

Exclusively offered to 3 Residents.

The Residency provides a curated container for 2 weeks in a private, oceanfront location in Playa Negra, Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Resident Artist @pepallama will be onsite to guide and inspire you to Curate a Life that is a Work of Art, but you will use your time and space here as you wish.

Exploration of both the active (Yang) and contemplative (Yin) aspects of creativity is encouraged.

There is no expectation or pressure to produce finished work during your stay. 

The invitation is to slow down, to connect to the ocean and the natural world surrounding it, be inspired by a tropical paradise outside of your usual environment, and explore your creativity however you choose. You are the Artist of Your Life: Life is Art.

Contact

117 38th St
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
United States

Year Founded
2026
Context
Rural
Residency Structure
Stand-alone
Residency Program Type
Studio-based (with housing)
Retreat
Residency Length
2 weeks - 2 weeks
Languages
English
Spanish
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
3
Collaborative Residency
Must apply and be accepted individually
Discipline
Animation
Architecture
Art Conservation
Art Education
Art History
Book Arts
Costume/Fashion Design
Dance
Digital Media
Documentary
Drawing
Fiction
Film
Fine Metals/Jewelry
Graphic Design
History
Illustration
Industrial Design
Installation Arts
Journalism
Literature
Mixed Media
Multimedia Arts
Painting
Philosophy
Photography
Playwriting
Poetry
Printmaking
Public Art
Screenwriting
Sculpture
Social Practice
Storytelling
Theater
Urban Planning/Design
Visual Arts
Writing
Companions
N/A
Country of Residence
Open to artists based anywhere in the world
Family Friendly
N/A
Stage of Career
Any stage of career
How does your residency program support artists?
Opportunity to be in another context
Opportunity to travel
Immersion in new culture and/context
Unstructured time
Access to studio space to create new work
Inspiration from natural environment
Inspiration from cultural context
Professional development support and/or trainings
Opportunities to collaborate with other artists/residents
Opportunities to develop relationships with other artists/residents
Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
3
Artist Stipend
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
Fee Details

November + December 2026

2 Weeks - 14 days, 13 Nights

  • Private Suite with Ensuite Bathroom: $3,500
  • Private Room with Shared Bathroom: $3,000

A 25% installment is due upon acceptance.

The remaining 75% balance is due 60 days before before the start of the Residency.

Payments are non-refundable and residency dates cannot be transferred.

Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support
Application Fee
Application Type
Open application
What does your program provide during the residency experience?
Manual / handbook before arrival
Orientation upon arrival
Is your campus wheelchair accessible?
N/A
Caregiver/Aide/PCA
N/A
Accessibility Contact Name
Pepa Ivanoff
Accessibility Contact Email
pepa@pepallama.com
Type of Housing
Private bedroom in a shared housing facility on campus
Accessible Housing
N/A
Housing for Companion And/or Caregivers
N/A
Accessible Communal Spaces
N/A
Common/Communal Spaces Information

Located in a gated community, this oceanfront Residence with direct beach access has two levels with many areas to relax and create, with covered open air patios, hammocks, oversized tables and couches.

This is what Curating a Life that is a Work of Art is all about: slowing down and tuning into nature and the ocean in the tropics. It is the perfect location to disconnect from the hustle + bustle, and there is abundant wildlife here. This large property is very private, it combines authentic Costa Rican charm and a tropical atmosphere. You will hear and see the ocean the entire time you are on the property.

The communal areas are family-style and huge, which allows both individual and collaborative creative work. The indoor studio space downstairs has a huge work table and open air porches. The Residence also comes complete with huge shared living spaces, washer /dryer, convenient bathrooms and a large kitchen. There is Fiber Optic WIFI, and the entire home has A/C.

The private pool area is equipped with lounge chairs & towels, giving you the option to unwind in the sun or in the shade provided by the tropical garden, and there is an outdoor shower.

There are 3 private bedrooms on the second level of the Residence. The master suite has an ensuite bathroom and the 2 private rooms share a large detached bathroom.

Additional Housing Information
Access to laundry in housing
WIFI available in housing
Housekeeping services
Air Conditioned Housing
Meals Provided
Residents have access to shared kitchen
Additional Meals Information
N/A
Computer/Internet Access
Wireless Internet (WIFI)
Studios/Special Equipment
Private Studios
Shared Studios
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
N/A
Studio Support/Tech
Studio support provided by staff
Air Conditioned