Art on the Farm

A Special Residency at Thistle Whistle Farm

Apply Now

Deadline is Friday, 4/26 by the end of the day

When: June 1st to July 31st, 2024.

Where: Thistle Whistle Farm in Hotchkiss, CO
(about 10 minutes down the road from Paonia)

Overview:

This unique residency, a collaboration between Elsewhere Studios and Thistle Whistle Farm, is open to all artists interested in rural agricultural communities who want to connect their work with the experience of living on a small farm. This two-month residency will include rustic, private live/work space on the farm, lovely farm produce in exchange for a weekly farm work commitment (8-10 hrs), an opportunity to participate in local agricultural education programming, and a final project showcase.

About Farm Life:

Thistle Whistle is a small, diversified farm in the heart of rural Western Colorado, representing the North Fork Valley’s storied abundance and historical roots in small-scale agriculture. The farm focuses on vegetable production for markets, animals (goats, chickens and ducks for milk and eggs), cheesemaking, beekeeping, and educational workshops for community groups. Located on a peaceful parcel with beautiful mountain views, the farm is a lively space inhabited by goats, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, and humans. The resident artist will be living directly in the center of farm operations and should be prepared for both the quietude of the countryside as well as the bustle of farm life.

Details:

• The Resident Artist resides onsite at Thistle Whistle for two months.

  • We may be able to accommodate couples (see photos of accommodations to decide if you’re interested). A small additional fee will apply, more info is available in the application.

• Rustic housing is provided in a live/work studio in the heart of the farm.

• Second-floor studio farm apartment (see photos at bottom of page)

• Your own deck for working or laying about

• Composting toilet (just down the deck stairs from studio bedroom)

• Room amenities are limited to mini fridge and an electric kettle and whatever else you want to bring to be comfortable.

• Running water, hot shower, and kitchen are located in a shared barn space nearby (this space is shared with 1-4 working farm interns).

• WiFi is available in the apartment.

• Artist will bring all materials and supplies needed/desired, but can use offsite resources:

  • Hotchkiss and Paonia have services like print shops, thrift stores, hardware stores etc. (see directory)

  • Ceramic artists can join the Creamery (Hotchkiss) or Clayworks (Paonia) for full clay studio access. Please write with any questions about these studios.

• Farm Work Food Trade.

• Artist must be willing to work up to 10 hours/week on the farm as part of the initiative to enrich their stay (including but not limited to planting, weeding, and harvesting). In exchange the Artist will be provided with:

• A plethora of delicious farm-fresh products from chevre to pickled peppers

• Vegetarian bulk pantry staples and supplies in the shared kitchen

• Meat and specialty ingredients will be the responsibility of the artist

• Craft projects could serve as the work trade in lieu of traditional farm labor, i.e. sign painting for the farm.

• Outside of the farm work food trade, this is a self-guided residency with the opportunity to use your time as you see fit. 

• You will be the sole artist residing on the farm. There are others in the farm community, but you will be the only resident artist.

• Elsewhere staff will be your liaison for your stay but your primary contact will be your farm host, Mark.

• You will have the opportunity to participate in other farm activities like markets, workshops, and educational events as desired.

• The Resident Artist will showcase their work either throughout or at the end of their residency.

  • Options include but are not limited to: Final Friday exhibitions hosted at the end of each month at the Elsewhere building in Paonia, in collaboration with the other resident artists, or a custom event at the farm (to be figured out with your farm host, Mark)

Requirements:

• Physical requirements: physical accessibility is limited for this residency, as the living space is up a full flight of stairs, and the farm grounds are uneven in places. Applicants should be comfortable with the farm work food trade requirements, which will involve bending and lifting, ground level hand work, and exposure to the elements.

• Applicants must have some experience or proven interest in farming/agriculture.

• Applicants must have experience living in small, shared communities.

• Applicant must be comfortable with rustic living (composting toilet, outdoor shower, etc.)

• Applicants must bring a vehicle for this residency, the farm is too rural for walking/biking to necessary services (groceries, events, etc.).

• Applicants must be age 21 or older.
  
  

Fee:

• The fee for this program is $600 per month, so $1200 total.
  

Is this the right residency for you? A Quiz!

• Can you bring everything you need to make art?

• Do you like farms and interacting with farm communities?

• Do you like friendly and energetic dogs and living among various animals?

• Do you enjoy living without fancy amenities?

• Do you have a vehicle for transportation?

• Do you mind hearing farm noises (goats) at seven in the morning?

• Do you appreciate distinctive, fresh produce, and participating in the effort of making it available to the local community?

If you answered YES, YES, YES, YES, YES, NO, YES, then this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Apply Now

Deadline is Friday, 4/26 by the end of the day