Photograph by carsondavisbrown.com

Location: Green River, Utah

Mission: The Frontier Fellowship provides creative professionals the opportunity to live and work in Green River, Utah (pop. 953) for a minimum of four weeks. It is sponsored by the Epicenter, a design studio instigating positive change through community-based projects and programs. From this rural place, and in the context of the frontier, Fellows have the opportunity to generate new work that is informed by the surrounding desert landscape and the residents of Green River.

The Epicenter is a community resource organization that serves the town of Green River, Utah (pop. 953). We are committed to creating positive change locally by providing resources to homeowners, renters, small businesses, and through active involvement in our community.

Our Story

In 2009, the Epicenter was founded by Auburn University Architecture Graduates Jack Forinash, Maria Sykes, and Rand Pinson. At that time, the designers worked as AmeriCorps Volunteers In Service to America (VISTA) focused on providing affordable housing assistance, exploring economic development solutions, and improving communications and resources within Green River. Through a United States Department of Agriculture Rural Business Enterprise Grant, Jack, Maria, and Rand purchased a historic building in downtown Green River, redesigned the space, and renovated the structure. Today from that building, Jack and Maria co-direct the Epicenter and remain dedicated to its mission. Chris Lezama joined the Epicrew in August of 2011 as a VISTA through United Way of Eastern Utah, and he remains on the team as Community Development Specialist. Armando Rios joins Epicenter from August 2012 through July 2014 as a VISTA focused on affordable housing and business resources. Ryann Savino originally came to Green River on a canoe trip in 2012, and one year later she became a year-long VISTA focused on the community development programs of Epicenter. Mary Rothlisberger joined Epicenter in November of 2013 as a long-term Frontier Fellow. At Epicenter, we nurture local businesses, entrepreneurs, and ideas. We’re dedicated to the town of Green River where we strive to provide local solutions to universal design problems. For a list of Epicenter Alumni and vast network of collaborators.

The Epicenter is part of the larger effort to create positive change in Green River. We belong to a local non-profit parent organization called the Positive Action Community Team (PACT) which serves the town with affordable rental housing, a Boys & Girls Club, a food pantry, and a thrift store. In addition to PACT, Epicenter works closely with USDA Rural Development of Utah, University of Utah (College of Architecture and Planning), United Way of Eastern Utah, City of Green River, Green River Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity of Castle Country, and Green River CHEER Coalition.

Cost: The Fellowship is both free and unpaid. Sponsorships, Kickstarter, small academic and arts grants, and funding from the United Way of Eastern Utah have all been utilized by Fellows to fund their travels, projects, and arts workshops. However, there are funding possibilities for workshop supplies, community-based projects, and living/travel stipends.

Application Fee: Postage costs

Number of Artists: n/a

Accommodations: Epicenter houses an office space, small basement workshop, outdoor workspace, five full-time employees, and volunteer groups throughout the year. Fellows are given printing privileges, internet access, use of a bicycle, Family Meal Plan membership, use of tools, and workspace.

DIGITAL DESIGN LAB EQUIPMENT: Sears Celebrity power 12 electronic typewriter, Smith-Corona Display 800 Dictionary electronic typewriter, Smith-Corona Coronet super 12 typewriter (2), Smith-Corona Coronet electronic typewriter, Brother Intellifax 775 fax machine, Xerox Phaser 7400 color laser printer, Canon Imagerunner 2275 copy machine and scanner, Soundscriber recording device, Califone electronic cassette tape recorder and player, HP Compaq dc 7900 Convertible Intel Core 2 Duo 3.16GHz 3.49GB RAM PC Workstation, HP L2245wg Display 12×18, EPSON Video projector, Overhead projector, 24” x 18” Light table

DESIGN LAB EQUIPMENT: Large wood easel, 40” x 48” Screenprinting tabletop with hinge clamps, 42” x 31” Alvin drafting table, 8’ x 6’ Darkroom and silkscreen lab, Silkscreen with 14” x 18” printable area (10), Encyclopedia of Space Science by New Standard Library 1962, New Standard Encyclopedia 1962, Picturesque Tale of Progress EXPLORATIONS book series 1935, Webster manual typewriter, Adler J4 manual typewriter

SHOP POWER TOOLS: Milwaukee ½” corded drill, DeWalt 18V 3/8” cordless drill, Skil driver cordless, Rigid grinder, Ryobi site radio, Rigid ¼ sheet sander, Rigid belt sander, Ace 10” chopsaw, Milwaukee 7 ¼” circular saw corded, Black & Decker jigsaw, Ace 2½ HP 10” table saw, Milwaukee Sawzall corded, Miller Thunderbolt XL AC/DC welder

Length of Stay: Up to 4 weeks

Demographic/Medium: Epicenter facilitates Fellowships throughout the year, and encourages applications regardless of one’s background, focus, or specialty. Currently seeking Fellows in the fields of architecture, design, film, culinary arts, media, photography, graphic design, furniture, web design, printmaking, drawing/illustration, collaborative, street art, sculpture, painting, teaching workshops, art education and writing. Applications are accepted regardless of one’s background, focus, or specialty.

Benefits: Fellowship, community based, digital design equipment, digital design lab, shop power tools, free internet, rural, housing, studio, outdoor studio, exploration, hiking, geology, bike riding, mapping, grant writing, historical analysis, creative writing, working with kids, mentoring youth, dinner time, game night, time for yourself, dance parties, movie nights, solitary working, and mythical creatures.

Deadline: December 14, 2013

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