Location: Orcas Island, Washington

Mission: Founded in 2007, Artsmith is a non-profit organization promoting arts education and the creation of new works of art through the following programs:

• Residency opportunities for selected writers, artists, and scholars
• Workshops and creative retreats
• Literary events for writers, teachers, students, and those who appreciate fine literature
• Literary contests to showcase the work of outstanding writers
• Exhibition and performance opportunities for local and visiting artists

The annual residency takes place at the historic Kangaroo House Bed and Breakfast, the longest, continuously running bed and breakfast in the San Juan Islands. Orcas Island is located in the Salish Sea of northwest Washington Sate, and just south of Canada’s Gulf Islands. The island is accessible by ferry from Anacortes, WA, or by plane.

Cost: n/a

Application Fee: $35 application fee

Number of Artists: Up to 5 artists at a time

Length of Stay: Up to 1 month

Accommodations: As guests of Artsmith and Kangaroo House, each artist enjoys an individual room with queen or king bed and private bath in a 1907 arts and crafts building originally built as a hotel. The living room features a large, field stone fireplace where artists often gather in the evenings. The residency provides a welcome reception with hors d’oeuvres, and four dinners; however, due to health regulations, we cannot provide access to the kitchen. A microwave, toaster, electric kettle, and small refrigerator are available for fellows to share, as are dishes, glasses, flatware, cutting boards, knives, paper towels, etc. There are guest decks, sitting porch, a small library, plus garden hottub for residents to use. WiFi is available. Fresh bed linens, towels, and bathrobe are included.

Demographic/Medium: The interdisciplinary residency seeks artists (visual and otherwise), writers, naturalists, and scholars. Please note that Artsmith does not have artist studios, so the residency is best suited for artists who do not require dedicated studio space. Previous artists have included composers, fiber artists, book artists, photographers, and visual artists working in mediums such as pleine aire, sketching, and watercolor.

Benefits: 

• Lodging in individual rooms with private baths.
• Welcome reception plus four dinners per week.
• Access to parks and beaches on a charming island in the Salish Sea.
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary cross-polination among other artists, writers, scholars, and naturalists in residence.
• Time and space for the creation of new works.

Deadline: May 31, 2015

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