Artist/Writer Getaways?
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Help please!
Wondering if anyone out here has had any experience with an artist or writers retreat/residency?
I’m working hard at getting my illustrated novel finished, but I have a husband and 5 kids. Is that explanation enough? I get interrupted A LOT. Just wanting a few days - maybe a week or so to do some focused work. I’ve been on an internet deep dive looking at residency programs in the US the last few days, but a lot of them are paid or sponsored. This sounds good, but it means you have to jump through a ton of hoops and have a resume and professional references… I don’t have any of that. I’m just a mom in need of a break. Maybe my kids could be my reference? “Take her away and give her back when she’s done being fussy!”
Anyway, I got discouraged and my search devolved into looking at tree house rentals in Washington. If I had the money, I’d book something at Treehouse Point right now! (My back up plan is to save for it).
I also randomly applied for a residency in France. I don’t know what got into me, but it looked so pretty and the application was free. I’m clearly desperate. I will take any and all suggestions.
Here’s my list of preferences.- Around other people (I don’t want to be so secluded that I’m scared.) But, I also want to be able to be left alone.
- Running water, Wi-Fi and a real bathroom (sounds obvious, but I live in Alaska and there’s a lot of “dry cabin” rentals.)
- Not too expensive.
- Lots of trees
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@Pamela-Fraley Hi Pamela, I hear that you're feeling frustrated with trying to juggle looking after your family and doing your creative work.
Rather than a list of residencies, I'd like to give some unsolicited advice if you'd be open to it.
Going on a trip is a band-aid solution. You may be productive and feel refreshed for a short time afterwards but then what happens when you go back to the reality of your hectic lifestyle?
Maybe what would make more sense is to sit down with your spouse or other family members and ask for support. Is daycare an option? Will relatives babysit?
You don't need a lot of time. Just see if you can get someone to watch the kids once or twice a week.
Don't work at home. Go to a cafe or library. Start with 2 hours a week. You will be surprised how refreshed you'll feel by even a small window of productive time to yourself.
It might be all you need and you'll find you don't need to invest in a big trip to get some space.
Over time, you will get more out of regular weekly mini getaways to the cafe that costs only a cup of coffee versus an expensive one-time trip.
Just my two cents. Hope that helps and best of luck! -
Alternatively if you are working with paints and materials that are hard to set up in a cafe, you can look into renting a shared studio space with other artists or see if your local community center offers open studio time in the art room.
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I'm not sure where you live (Washington?), but this is a lovely one. I went a few years back and it checks all your boxes:
https://jgagnon90.wixsite.com/squamwrites
I've also heard very good things about Highlights in PA, but I haven't been yet.
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@Pamela-Fraley First hats off for looking to carve some time for your projects outside of parenthood.
I don't have any real place suggestions, but I FEEL you! I have 4 kids that I homeschool on top of writing and learning illustration.
I think that's awesome you are looking for some time to spend on your projects.France would be awesome lol. I know you are looking for residencies etc. but I have found it helpful even to just to start with a day away, then more, and learning how you work/spend time when by yourself/find your flow. My youngest is old enough to where she isn't in the toddler/I need you every second stage, so it is a little easier, not sure how old your kids are at this point.
Maybe an airbnb that is far enough away you won't be tempted to drive home and check on things, but close enough and in a city where you feel safe.
Anyways, I'm sorry I can't be of more help, but I feel ya! I hope lots of people jump on the post and have some realistic residencies for you. -
@Laurel-Aylesworth I’m in Alaska, but Washington is pretty cheap and easy to get to from here.
I’m going to check that place out! Looks super cool! Thank you!
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@Reb-Erlik I don’t mind advice. And it is good advice. You have to carve out time where you have it. I’m actually looking for a place because I’ve been doing it all the margins of time for the last 18 years. I go to the library and coffee shops and just sit in my car at the beach too sometimes. It definitely adds up! I have been able to do a bunch of classes at SVS and other places. I’ve put out a preK board book and started 4 or 5 novels.
My kids are at the point where they are too old for a babysitter, but the teenage years are a different sort of busy. If I’m around, I’m needed - and not just for them but for their friends too.This year my oldest graduated. This is the first time I’ve felt like I could actually go somewhere for just a few days of focus. (Grandma is around to help with the ones who don’t drive yet.) And, I think I could actually potentially finish one of my novels… or at least get close. So that’s what I’m looking for. I talked to my husband and we want to try and make it a goal for me to get away for a few days every year or so now that the kids are old enough.
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@Katt That is a good idea. I was looking at a few last night too. We definitely have a lot of good rentals around us. They’re stupid expensive right now because it’s tourist season and we’re in a coastal Alaska town. But I might be able to get something during the winter… maybe even in the next town over.
My kids are 18, 17, 15, 12 and 10. I have homeschooled here and there too and it is a lot. Just so much. -
SVS retreat? Is that an idea anyone has thrown out yet?
@will-terry-art @Lee-White @Jake-Parker -
@Pamela-Fraley Some residencies can be quite expensive. Some are free or pay you, or you can get funding to go to them. But they can be hard to get accepted to, have lots of competition and you may spend a ton of your writing time trying to apply to them and not get in. Something that might be a bit tricky to plan but could be amazing if you could get it to work is try to plan your own self guided residency. If you know other artists that have the same goal as you and also need a few days away to complete a project it would be the perfect planned getaway. You could book an airbnb somewhere together to save a bit of money. Have a daily check in or daily share what you have been working on. I've found working around other people can really help focus. Plus its great to bounce ideas off other creatives to get an outside eye. But of course finding people to plan this with can also be tricky. Maybe put it out there to other creatives you know, see if you can find a few others to plan something like this with.
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@Megan-Majewski That is a great idea! I think I’ll put some feelers out there and see if anyone else in my area would be interested. Thank you