Residency to create new work at Djerassi 'Resident Artists Program' in California - Augus
August 2016
Dear Freya Olafson,
YES. One of the pleasures of this job is saying YES to artists (and, now, scientists). You have been selected to be a resident artist at the Djerassi Resident Artists Program during the 2017 season. This is a remarkable achievement—nearly 1000 candidates applied or were nominated for 66 residencies. The quality, integrity and direction of your work clearly impressed our panelists.
Congratulations. Let me say it again—YES! Oh, and once more. YES!
The dates of your residency are: Wednesday, August 2 – Wednesday, August 30, 2017
We know this may not have been your first choice (ESPECIALLY if you applied for Scientific Delirium Madness—we were overwhelmed with interest for that session). We know how difficult it is to arrange an already busy life to spend time away. Please understand that if you cannot say YES, you can opt to be an alternate for another session in 2017 or you will have to reapply for 2018.
We will provide you with accommodations, studio space and all meals while you are in residence. Our chef is top-notch and has been praised publicly by New York author/blogger (and alum) Cheryl Tan.
Getting to and from the SF Bay area with your personal items AND materials you need for your work is YOUR responsibility. San Francisco International Airport is our ONLY pick-up and drop-off location.
This is a true artists’ retreat; it is remote and private. We are located on a 580-acre former cattle ranch one hour south of SF on a one-lane road. We are only 12 miles from Palo Alto but it is a 45-minute drive. (Don’t believe me? Just Google-Earth 2325 Bear Gulch Road to see just HOW isolated we are). You will enjoy the collegial camaraderie of 10-12 artists of various disciplines from the U.S. and abroad. Arriving and departing as a group is a defining quality of the “Djerassi experience.”
You will not need a car—we offer weekly shopping trips and a couple of excursions during your stay. The artists who have the most satisfactory (and transformative) experiences are those who free themselves completely from the press of day-to-day obligations.
A SPECIAL NOTE: Internet and cell service are sketchy and VERY frustrating. There is NOTHING we can do about this. You may choose to get “off the grid” while you’re here. Streaming ANYTHING is impossible. Just download any files you need before you get here. Some artists have found adding a “hotspot” for their cellphone helps.
Don’t make us wait. There are dozens of alternates hoping you’ll say NO. We must hear from you by September 16th (via email, or U.S. Mail) if you are able to accept the residency session offered. In mid-November, expect an email with detailed information about your residency.
Two months before your residency, we will ask you about travel, medical and dietary information. In the interim, feel free to join our Facebook alumni site (D.R.A.P. Alumni) our FB page and Twitter (@artandsky). I’m sure previous residents will be happy to give you tips on making the most of your time here.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to avoid conflicting obligations while in residence. This wondrous place offers you the gift of time—please embrace it. We hope your experience rivals the late New York sculptor William King’s who said his residency was the best month of his life.
Questions? Call Judy Freeland (judy@djerassi.org) or me (margot@djerassi.org) directly any time.
Respectfully yours,
Margot H. Knight
Executive Director
P.S. POST this acceptance letter to your FB page if you have one. Help us get the word out about YOU AND US!