Vashon Island, Washington, United States
The Vashon Artist Residency, located on Vashon Island in Washington State, offers artists time and space to create in a serene setting along the Salish Sea. Founded by visual artist Cathy Sarkowsky, the residency provides comfortable accommodations and studio spaces for artists across various disciplines, including visual arts, dance, theater, music, media, literary, and interdisciplinary arts. The program is self-directed, allowing emerging, mid-career, and established artists to focus on their work without imposed expectations. Residency sessions range from 2 to 3.5 weeks, with a sliding-scale, need-based fee structure to ensure accessibility. The residency encourages diversity and welcomes artists from different backgrounds, fostering a rich communal environment. Artists are selected based on the strength of their proposals, with no requirements for public presentations or productivity. The Vashon Artist Residency emphasizes creating a supportive and inclusive space where artists can recharge and develop their practice.
Benefits: time and space in an inspirational environment to work on your art. Challenges: very remote (I didn't have a car), bikes are provided for doing groceries but it's very hilly so maybe not for everyone.
Vashon Artist Residency was very attentive to detail in making sure I had exactly what I needed to work, down to making sure I had the right lightbulbs and window in my studio. The residency allows you to completely focus on your work. The accommodations were generously sized and provided easy access to the outdoors, the sea, and the studio. This residency is completely self directed, arrange to bring or ship all of your art making materials as not much is available on the island and come ready to make.
The location and accommodations are beautiful. The studios are basic, but well done for a basic studio with good lighting, AC/heating. The residents are well chosen for ability to live and work well with others. This is not a residency with networking opportunities beyond the cohort of other residents as it's somewhat remote. I'd return to an alumni session if I'm ever able to.
Vashon Artist Residency is in a beautiful location, the studios are well lit and well equipped, and they will give you a ride around the island if you need one. They host an informal critique and dinner one evening and connected us to experts in the community - like a geologist who took our cohort on an educational walk around Puget Sound. As a newer residency they welcome feedback and I've been incredibly impressed by their responsiveness and their commitment to provide more resources, flexible timing, and funding to all artists. Highly recommend.