Because this isn't just some joint where you order a pizza: This is a business (and yes, it is a…read morebusiness) that you are considering putting a couple of weeks/a month or even longer into, so I am going to be as thorough as I possibly can on the pros and cons. This way, if you choose to go here, you know what to expect.
Fact of the matter is we are here to make art. with that, the studio center gets 3 stars and deserves 5 stars.
The studios are large enough for a solid body of work (5 stars), excellent natural light (5 stars), and the food served is superb (5 stars). The rooms are warm in the dead of winter (5 stars), the beds are small but cozy (4 stars). And, of course the landscape/Vermont architecture is fabulous . There are some gems who work there who go out of their way to help you, and they will shine and make your stay here really nice. They individually deserve 5 stars (Liz in the Kitchen, Harland in sculpture, the receptionist, and the guy who teaches you in his funny passionate OCD manner - how to wash the dishes - if you choose to do the work study.
Here's the warning - which I feel that artists need to know -
Behind the "freestyle hippie" all-loving persona, there is the same agenda as everywhere else in the states. This residency program is a totalitarian state dominated by a single and self-perpetuating political party.
I wont go into detail about the small politics, but be aware of the "rules" of this political party. If you don't follow the rules be sure that you will reap the repercussions of whatever it is that they felt you did wrong. It will be evident by the end of the first week of your stay here.
There's no sympathy from some staff about how hard you try to make the "community" a better place(try to create comfort), when the residents are all alone and missing their significant others/children/pets/friends, etc. You can spend the entire night cleaning up a mess after a function that you worked hard at putting together, knowing that the passive aggressive nature, will come find you. No matter how hard you try, they WILL let you know of something that you did wrong the following day as well - even if a single table is askew - they will let you know.
One friend/resident told me they called her on her phone to tell her that she put the pan lids in the wrong place (seriously!). The meditation room does not alleviate their passive aggressiveness. They see you as just another statistic that creates chaos on THEIR work schedule, and 60 people is difficult to clean up after. I totally get that! You are here for a month & just like everyone else in the residency, you leave, and go on with your life.
It's somewhat daunting, knowing you worked so hard - and some pay to go here, and some want the social atmosphere you thought you'd get (after all, if it's not about community/feedback on your work, then why don't we just save our money and keep making art in our own studios at home?). In response to me explaining to a staff member that I felt discouraged by the staff after holding this social event, I got "well, no one made you come here."
it's one of those - had I have known.... And this is why Yelp exists on the internet :-)
So, when you are here, don't laugh too loud, don't enjoy music (unless you have headphones in), and certainly don't use any "public spaces" for anything social-related. If you come to lunch to to actually BE alone, read on your ipad/kindle, and you sit at a small table completely alone (not bothering anyone with your evil device), the staff will still tell you to put it away. Funny though, if you have a physical book at the table - they wont say a word. hmm, you figure that one out!
It's one of those things, after an entire month, uprooting yourself, your life, and the financial burden of not only getting yourself out here, but all your supplies. You sit back and say, "huh, I thought this place was different." It's not. Same institutional style, just a different place and the rules are hidden - most are not in the ridiculous handbook, so instead you'll get passive aggressive staff writing on your posters to clean up after yourself if you decide to spend time creating an event.
Keep telling yourself, not "I'm lucky to be here," but rather "they are lucky to have me"
Because without YOU - this place wouldn't exist, and they wouldn't have jobs :-)
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It sounds worse than it is I suppose, looking back.. I waited months to actually post this review, but truly - all the events above did happen.
Months later, what it comes down to is a comfortable place to sleep, great working studios, and positive energy from other residents who are there.
I have memories of some staff who were great. they stuck with me :-)
I'd say try it once, but don't pay the full price. There are plenty other residency programs out there too - this one is just more well known. You're a number here..
