The Wormfarm offers:

  • Accommodations in a modest, private, furnished room in our huge, elegant, work-in-progress barn. Built in 1915, the barn is a beautiful example of the Dutch Gambrel style, and we are gradually adapting it to the working and living needs of artists. (Rustic, funky and inspiring, with the occasional barn swallow and wind gust, the barn may be unsuitable for work that requires pristine conditions.) There is hot and cold running water in the converted milkhouse/bathroom and a kitchen with all necessary utensils and appliances.
  • A gorgeous setting. The 40-acre farm is located in the unglaciated region of southwest Wisconsin about an hour drive from Madison. The land consists of rolling hills and thousands of acres of beautiful woods and farmland. We are 4 miles from Reedsburg (population 8,000), which has a multi-screen movie theater, the best ice cream in the midwest, access to the Baraboo River and the 400 Bike Trail. We are 5 miles from Mirror Lake State Park and 18 miles from Devil’s Lake for swimming, hiking and canoeing. We are within an hour’s drive of various Folk Art sites and 12 miles from the Wisconsin Dells where there is both an Amtrak station and a Greyhound bus stop.
  • Studio space. In addition to the barn that has a huge open space adaptable to particular needs, there is a ceramics area that includes an electric kiln and kick wheel, a foundry and a variety of out buildings that may provide studio space depending on your needs. There are also woods, pasture, garden and rolling hills for those interested in environmental projects. We share the land with a variety of animals: goats, sheep, chickens, two dogs and barn cats.
  • Stuff. Piles of abandoned farm implements and other detritus (with permission) may be used.
  • Exhibition and collaboration opportunities. The Wormfarm hosts a harvest festival in October that features the work of resident artists. The Woolen Mill gallery on Reedsburg’s Main Steeet is on the second floor of a restored 1891 building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The gallery will host a summer art exhibit and/ or serve as a venue for readings and performance.

    There may also be opportunities to be involved in a community mural or puppet festival.

Caveat: The Wormfarm is not for everyone. A residency here is not a retreat but an engagement. Artists will get away from the day-to-day concerns of home in a beautiful setting and have much of their time to devote to their artwork, but this is a working farm, a living organism of which you will become a part. We look for artists for whom the engagement is an attractive and alluring concept.

The Wormfarm asks:

  • Contribution to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm operations for 15-20 hours per week. This usually involves working in the 2+ acre organic garden and will include Saturday and Sunday mornings. Promoting sustainable agriculture is central to the Institute's mission and involvement in the process is an important part of a residency. Depending on the resident artist's skills the work could also include construction, de-construction, general maintenance or newsletter input. In order to fulfill our non-profit educational status and to enliven local culture, visiting artist’s responsibilities will always include an exhibit, lecture, performance, demonstration or workshop etc., open to the general public.

    A payment option is available if you prefer not to participate in the work exchange. Ask for details.

  • One piece of art (mutually agreed upon) to be donated to the wormfarm collection.
  • No pets.
  • No smoking.

What you will need to bring:

  • Heavy boots, gloves, sun & rain protective clothing. Also bring cold weather clothing as it can be unseasonably cold in the spring and fall.
  • Rubber boots (wellies)
  • Bedding & towels: pillow, sheets, blankets (be sure to bring a warm wool blanket or comforter)
  • Tetanus shot: proof of shot within 5 years
  • Special tools or supplies for your personal work
  • Art supplies
  • Flashlight, & pocket knife!!!
  • A phone card for long distance phone calls or cell phone
  • Money: you'll need enough for supplemental food and incidentals
  • A sense of humor, adaptability, motivation

Things you may want to bring:

  • Musical instrument
  • iPod or CD player, music
  • Computer
  • Bicycle
  • Fan

Caveat: This is a farm and like most farms it is full of hay and farm animals. Anyone with serious asthma or hay fever should either be properly medicated or reconsider.
A visit to the farm is strongly encouraged.

If you are interested, click here for an application.