Accommodations in modest, private, furnished rooms in our huge, impressive, work-in-progress barn. Built in 1915, the barn is a beautiful example of the Dutch Gambrel style that we have gradually adapted to the working and living needs of artists. Our volunteer barn-raisers have converted corners of the main floor that were rustic, funky and inspiring into spaces for painting, drawing, performance, display and massive puppet construction. There is a ceramics workshop, hot and cold running water in the converted milkhouse/bathroom and a kitchen with all necessary utensils and appliances on the lower level.
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 9,000),
which has 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:
sheep, chickens, a dog, barn cats, and sometimes cows.
Stuff.
Piles of abandoned farm implements and other detritus
(with permission) may be used.
Exhibition and collaboration opportunities.
The Wormfarm hosts an exhibit of the work of resident artists each fall in the downtown Woolen Mill Gallery, in a restored 1891 building
listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Gallery also hosts exhibits, lectures, and special events throughout the growing season.
Caveat:
The Wormfarm is not for everyone. A residency here is not a retreat but an engagement in the life of a working farm. 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 farm operations
for 15-18 hours per week. This usually involves
working in the 2+ acre organic garden and may include
weekend 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.
A payment
option is available if you prefer not to participate in
the work exchange. Ask
for details.
As part of our mission 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.
One
piece of art (mutually agreed upon) to be donated
to the Wormfarm collection.
No
pets.
No
smoking.
Deadline:
Applications are accepted year-round, however our primary review period is January 15th through February 15th.
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: if you are arriving by car, we ask you to bring a pillow, sheets, blankets (be sure
to bring a warm wool blanket or comforter). We can provide them if you do not have a vehicle.
Tetanus
shot: proof of shot within 5 years
Special
tools or supplies for your personal work
Art
supplies
Flashlight,
& pocket knife!!!
A
phone card or cell phone
for long distance calls (US Cellular is the only reliable service due to the terrain)
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
Laptop
(wireless connectivity is available at the farm house, but not in the barn)
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.
