On The Road: Part Two!

There have been many adventures since we last left off and lots of residency stops to make in Idaho - land of famous potatoes, rugged wilderness, and fantastic people!

Up first we visited Idaho Basecamp Artist Residency in Mackey:

Along the river’s bend in the Lost River Range, Idaho Basecamp runs its Big Lost Campus, a multi-faceted space featuring naturally-built buildings, ranging from state-of-the-art structures to forts built by kids (these, by the riverside, lend a Peter Pan energy to the forested shores.) While IBC is mainly known for its kids outdoor camps, it hosts a weeklong group residency each year, in which 3-5 artists get free rein of this beautiful property.

We visited during their annual BBQ, and got to see a tour of the new buildings they are creating to allow for year-round programming and more space, which means more residencies as well. Excited to see how this space develops!

After driving through the Sawtooth National Forest, we descend into Sun Valley where we make some stops in Ketchum and Hailey before heading west.

In Garden City, we visit with the folks at Surel’s Place:

In honor and memory of the artistic legacy of Surel Mitchell, this residency in the heart of a live-work-create district (named after Surel herself) invites artists from all over the world to make art, find inspiration, and engage with the local community. Artists are welcomed for a free one-month residency in Surel’s artistically-designed home, filled with paintings, books, artifacts, and light. Artists have the freedom to use the time as they need, while still being given plenty of opportunities to connect with local businesses, artists, the nearby Boise River and its green belt, and the very supportive staff!

After that, we head 40 minutes west to an upcoming residency in Huston, Deer Songs.

This residency is just at its beginning! We had the pleasure of having dinner with the facilitators, a bountiful partner farm Peaceful Belly, and several community members who have done pilot residencies in this first season. Definitely keep an eye out, because this residency is gorgeous and so comfortable. 40 minutes west of Boise in an agricultural area, it can be a quiet space for creation/rest/research or an active community space. We experienced both, and loved it.

In Boise, we visit with the James Castle House Residency:

James Castle was a prolific artist born in 1899, on a farm about 50 miles south of the city before eventually moving to the site where the current artist residency is housed. Castle was born deaf and was a self-taught artist— making art with anything he could find, including soot from the fireplace and his own spit. An incredibly unique artist, James Castle’s house is now preserved as a historic site, museum, and residency space. Artists, performers, curators, and writers are invited to respond to his work, practice, and house as part of a free (and stipended!) two-month or two-week residency. Thanks to Mónica, Kristen and CL who gave us a fascinating tour about James Castle and the residency program!

Our last one in Idaho is a special collaboration between two organizations in the Sawtooth National Forest:

A partnership between the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, this residency combines professional artistic support with the endless splendor of public lands. Residents have a private space in National Forest housing with park staff on the scenic byway, giving a great chance to interact with the inner workings of the park. The residency is 2 weeks long with a stipend of $750 and opportunities for teaching workshops and exhibiting artwork. Residents often explore deep into the 750,000+ acres, which includes jagged alpine mountains, beautiful lakes, hot springs, and wide meadows.

In Idaho we also went camping, revisited our favorite hot springs, and made some new friends.

We are almost done with our trip but will send one last newsletter accounting our final three residencies. Thanks for following along and please consider becoming a paid subscriber if you enjoy our project — thanks for your support!