Visitor Center Artist Camp

Visitor Center Artist Camp is an annual outdoor arts program, acting as an art residency and workshop session in wild clay, woodworking, land arts, and independent projects.

We hold one Camp session each summer, hosting individuals from around the country for two weeks of camping outdoors, living cooperatively, exploring the environment, and making art in the wilderness.

We use the local wild clay deposits for pottery, build with locally hand-harvested and locally milled lumber, and use local and natural materials and reclaimed materials whenever possible. We live and work communally, sharing daily chores to keep camp running, and we collaborate with the local community, from whom we learn traditional folk arts, sustainable construction, and responsible land management practices.

Participants of all skill levels are welcome to apply. Our professional-artist staff members are here to provide guidance and to support residents as they create relationships with nature and with one another, and practice art-making in conversation with their environment.

From the nature lover, to the casual craftsperson, to the advanced artist looking to step out of their normal routine, the VCAC is a unique opportunity to connect deeply with materials, process, community, and environment.

2023 CAMP SESSION

SATURDAY JULY 22ND - FRIDAY AUGUST 4TH

CHOOSE A PROJECT:

• WILD CLAY WORKSHOP

Immerse yourself in your work and your materials. Harvest the local clay right from the ground at camp, hand-process and mix your own clay bodies, and fire your work on site using a variety of techniques including pit/low-fire wood, electric, and gas kilns.

• WOOD SAMPLER / INDEPENDENT WOODWORKING

Propose to work on a project in wood, or sample our woodworking techniques, and collaborate with our woodworking neighbors. Take a mini rustic-furniture workshop with Slim, learn about timber-framing with Mel, or try wood-turning on a lathe with Dick. Whether you’re interested in making furniture, carving a spoon, chiseling a sculpture or constructing a cabin— it all begins with building a relationship to place and material.

• INDEPENDENT PROJECTS

Propose a project that can be supported by our wilderness setting, environmental focus, and adventurous attitude. Create land art, installations, photographs, fiber art, music, poetry, video, or paintings; any project of your choice, inspired by the gorgeous landscape.

Adults of all creative backgrounds, experience levels, and fields of practice are encouraged to join us. We provide a supportive, inclusive atmosphere in which we aim to cultivate a culture of respect for our fellow humans, ourselves, and our environment.

Space is limited! We have space for only 12 total participants. Submissions will be reviewed in the order received.

Questions? Contact Amy at visitor.center.artists@gmail.com

• You must be at least 21 years of age to attend. Adults of all creative backgrounds, experience levels, and fields of practice are encouraged to apply.
• COVID-19 Considerations: We are requiring COVID-19 Vaccinations for all Residents and Staff in 2023. This small group artist residency allows for social distancing without social isolation. Bring your own tent for camping, eat your chef-prepared meals in our outdoor pavilion, work in the fresh open air, and kick the studio barn doors open!
• Materials and tools provided for Wild Clay Workshop. All residents have access to basic shop tools and supplies. All meals and special programming provided, and all Accommodations as listed on our website at: www.visitorcenterartistcamp.org/accommodations