Clockwise from upper left. Printmaker Alex Chitty; Master printer Julia D'Amario; Spring 2007 Resident Wuon Gean Ho (London); Writer and Fall 2006 Resident Dina Rabadi (Chicago).
The Residency Program has provided more than 183 artists, writers, and natural science scholars the opportunity to conduct their work in the unique environment of Cascade Head and Salmon River estuary. Residents are on campus October through mid-May, when public workshops are minimal. Up to seven residents at a time, usually from different disciplines and stages in their careers, live and work on campus for up to 3 1/2 months free of charge. (See the application for specific dates.) All residents perform community outreach during their stay, offering free exhibits and lectures on campus, presentations to area schools or community groups, and/or conducting scholarly research for local educational institutions. The Sitka Center hosts approximately 14 residents each year. Some residents are emerging voices; others are mature professionals, internationally recognized in their disciplines. Residents come from across the U.S. and (to date) seventeen nations.
Significant support for Sitka Center's Residency Program has come from The Collins Foundation and the donors to the named residency funds. An Institutional member of the Alliance for Artist Communities, Sitka Center also receives support from the James F. & Marion L. Miller Foundation, Oregon Arts Commission, and hundreds of donors and members.
Residency Facilities and Location
Studios and Residences are assigned by the Sitka Center depending on the needs of a particular group of residents. Each resident is given separate private fully furnished living quarters with a full kitchen. Most residents are given a a private studio. No stipend is provided. Laundry facilities are available on campus. Residents are responsible for providing their own food, cleaning, and transportation while in residence. Internet/email access is available.
Sitka Center is located seven miles from the nearest town (Lincoln City) and is within privately owned Cascade Head Ranch. The nearest access to public transportation is about 3 miles away. While the majority of day-to-day needs can be purchased in Lincoln City, many art supplies are not readily available, and must be purchased in Portland, a 2-hour drive away. The Sitka Center borders a Nature Conservancy Preserve, the Siuslaw National Experimental Forest and the Salmon River estuary, and is located within a National Scenic Research area and a United Nations Biosphere Reserve.
STUDIOS
Boyden Studio
The first building on campus, built in 1972, and remodeled in the 1990's. This rustic, wood-stove heated, 1500-square-foot studio features wood floors, picturesque views of the ocean, working sinks (shared at times with the Edelman studio), and ample natural light.
Edelman Studio
Remodeled in 1994, this 550-square-foot studio is adjacent to the Boyden Studio. It features a color-corrected fluorescent light system, combination incandescent overhead, and spotlights all with dimmer controls appropriate for multiple use. The studio features a view of sculpture garden and forest from north-facing windows. It shares water access with the Boyden studio.
Smith Studio
Built in 1996, this 800-square-foot studio with concrete floor features color- corrected overhead fluorescent lighting, and ample natural light from southwestern windows and skylight. This studio is most often used as our printmaking studio, as it holds the Center's Ray Trayle press and other equipment appropriate to printmaking.
Sculpture Studio
Built in 1999, this 500-square-foot studio with concrete floor has color-corrected overhead fluorescent lighting, with moderate natural light from windows and two sets of French doors. This studio houses a large double sink, three kilns, potter's wheel, two-phase power, power tools including table saw, drill press, belt sander, compressor, other portable tools. The studio includes storage space for glazes, clay, tools, woodworking tables and equipment.
RESIDENCES
Russ’ Treehouse
A small studio home with a sleeping loft (accessible by ladder). Ample large windows face east end of campus and forest, giving the space a secluded feel.
Petterson Studio Apartment
Tucked underneath Boyden Studio, this compact residency is a cozy place to call home.
Morley House
The largest of our residences, this two-story open plan house features a large comfortable kitchen and living room.
Gray House
This new residence was constructed using green building practices in March 2010. It is named after John Gray who provided the incentive and the funds for the residence's construction. It features an open layout design and is located up the hill nestled in the Sitka spruces trees.
McKee House
Named after Howard McKee and his family, this second residence, also constructed with green building practices in March 2010, has the added benefit of being ADA compliant.
* The Sitka Center also houses residents in donated homes close to campus on occasion.
OTHER RESIDENCY PROGRAMS
The Alliance of Artists Communities is a national organization supporting the work of artists. Through publications, member benefits, and symposiums on the role of artists in communities, the Alliance heightens our awareness of the value of art in our lives and fosters best practices in residency programs throughout the US and the world. The Sitka Center has been an Institutional Member of the Alliance since 1999.