Don’t Sitka this one out

It's a dream so many have but so few realize. Having the time to produce something creative, in a place that fosters said creativity.

Each year, the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology just north of Lincoln City awards residencies to individuals and collaborators exploring art, ecology and the fertile spaces in between.

Residencies range from two weeks to three and a half months, with residents enjoying private living and studio space on the Sitka campus, surrounded by the inspiring Cascade Head coastal landscape and ecosystem.

The application window for the Fall/Winter 2021 or Winter/Spring 2022 residency programs is open through Tuesday, March 30.

Past residents have included painters, novelists, climate activists, photographers, biologists, composers, poets, journalists, architects, film makers, performers, inventors, botanists, curators, foresters, ceramicists, playwrights, illustrators, oceanographers and printmakers.

Show & Tell events during each program period give residents the opportunity to share their work with the community.

Bringing together people from different backgrounds and fields of expertise is core to Sitka's art and ecology mission. From climate change and environmental justice to systemic racism and cultural appropriation, diverse perspectives help spark new ideas and collaborative approaches to address today's challenges in creative ways.

Living and studio spaces are provided for free, but there is an application fee of $25 to help cover administrative costs. Sitka offers application fee assistance to those for whom this is a barrier. Each resident is responsible for all of their own travel and living expenses, including transportation, food, toiletries and any supplies used in their work.

For more information, go to www.sitkacenter.org/residencies.