Enrico Trujillo

Exploring Artist Residencies

 

Hello friends! I’m excited to share my personal journey exploring artist residencies. As a queer, Hispanic artist based in Taos, New Mexico, I focus mostly on traditional painting, but I love mixing in interactive art, design, film, and documentary work. Below, I’ll highlight a few special spots right here in Taos and then branch out to other inspiring programs across the country.

Why Artist Residencies Matter

Residencies are places where artists can work, reflect, and experiment with new ideas—often with few distractions. They’re also terrific for meeting people who share your passion. Whether you’re a painter, filmmaker, or multi-disciplinary creative, there is something magical about spending dedicated time in a supportive community where art is the main focus.

Taos: A Cradle of Artistic Energy

1. Helene Wurlitzer Foundation
Located in the heart of Taos, this is one of the oldest artist residency programs in the United States. They offer a three-month program that gives you quiet studio space and cozy living quarters. I’ve loved how open they are to different creative fields, and how they encourage exploring Taos’s unique cultural history.

2. Paseo Project Artist Residencies
Some smaller organizations and art spaces occasionally host informal residencies, even if they don’t call them “residencies” in a formal sense. Keep an eye on local galleries or community arts centers—they sometimes offer short-term programs or workshops that give you that same precious time to focus on your art.

Looking Beyond Taos: Residencies Across the US

1. Vermont Studio Center (Johnson, VT)
Known for its supportive, close-knit community, this center welcomes artists and writers. If you enjoy nature and the chance to collaborate with creatives from around the world, Vermont Studio Center can be a great choice.
Why I Love It: They often host critiques, workshops, and lectures that help you push your practice into new territory.

2. MacDowell (Peterborough, NH)
MacDowell is among the most famous artist residencies in the country. It has hosted many groundbreaking creators, from composers to visual artists. The peaceful campus and daily basket lunches delivered to your studio are legendary.
Why I Love It: MacDowell fosters deep focus, which is perfect if you’re balancing multimedia work like film or interactive art with painting.

3. Headlands Center for the Arts (Sausalito, CA)
Situated near the stunning Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Headlands merges nature’s beauty with a vibrant creative community. Artists often take advantage of the gorgeous landscape to inspire everything from painting to documentary film.
Why I Love It: They encourage interdisciplinary projects, so it’s a fantastic place if you like to combine painting with interactive installations or digital design.

4. Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts (Omaha, NE)
The Bemis Center values innovation and supports many types of art—from sculptural installations to performance. You’ll have 24-hour access to your studio, allowing you to get lost in the creative flow anytime inspiration strikes.
Why I Love It: Their emphasis on experimentation can help you refine new media projects or push your painting in unexpected directions.

5. Anderson Ranch Arts Center (Snowmass Village, CO)
Focusing on visual arts and crafts, Anderson Ranch provides incredible facilities and a friendly atmosphere. It’s also in a beautiful mountain setting, which is especially appealing for those coming from New Mexico.
Why I Love It: They host workshops and events all year round, so you can develop skills in everything from printmaking to digital arts.

Tips for Applying

  1. Show Your Passion: Let your personal story and style shine in your application. As a queer, Hispanic artist, I make sure to emphasize how my heritage and identity shape my work.
  2. Tailor Each Proposal: Each residency has its own culture and goals. Read up on their mission and history, then connect your own vision to theirs.
  3. Highlight Your Versatility: If you work across multiple media—like I do with painting, interactive design, and film—be sure to show examples that capture the breadth of your talent.
  4. Stay Organized: Application deadlines can sneak up on you. Keep a calendar or reminders for each residency you’re targeting.
  5. Look for Funding Support: Some programs offer scholarships or stipends to help with travel and living costs. Don’t be shy about asking!

Embracing New Experiences

Residencies are all about growth, experimentation, and community. By meeting fellow artists—many of whom are also exploring identity through their work—you may grow more confident, purposeful, and adventurous.

If you have the chance to apply for a residency, I highly recommend going for it. It’s a chance to leave behind daily distractions and dive headfirst into your creative practice. And if you’re from Taos (or visiting), don’t overlook the artist residency gems right in our backyard. There is room for everyone—painter, sculptor, designer, filmmaker, or documentary maker—to find inspiration and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Stay soulful, stay creative, and keep exploring. Wherever your path takes you, remember that being open to new places and new faces can spark the most surprising and beautiful transformations in your work. Good luck, and happy applying!

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