Before I turned 40 years old, in April of 2019, I thought about how I wanted to celebrate, and I realized that what I really wanted was to take the time for an artist residency. It took a few months to work out all the details, but I was finally scheduled for a two-week residency at the Vermont Studio Center in March 2020. I thought, great, at least I will make it before I turn 41.
That was just before Covid hit. My residency was postponed to May 2020, then postponed again to May 2021. In March 2021, I received word that all VSC residencies were on pause, indefinitely. I would have to re-apply if I wanted to attend in the future, and the re-opening date has not been announced.
Needless to say, I was disappointed. I called one of my long time painting friends, for solace. She was encouraging, and willing to consider the idea of making our own painting retreat. Luckily the stars aligned for us to spend ten days in Mount Gretna, testing out the new Art Bubble Residency. While not what I originally set out to do, this residency was renewing, productive and has set me on a path of making art for the summer.
