I am spending a total of two months here at Elsewhere Studios, and I have (already?!) reached my halfway point of my residency. One month has gone by with one fantastic group of artists, and now I’m onto the next with a whole new fantastically awesome group. One thing I keep hearing about past Elsewhereians’ use of their time here- they either treat it as a retreat and focus solely on their work or they integrate themselves into the thriving community of Paonia. Either way, the community of Paonia is a vital element to what makes Elsewhere a unique experience: Paonians unabashedly wave their freak flag high, and all are welcome to hop on the parade float for one hell of a ride. Whether you choose to spend your time within the confines of the residency or out in the streets of Paonia- you are in an environment that encourages exploration and pushes for absolute authenticity (of yourself or your work). The amount of community events per capita brim over, so one could easily conk themselves out by the end of their residency term. I am almost hesitant to write this blog entry because I want this place all to myself, but I am also excited to see how Elsewhere Studios evolves as it roots deeper into the surrounding community and branches out into the art world.
So here’s to one more month and waving that freak flag high.
For more of my illustrations and wood carvings go to my website at: finearzt.com