The History of Elsewhere Studios

Birth

Elsewhere has been an energetic center of Paonia since its birth in 1906 as the town's General Electric building. Electricity was generated by a water wheel in the Paonia irrigation ditch, which cuts through town and flows through Elsewhere’s enchanted forest in the summer months. Since then, the building has provided a home, office spaces, and a creative pallet for numerous dreamers, attracting visionaries often without the necessary funds or know-how to restore the building into functionality. The building had been under construction, or vacant and inhabited by squatters, for decades before its metamorphosis into Elsewhere Studios.  Elsewhere is drenched with local history and myth.  Legend has it that Terence McKenna, writer, philosopher, and a world renowned psychotropic shaman/guru who was born and raised in Paonia, spent time in the building in the 60’s, and opened a vortex in the basement.  This natural energy source has been grounded to the center of the earth, and is the essence of Elsewhere as a three dimensional art piece in itself, providing inspiration and growth for the artists that reside here now.

Growth

In August 2006 Maya Arthur and Willow Good took on the project of transforming Elsewhere physically and energetically into a creative and functioning asset for the community. The building was gutted and rebuilt with new windows, insulation, electric and plumbing as well as extensive structural support and a new roof.  This was done with the amazing support of the community, work traders, friends, and a ton of used construction materials.

Karen Good, Willow’s mother, moved to Paonia and became key to establishing the space as an artist residency, benefiting from her expertise and experience running numerous organizations and her skills as teacher. The Artist in Residency Program officially began in late 2010.

From 2011 to 2024, Elsewhere Studios hosted artists at a quirky, cozy green house in Paonia, Colorado. Though the house will always be an important part of our story, Elsewhere is now piloting an exciting new "roving" residency model. To learn more about Elsewhere's first home and its spaces, click here.