2016 Residency Recap!

Whaaaat? It's September all of a sudden! Summer was a whirlwind, resplendent with so many delightfully different artists. Here's a look back at just *some* of the eclectic cast of characters that passed through Small Pond in 2016:

We started off the season with our first ever Cardboard Camp, bringing together this awesome group of cardboard enthusiasts.

Nadya Eidelstein built a drawing machine and worked on some botanical designs to be screen-printed later.

This trio of kick-ass-lady-writer-friends converged at Small Pond for a week; Sarah Selecky, Sarah Henstra, Frances Philips stand in front of the naked silo.

Kelsey McNulty worked on some new tunes and could be heard playing our barn piano late into the night.

Nick Di Gaetano spent a month with us while performing in Tale of a Town: Prince Edward County with Festival Players/FIXTPOINT Theatre. Here he is recording a "silo session".

Andrew Foerster is an animator and illustrator, but used his residency to work on some sculpture projects.

Sara Knaus wanted to get some writing done, here she is hard at work in the art barn.

Ying Lee created her own writing studio in the shade of the pear tree.

Creator/performer Bruce Horak came to Prince Edward County on tour with his show Assassinating Thomson. Here he is doing some plein air painting.

Elysanne Tremblay worked on a number of different projects during her residency. Here she is building a tent structure around her actual tent - which she slept in... talk about getting into your work!

Heidi Berger worked on a series of paintings for an upcoming show in Germany.

Larry Eisenstein worked on some BIG drawings in the barn.

Lynn Chidwick is a stained glass artist, but used her residency to create some pastel drawings. A residency is a great opportunity to try something new!

There were lots of interesting outings...

Quality porch hang-outs...

And starry, starry nights.

Photo by Mile Murtanovski

It was an amazing summer! Our heartfelt thanks to all the artists that chose to spend some time with us, bringing their ideas, inspiration and camaraderie.

The nights are cooling down, and the residency is open for just one more month this season. We'll start accepting 2017 applications or our artist residency December 1, 2016. Can't wait to see what next summer has in store!

2015 Resident Artists

As 2015 draws to a close, it's time for us to take a deep breath and look back on an incredible year. Small Pond wouldn't be here without the scores of artists who have invested in themselves through our residency program. The presence of these wonderfully diverse creators has enriched our lives beyond measure. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us in 2015!

Suzanna Lebec's residency was focused on writing. Hard work deserves to be rewarded, and we went on some spectacular outings, including cocktails at the Al Purdy A-Frame with writer-in-residence Kathryn Maclean.

Kath and Suzy at the A-Frame

Pamela Schuller had a productive residency making and painting masks.

Peter Paylor worked on a large sculpture carved from old cedar rails he found around the property, and demonstrated his carving at a Creative Rural Minds gathering.

Ginna Wilkerson joined us from Florida to work on some writing and a host of visual art projects. We went to an art opening at Blizzmax Gallery and she enjoyed getting to know the community through attending many local yoga classes.

Ginna at Blizzmax Gallery

Zach Van Horn came to us from Ohio and successfully completed a whole series of paintings.

Mieke Van Geest visited us for the second time to work on her book of photos.

Photo by Mieke Van Geest, taken during her 2014 residency

Alison Broverman and Katie Swift called Small Pond home while working on The Tale of a Town - Canada. I was thrilled to collaborate with them on this beautiful endeavour. We interviewed 60+ people about their memories of Main Streets in Prince Edward County, culminating in a theatrical presentation and podcast, which you can listen to here.

Katie and Alison in the Wellington Times, photo by Alison Broverman

Liane Décary-Chen came from Montreal to work on some graphic design, and learned how to play Kubb, the Swedish game of champions.

Animators Ruth Taylor and Auke de Vries came to us all the way from Amsterdam, but Small Pond was just one stop on their 'round-the-world residency adventure. 

Auke at Point Petre

Ruth tries her hand at axe-throwing on Jobs' Island

Some of our regular puppetry collaborators stayed with us while working on our latest shadow puppetry play, Unjustly. 

Guy Doucette and Craig Morrison, puppet designers

Andrew Young, head puppeteer and woodsman

Thank you to all these wonderful artists for making this a summer to remember.

If you're interested in joining us for a residency in 2016, we're now accepting applications. Please visit our website for details.

Making Magic

Five years ago, when Milé and I decided to start this crazy adventure that would become Small Pond, we began looking for the perfect place to build our dream. A friend suggested Prince Edward County, and the first time we came here we knew this was the place for us. Yet it wasn't easy finding the perfect spot. Over a period of months, we looked at dozens of properties from one end of the County to the other. We had certain criteria that we were looking for: the house had to have a number of guest bedrooms for our resident artists; there had to be enough land for all sorts of artistic antics; the property had to have outbuildings for studios and storage...and it had to be secluded enough that these antics wouldn't bother anyone. But the most important thing we were looking for was the hardest one to describe to our real estate agent. With each property we visited, Milé and I would ask ourselves, "Could this be a magical wonderland?"

Now I know this might sound silly, but what we were looking for was a special place that would enchant and inspire artists. Aesthetics are important to people like us. We looked at some beautiful houses, quirky farms, and cathedral barns... but nothing was quite right. When we finally found this 160-year old house on Clarke Road, the answer was Yes. Yes, this could be the magical wonderland we were seeking. 

This year we're entering our fifth summer at Small Pond. I recently took a flip through our guest book, reflecting on all the wonderful artists who have passed through our lives over these last four years; and one word kept popping out at me. Magic. When our guests described Small Pond, the word they used was 'magical.' Time and again they wrote messages telling us that what we have here is magic.

Excerpts scanned from the Small Pond guest book

We did it! We found our magical wonderland! And we found it not just for ourselves, but in order to share it with other artists who need that hint of magic to spur them forward in their creative pursuits. Come see for yourself - there's plenty of magic in this wonderland for everybody.

Find your happy place.

What Your Heart and Art Desire

We may be up to our knees in snow, but it's time to start dreaming of the warmer months and filling our farmhouse and studio with the creativity of artists-in-residence.

Until March 31, 2013, we're offering 20% off all artist residencies of 1 week or more. You can write, paint, sculpt, draw, sing, wander, dream, or whatever it is your heart desires.

Is it time for you to start plotting your creative escape? For information on how to apply, visit our website.

Producing Artwork: Taking the First Step at Small Pond Arts

(This is a guest blog post, written by one of our former resident artists, Christine Legault. Make sure you check out her website to see more of her recent work. - Krista)

Coming to Small Pond as a one-month resident last April was a fundamental step in taking myself seriously as an artist. Being 26 years old at the time, I had an undergraduate in architecture, an undergraduate in philosophy, 3 years of travel behind me, and numerous different directions I wanted to take in life. A bit lost, my desire to produce artwork and work creatively was a starting point that I decided to take seriously. How, with who, and in what capacity; I had no idea. Wanting to be an “artist” is something that, like any profession, shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Christine in studio at Small Pond Arts; evidence of her nature walks 
is taped to the walls behind her. This practice of incorporating natural, found objects into her work would become an ongoing theme.

To be successful as an artist is the same as being successful as a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, an architect, or anything in life. Producing art requires a practiced skill of showing up and working. Except, instead of writing, you are working through ideas and you are producing visuals. An attempt, a draft, a sketch of what’s on your mind; that’s all any artwork can ever be. A lawyer shows up and reads, then writes, an artists shows up, and then draws, paints, sings, or moves.

Eggshells by Christine Legault, 24" x 36"

While showing up every day at Small Pond my practice (of producing artwork) grew.  I made deadlines, I developed a routine, I pushed myself to work, even when I was bored or tired.  Krista and Milé considered me an artist, and so, by consequence, I also considered myself an artist. I produced 10 paintings that were 36 x 36 inches in the 4 weeks that I was there. Squares that fit together in colour. It was mindless, not from a photograph, not complicated, not something that I was particularly attached to, but still something that I worked on. Every day.  I knew that the physical outcome wasn’t at all what mattered. What mattered is that I was forced to try and that I had a goal that I had to achieve. I knew that I was at the beginning of what will be a long process for me, and I somehow had to stop being scared of what I would produce. 

From there, I went out to New Brunswick and I deliberately tried to continue the practice I had started at Small Pond. 

Christine in studio in New Brunswick

I was more familiar now with using studio space in the capacity I wanted, and I knew more what I needed in order to produce a series of artwork.  I needed supplies, immediately, I needed to take breathers (week-long ones), I needed freedom and privacy to try things, I needed a way to get around and be in nature. So, I created that environment for myself, I worked on a farm in the odd weeks of being in the studio, I used materials I was attracted to, I didn’t worry about what this all meant. I just worked.  That’s when - the work started to actually be my own.

Paint by Christine Legault, 48" x 60"

Without taking that first step at Small Pond, I still wouldn’t know how I do/don’t work well in certain creative environments. Worse even, I wouldn’t know how fulfilled I feel when I’m working as an artist.  Being an artist-in-residence is important because it says to the world: “Hey! I value creating art enough to make it my job." All anyone can ever do is try, and that’s exactly what Small Pond is there for.  To help you try, and to encourage you to keep trying. Thanks to Krista and Milé for providing such a great opportunity for emerging artists to have a place to grow.

All it Takes, card by Christine Legault

A Place for Writers

Recently we've had a number of writers at Small Pond as part of our artist residency program. I like writers. I get writers; not surprising, seeing as how I've been one for the better part of my life.

Most of our artists in residence hail from cities, so it comes as no surprise that almost all of them comment on how quiet it is here. In such quiet you can hear the stories speaking gently inside of you without them struggling to be heard above the din of traffic or the neighbors' TV set. Quiet is good for writers.

Jennifer Morales and Tina Owen are a couple from Milwaukee who recently spent a week writing here. I was impressed by their focus and drive to realize their personal writing goals. Yet creativity is anything but a predictable process, and both of them found themselves sometimes writing things they hadn't necessarily intended. I love it when surprises bubble up from within us. Jennifer and Tina cooked some incredible meals for us while they were here, and suitably wrapped up their stay by participating in our art/food festival, Cornography.

Sharon Caldwell's arrival coincided with the first pizzas emerging from our new cob bake oven, a most joyous occasion. Sharon is a writer and photographer living in Peterborough who came to Small Pond for a creative getaway. She was drawn - as many have been before her - to spend an inordinate amount of time in our Salon du Silo. It's a magical outdoor space on the site of a former barn that is completely wrapped in nature. Sharon made herself a little nest of blankets and whiled away her days there reading, writing, communing with chipmunks and getting drunk on sunshine.

Chris and Erin Rouse are couple of teachers/artists from Grimsby who spent a few days here as wedding gift from a mutual friend. Erin painted and Chris worked on some writing, and we had great dinner table conversations about film and theatre. One night Milé took them on a creative field trip to the monthly Prince Edward County Comix Jam. Apparently, they rocked it.

Yes, Small Pond is a quiet place. In this quiet you can hear all sorts of things. Crickets, birds, the wind in the trees, bees buzzing by, and your own heart beating as you breathe deep and dare to think big thoughts.

This fall we are hosting our first 'official' writers' retreat, led by the downright lovely Chris Kay Fraser of Firefly Creative Writing. I am honored that Chris has chosen Small Pond as a place to inspire others to creativity. If you'd like to find out more about this workshop, called Spark Your Creative Fires for Fall, you can read about it here. In the words of one of her group participants, "Chris leaves everyone in her wake feeling amazing and healthy and radiant..." and who couldn't use some more of that?

What is an Artist Residency?

Small Pond Arts is, amongst other things, an artist residency.  "Now what," you might ask, as many people do, "is an artist residency?"  At a minimum, residencies provide artists with space to create new work.  At Small Pond, we hope to give artists much more. 

"Supporting today’s artists in the creation of new work is essential to human progress — not as a luxury, not as a leisure activity, but as a vital and necessary force in society. Artists’ communities are not about retreat; they are about advancement. Advancing creativity. Advancing human progress. Advancing the way we examine the world." - artistcommunities.org

In the last year and a half, we have hosted more than 60 resident artists.  How they have used their time with us is as different as the artists themselves.

Resident artists are given free reign of our beautiful 87-acre farm, located just outside the town of Picton, Ontario, Canada.  If you have no idea how big 87 acres is, let’s just say you could easily fit a neighbourhood or a small town within it.  Artists are provided with a private bedroom or space to camp.  Starting in 2012 we will also have a funky 1967 airstream-like trailer that will be available for rental.  We have a barn that can be used as a studio or rehearsal space from spring through fall; we also use the barn for performances and exhibitions.  We have a workshop full of tools and supplies that is often a hive of creativity.  

Plus, we have more fresh air, green grass, wildflowers and butterflies than you can shake a stick at.

The Small Pond vibe is casual and creative.  We have few rules, relying on mutual respect and common sense to lead the way.  We eat our meals communally, making room for camaraderie and conversation to blossom.  We ask our residents to contribute one hour of chores per day – and other than that, their time is their own.

Some artists paint paintings.  Others take photos.  Some write plays, some make music, some create sculptures.  Puppeteers create and perform shows.  Students make short films. Lots of our visiting artists do more than one thing.  Many of them try something new.  When they need a break they ride bikes, bake cookies, swing in the hammock, scope out Picton’s thrift stores, take naps, walk in the woods.

We invite resident artists to play an active role in our festivals and productions; we have at least one event per month between June and October.

They are welcome to contribute artwork and installations to our artists’ trail.  There are no creative limits – our farm is an expansive outdoor gallery to which anyone may contribute.

Milé and I are both artists ourselves, and our goal with Small Pond was to create the type of place that we’d want to run away to for an artistic escape.  

Judging by the responses from our residents, I think we've succeeded.   Here are what a few of them have had to say:

“I couldn’t have possibly imagined what this place would be like, and it blew all of my expectations away.  The talented, awesome people who are drawn here fit perfectly into the amazing mould for community you have here.” – A.G.M.

“We had an absolutely amazing time here, we will definitely count it in among our favourite trips.  We don’t want to leave!” – N.M. & K.N.

“I’m so appreciative to have had this experience and get to see the beauty & love you all put in to this home/center/haven.  It was a beautiful week that felt so comfortable, warm & open – like being at the most familiar place I’d never been.” – R.K.

“This has been an inspiring experience for me.  The love and hard work that you’ve invested into Small Pond is fantastic and really left a great impression.  Thank you for having me!” – I.L.

We’re currently booking artists for future residencies.  Want to count yourself amongst them?  For more info, please visit our website:  http://www.smallpondarts.ca/residencies.htm... and start dreaming about the possibilities.