Residency Consulting

There is a lot of information online about starting an artist residency program. I've found that most of it is geared toward medium to large organizations, nonprofits, or educational institutions. I wanted to create something for the solopreneur, for artists or other creatives who might not have access to the tools and support of these types of organizations. I am a full-time visual artist and started The Verdancy Project on a shoestring and it has grown into something I never could have imagined. 

After years of planning, plotting, and daydreaming I officially launched The Verdancy Project (TVP) in 2021. TVP is a multidisciplinary community-oriented art experiment with a mission of fostering curiosity and inspiring environmental stewardship. We offer creative residencies, retreats, community art projects, events, and workshops.

It's been several years since we launched and I have received many requests from people wanting to pick my brain to start their own program. I love helping people and sharing my experiences but being a full-time artist, mother, and residency director is a lot of work. So I decided to write a book in hopes of helping people get started on their journey. I’m not going to lie, it is a lot of work. Not all of it is enjoyable, there are ups and downs like any job. But it is incredibly rewarding. I have met so many amazing creatives. I've made lifelong friends, and connections and been amazed by the creativity and magic that is brought into my life every day. 

If you don’t want to wait for the book I offer online or in-person consulting. Are you interested in starting your own residency program but don’t know where to start? Maybe you are just exploring the idea and want to find out if it is possible or something you want to do. Im happy to answer any questions, and share my insights, lessons, and best practices with you.

TVP Info:
Established in 2021
48 AIRs with 23 more coming in 2024
Artists from 10 states and two countries
8 fully funded scholarships
1-2 Week onsite or offsite Residencies
12 Workshops
Land Art Exhibition featuring 25 artists and 500 guests

About Shannon

Residing in the Pacific Northwest, Shannon Amidon is an artist, beekeeper, environmental steward, wonder seeker, lover of insects, books, and plants. Shannon has been featured in solo and group exhibitions worldwide, curated group exhibits, garnered press, and participated in artist residencies worldwide, focusing on both art-making and ecological research. She has collaborated with other artists, scientists, activists, and researchers. She has received many grants and awards, including the Regional Arts & Culture Council Make|Learn|Build Grant, International Encaustic Artists Project Grant, Leigh Weimers Emerging Artist Award, Silicon Valley Creates Artist Laureate, Awesome Foundation Grant, All She Makes Grant, and the Art Inspector Eco Art Grant & Studio Makeover. 

Shannon has been a 3-time artist in residence at The Ayatana Artistic Research Program in Canada, in addition to residencies at TechShop San Jose, Herhusid House Artist Residency in Iceland, The David and Julia White Artist Colony in Costa Rica, Sou’wester Residency in Washington and the Zymogliphic Museum in Portland, OR.

Corporate collectors include Genentech, Wells Fargo Bank, Imagery Estate Winery, Kaiser Permanente, and Google. She is also the co-founder and director of The Verdancy Project, a multi-faceted endeavor that includes an artist-in-residence program, creative workshops, community art projects, research program, and more.