Land Art Residency
The Land Art Residency is a unique opportunity for visual artists to immerse themselves in the natural world and expand their creative practice. Situated on 4.5 acres of diverse landscapes, this residency invites artists to experiment with land-based art, using natural materials sourced from the environment. There are two tracks: a 10-week residency for artists who can commit to a weekly onsite rhythm, and a 2-week Intensive built for artists coming from further away.
Track One - 10 Week Residency
Who is it for:
Visual artists who've wanted to work outdoors with natural materials. No land art experience needed. Best suited to locals since there's no onsite housing. (Please note that for 2027 we will only be accepting visual artists)
Logistics:
10-week residency, Spring, Summer or Fall cohorts
Onsite workdays every Wednesday and Sunday
No indoor studio access or overnight accommodations
Access to bathroom facilities, nature library, book shed, outdoor kitchen, treehouse, and 4.5 acres to explore
Expectations:
Objective: Each resident artist is expected to create a land-based art piece that harmonizes with TVP’s natural environment. Need inspiration? Check out our previous land art projects, our 2023 Land Art Exhibition Terra Incognita or this Pinterest Board.
Material Requirements: At least 80% of the materials used in the artwork must be natural, organic, or biodegradable. Artists are encouraged to source materials locally from the residency site or surrounding areas. The use of non-natural materials should be minimal, intentional, and must not detract from the overall environmental integrity of the piece.
Environmental Consideration: Artists must consider the ecological impact of their work. The collection and use of natural materials should be done in a way that respects and preserves the surrounding landscape and biodiversity.
Schedule: Dedicated onsite workdays will be held every Wednesday and Sunday* during the resident's timeframe. Artists are expected to use this time to get to know the land and to develop and create their projects.
Participation Requirement: Artists are required to be onsite and actively working on their project for at least 75% out of the scheduled workdays. This commitment is essential to ensure consistent progress and engagement with the residency program.
Flexible Additional Days: As the project progresses and the artwork nears completion, additional workdays may be added to the schedule. These days will be determined in consultation with the residency director and based on the artist's needs. Flexibility and open communication are key to ensuring the success of the project.
Maintenance: After completion, residents might be required to assist in the maintenance of their piece, especially if it’s designed to last over time. If it is meant to be temporary the artist is responsible for dismantling the piece and converting the land back to its original state.
Final Presentation: Upon completion of the residency, each artist will present their land-based art piece at an event. This presentation will serve as the culmination of the residency, showcasing the artist’s process, concept, and finished work.
Pricing:
This track remains fee-free — in place of a residency fee, artists commit fully to the schedule and expectations above.
A $150 holding deposit is required, returned upon completion and documentation of your finished piece.
Track 2 - 2-Week Land Art Intensive (new)
Who is it for:
Visual artists who want to work outdoors with natural materials. Open to local and non-local artists alike, though this track was built especially for artists coming from further away who can't commit to a weekly on-site rhythm. Housing is included, so distance isn't a barrier.
Logistics:
2 weeks, fully onsite, including housing
Access to bathroom facilities, nature library, book shed, outdoor kitchen, treehouse, and the 4.5 acres
Just 1 spot for this pilot year
Expectations:
Objective: Each resident artist is expected to complete a substantial, site-responsive land art piece that will remain at TVP after the residency ends. This intensive is offered free of charge because we’re asking for a significant contribution to the land in return. We’re looking for work made in collaboration with this specific place. A larger version of what you already make in the studio isn’t what we have in mind. Need inspiration? Check out our previous land art projects, our 2023 Land Art Exhibition Terra Incognita, this Pinterest Board, or the site videos on our YouTube channel.
Pre-Arrival Proposal: Before arriving, residents will submit a starting proposal describing the concept, approximate scale, intended location type, and likely materials. We expect this proposal to change once you’re on the land. Its purpose is to make sure you arrive with a direction and are ready to start building.
Deliverable: By the end of the two weeks, each resident must leave behind:
A completed, installed land art piece that is structurally sound and safe for visitors
A written artist statement (200 to 400 words) describing the concept and process
Care notes describing how the piece is expected to age, weather, or change over time, and any maintenance it may need
A piece that is unfinished at departure does not meet the requirements of the residency.
Scale and Ambition: The piece should be substantial enough to stand on its own as a destination on the property. It should be sized and built to hold up through at least [one full season] outdoors. Work that is meant to decay or change is welcome, as long as that change is part of the concept and is described in the care notes.
Material Requirements: At least 80% of the materials used in the artwork must be natural, organic, or biodegradable. Artists are encouraged to source materials locally from the residency site or surrounding areas. The use of non-natural materials should be minimal, intentional, and must not detract from the overall environmental integrity of the piece.
Environmental Consideration: Artists must consider the ecological impact of their work. The collection and use of natural materials should be done in a way that respects and preserves the surrounding landscape and biodiversity.
Application Proposal: Applicants will submit a project proposal with their application. It should describe the concept, approximate scale, intended location type, and likely materials. If you haven’t been to TVP before, you can:
A. Schedule a site visit before submitting your proposal, or
B. Watch our YouTube shorts and video tours of the property
We know ideas often shift once you’re standing on the land. Your proposal can be adjusted after orientation, and the final version will be confirmed with the residency director on Day 3.
Materials: This intensive is offered free of charge, so residents are responsible for the cost of their own materials. Natural materials gathered on site, with guidance from the residency director, are available at no cost.
Deposit: A $200 refundable deposit is required to confirm your spot. The deposit will be returned once the full deliverable is complete: the installed piece, artist statement, and care notes. If the deliverable isn’t completed, the deposit will not be returned.
Schedule:
Day 1: Orientation and a walk of the property with the residency director. Site selection begins.
Day 3: Final proposal and site confirmed with the residency director, updated from your pre-arrival proposal based on time on the land.
Day 7: Midpoint check-in to review progress against the proposal.
Day 13: Piece completed and installed.
Day 14: Final presentation and walkthrough.
Ownership and Use: Completed pieces remain on the TVP property. The artist keeps authorship and credit for the work. TVP may photograph, film, and share the piece and its documentation for promotional and educational purposes, always with credit to the artist. Strong pieces may be considered for inclusion in Terra, our land and nature art museum.
Maintenance: Because residents won’t be on site after the intensive, pieces should be designed with that in mind. TVP will handle ongoing care based on the artist’s care notes. If a piece becomes unsafe or reaches the end of its life, TVP may repair, let it return to the land, or remove it, and will make a reasonable effort to let the artist know first.
Final Presentation: On the last day, each artist will present their piece at a walkthrough event, sharing their process, concept, and finished work.
Pricing:
This track is free — in place of a residency fee, artists commit fully to the schedule and expectations above.
A $200 refundable deposit is required to confirm your spot. The deposit will be returned once the full deliverable is complete: the installed piece, artist statement, and care notes. If the deliverable isn’t completed, the deposit will not be returned.
Before applying, please read our FAQs for important info.
"The Verdancy Project is a gem of an organization that provides space for artists to flourish and connect with the land. I'm grateful for the support of Shannon and all the resources and care provided to me during my time as a land art resident." Alexandra De Luise, Portland, OR
