Artist Residency FAQs

What kind of artists fit well at TVP?
Our program is for creatives who have a deep connection to nature, ecology, and or science. Artists who are stewards of the earth, and interested in the natural sciences. Creatives whose practice goes beyond “being inspired by nature”.
An ideal applicant is self-sufficient, motivated, and comfortable in a rural, natural setting. If you do not enjoy being outdoors this is not the residency for you. We have bugs, dirt, sap, and critters, although we provide very comfortable accommodations you are still glamping.

How are residents selected?
Each year we have a jury of alumni and community members who go over all of the applications and make recommendations.

How many applications do you receive and how many artists are invited?
We typically receive 35-45 applications each year but that can vary. We accept approx. 20-23 artists a year.

When do you inform artists of their application status?
Typically 4-6 weeks after the application deadline. If you have not heard back from us in 8 weeks please check your spam and or reach out.

Where are you located?
We are in Troutdale, OR, just 25 min East of Portland, OR. We are in a rural area but still close to needed amenities - food, gas, supplies, etc. It should be noted that although we are in a rural area we are close to farms and a thoroughfare to Oxbow Regional Park. So there are road noises and other sounds at times.

What are the Check-in and Check-out procedures?
All residencies start on a Monday at 11am and end on Sunday by 4pm. The residency director will coordinate your estimated time of arrival and give you a tour of the property and studio.

What are the fees associated with the residency?
Please see our pricing page

Do You Offer Scholarships?
We offer several scholarships. Scholarships are only available for 1-week residencies. Check out our pricing page for more info. Our scholarships are designed to alleviate financial hardships and assist those who genuinely need financial support. We encourage applicants to carefully assess their financial situation and to apply only for a needs-based scholarship if they are facing genuine economic challenges.

What is expected of me while I’m at the residency?
We have no expectations in regard to output or projects. You can come and go as you please but we would like you to be onsite at least 80% of your residency. We expect you to respect and treat the land and studio with care.

Do you offer overnight accommodations?
Yes, we have a wonderful Vardo-inspired Creekside Caravan available from May - Oct. Learn more here.

Do you have suggestions for places to stay during my residency?
There are several affordable AirBnB accommodations and hotels nearby (5-10 min drive) in Troutdale and Gresham. There are also many options available in Portland which is only 30 min away. For a unique (and higher priced) option check out McMenamins Edgefield which is just 10 min away.

If I miss my residency can I reschedule?
We understand that illness and emergencies happen. We will make every effort to reschedule you for the same calendar year if there is space available. There is no guarantee that we will be able to reschedule you and it is done as a courtesy.

What are my options for traveling to The Verdancy Project?
Like most rural places, it can be difficult to get to The Verdancy Project without a car. However, it can be done. The nearest airport is PDX (30 min away). Options are Lyft, Uber, or rental cars. Please note that ride shares will drop you off out here but we have had issues with them picking people up.

Is there WIFI/cell phone service?
Yes, we do provide free WIFI in the studio, and cell phones work just fine. Wifi is spotty in the Creekside Caravan.

May I bring my child?
We are still developing our parental program, but we are quite willing to work with parent residents. Children are allowed on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out with any questions or if you would like to bring anyone. Caretakers and assistants are allowed.

Can I bring my pet with me?
Maybe, please reach out and let us know what kind of pet you have. We have a Border Collie (Beaker) who lives on the property and we want to make sure there is no conflict. Please note that the property is not fully fenced in. There is also a non-refundable $65 cleaning fee for pets.

What kind of projects can I work on/create?
Although there are no expectations of productivity or projects. If you want to create something we encourage a variety of nature-based projects. Including but not limited to earthworks, ephemeral time-based projects, Plein air painting, planting of specific botanicals, research and observation, pigment making, foraging, etc. We look forward to hearing how you would like to engage the land.

What is not allowed on the property?
We will not tolerate anything that is destructive to the environment - chemicals, toxic materials, cars (other than in provided parking space)or other destructive vehicles, smoking, planting invasive species, or cutting down trees.

I want to build a structure on the property, can I do that?
Each project is assessed on a case-by-case basis. We are not opposed to an ephemeral structure being built but must also make sure it fits with the environment, and zoning regulations and is safe. 

Can I get help and support when I am at The Verdancy Project Residency?
The Verdancy Project is a self-directed residency. Shannon the director is available for mentorship or private instruction for an additional fee. We do have a variety of tools and equipment for you to use or that we can assist with as needed.

Do you accept international applicants?
Yes, the program accepts applications from artists working locally, nationally, and internationally. Please note, however, that we cannot provide visas, nor can we sponsor international applicants. All international artists in the residency program must secure their own visas prior to their arrival.

What ADA accommodations do you have?
We are in a rural area with uneven terrain. The residency grounds do have some paths but are not accessible for wheelchairs, crutches, and other mobility aids. We are happy to try and work with artists who have accessibility or other needs and do our best to accommodate them. Please reach out and let us know what you need.

If there are any questions we have not covered please feel free to reach out - info@verdancyproject.com