“As a new parent, I was grateful to participate in the Verdancy Project residency which provided me with a welcoming, flexible space that was also organized, thoughtfully set up and full of possibility. For me, it was significant that this came without the expectation of specific deliverables. I appreciate this approach that intentionally gives no space to the hustle and productivity values of dominant culture -- instead focusing on supporting artists with time and space to rest, recharge, play, create and cultivate ideas. Thank you for creating this unique experience for artists to be nourished by connection to place.”
Marisa P, Vancouver Canada
“I am an artist with multiple disabilities and this residency was perfect for me. Shannon was communicative and caring, asking questions that were supportive and un-intrusive. There weren't requirements for productivity, which meant I could work as slowly as my body needed me to, and I was offered a scholarship, which made it possible to do this work that had been waiting a long time for a forested space just like this. The bell tent was comfortable! TVP provided a thoroughly cushioned cot. The bell tent, studio, and entrance to wooded areas make a tall triangle with the studio at the top, and at the top of a slope. I was cozy enough in the studio that I was able to be there all day. The forested space is just big enough that you can feel alone when you want to, and just small enough that you don't have to go far to do so. Would recommend for chronically-ill artists like myself.”
Juliet J, Duarte, CA
“My time at the Verdancy Project was so nourishing for my creativity, my spirit, and my body. I felt enlivened and inspired in ways I have not felt in awhile. I could feel myself relaxing into a more peaceful state day by day. The creek and the birds were the soundtrack to a flourishing of ideas and expression. I found myself in a flow state, able to follow threads and pulls of inspiration and desire as they came. The freedom to do as I please! I made so much art! And I got great sleep! I am so grateful for my time there, and will carry the gifts of the experience with me back into the city.”
Huxley, Portland, OR
My time at the Verdancy Project was appropriately fecund as the name would suggest. My experience was creative, restorative, generative and reflective. It provided me the time and space to listen to and follow my intuition in ways that can be difficult to achieve in the hustle and rigidity so often imposed in daily life. Shannon and company have done a marvelous job cultivating the space while leaving the land wild enough to maintain an inspiring personality.
Connor E, Portland, OR
“The Verdancy Project is truly a magical space. The residency is set on a picturesque property with a beautiful little creek and lots to explore. You have the freedom to rest, create, adventure, or do whatever is necessary for your artistic practice at that moment. For me, I experimented with new techniques and tested out new ways of making. Shannon the residency founder is incredibly supportive, helpful, and full of knowledge. I can't wait to return in the future.”
Elizabeth R, Duvall WA
"TVP was integral in developing my pigment practice. I was able to spend time with and use the beings on the land (plants, rocks, sun, sounds) to create various creative projects that I would not have been able to make otherwise. I felt able to experiment and explore, and my curiosity was constantly fed by the ecology and the lovely library collection. Shannon and her family were extremely generous and respectful, and we had lots of amazing conversations and knowledge-sharing. The internet connection was excellent, the resources were abundant, and the space was dreamy. I would recommend this residency to anyone looking to expand their practice
with connections to the self and the land."
Sierra W, Pittsburg, PA
"What a wonderful opportunity the Verdancy Project is! Coming from the desert, the chance to explore and identify, forage and create in this area of OR was priceless. It is also well situated to explore what the surrounding area has to offer. I learned so much about my practice, and about creating better habits, but also how to just be still and observe. I look forward to continuing to explore pigments and creating my own paints at home, and have hopes of exploring Sedona in the cooler weather to continue my pigment foraging trips."
Judith D, Phoenix, AZ
“If you are looking to relax in nature, surrounded by beautiful lands, a creek and bees, all while doing your version of "art", this is your spot! My residency at the Verdancy Project with Shannon and her family (both humans & animals) quite literally changed my life. I now call myself an "artist", just in the week, which flew by, I was able to create so much art with no pressure at all. With all the different supplies, I was able to try out new hobbies, like wood burning and eco-printing with the wonderful dye garden! The library is wonderful, I found myself most mornings drinking coffee & reading poetry in the treehouse! <3 I absolutely loved my time at the Verdancy Project
and I'd go back in a heartbeat!:
Lindsay S, Portland, ME
“My time at the Verdancy Project was like an exhale from my regular schedule. I relished the uninterrupted, continuous time to explore and create, to breathe and respond to whatever whim I wanted to follow. The lush forest and creek provided the perfect playground for
inner child to surface and delight in the magical spaces across the property."
Erica G, Portland, OR
“I’m incredibly grateful for my week at The Verdancy Project. The studio offers peaceful, focused solitude and the land outside is rich with inspiration. The Ponder Residency offered me complete creative freedom, a place to immerse myself deeply in my process and in the surroundings, and I emerged energized, curious and empowered in my work.”
Joellen S, Gresham, OR
“The Verdancy Project Artist in Residence program is a must for artists seeking solitude and nature in their creative process. Shannon, Bobb and Sabine provide a unique experience in a beautiful setting. The resources and support allowed me to focus on my craft without distractions. I highly recommend the experience for any and all artists."
Ignacio G, Oregon City, OR
"My time at the Verdancy Project was one of the most productive of my two-decade-long art career. The beauty and diversity of the land, ease of access, and being free of distractions was a perfect combination for me. I was almost immediately inspired by new ideas and they continued long after I left. I’m already planning to come back next year! I have recommended this residency to several friends
and hope they will treat themselves to this creative retreat."
Linda R, Portland, OR
"I had an excellent time exploring the microbiome of the residency and was thankful for a peaceful place to concentrate
on experimenting without pressure."
Shelly S, Seattle, WA
“I had a wonderful time at TVP. I could focus and create a new series of small, fragile, and ephemeral pieces made of natural materials I had found on site. I would gladly go back to the Verdancy Project in the Spring or Summer to see how different the vegetation is and to create a new body of work inspired by this wonderful place. Shannon was very accommodating. Everything was well-organized, and it made my time as a resident very enjoyable. I did not hesitate to reach out to her when I had a question or needed a tool.”
Michele G, Sunnyvale, CA
"Living in the city I do not have the luxury of physical spaciousness, I seek nourishment in solitude and I find solace in the quiet. These qualities feed what I need to cultivate my artistic conversations around landscape. While at The Verdancy Project I had the pleasure of simply walking outside to meet my subject. Having the studio to use and being on the property was the gift of space and artistic immersion. It was a place where I could spend time collecting visual information and experimenting with the concepts of site, landscape and the riparian zone. It has really brought me much inspiration and I look forward to seeing what unfolds in my work and art practice.”
Barb B. -Portland OR
“The Verdancy Residency is perfect for artists that are interested in ecology, sustainability, and open creativity. The grounds and surrounding landscape are the perfect place to get inspired This residency was everything I needed and more at this point in my artistic journey. The freedom to create without expectations of output was a great catalyst for new ideas and directions. Shannon could not have been a more generous and wonderful host..”
Eileen W. Bainbridge, WA
“My time at The Verdancy Project was truly magical. The land is lush, abundant, and endlessly inspiring while the solitude is like a balm for the soul in a very busy world. My time there was spent creating, exploring, and reading, and I am ever so grateful to TVP for creating this haven for artists. The Verdancy Project is the perfect place to forge deeper connections to both ourselves and the land that cradles us.”
Lucy P. - Moody, AL
“I deeply appreciate the care and generosity of this residency. It was all that I needed and more.”
Kacy M. - Portland, OR
“TVP Residency allowed me to imagine without the constraints of production. It gave me a chance to make mistakes, study, and stretch my mind and body. I enjoyed my week spent learning new printmaking and collaging techniques and exploring old forms I had abandoned. Sleeping in the bell tent reminded me to listen to my body! I could sleep out there forever. I am grateful for the space and the time.”
Charlena W. - Oakland, CA
“This residency allowed me to just be. As a human being as an artist. This space is a respite, a sanctuary from the daily grind and allowed me the chance to slow down, take in and be inspired by the land around me. It is special kind of program that has reignited the beauty and creativity of slowing down as an artist and retracing my steps back to what began my journey in the first place.”
Paige H, - Merrimac, WI