This page includes the following sections:
About the Artist Residencies
Dates and Application
FAQ
Pictures
ABOUT THE ARTIST RESIDENCIES
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 WAS SEPTEMBER 15, 2024 – Scroll down to find the link to the application form for specific dates and to be added to the waitlist if there are any cancellations
Some comments from the guest book:
“This visit continued my experience of growth as an artist in an environment created by JoAnne that offered peace, thoughtfulness, beauty, nature, magical energy, a connection to life in a multitude of forms.”
“Another manuscript is complete.”
“What a wonderful stay and I wish you and your residents many wonderful, productive stays.”
“The property is inspiringly beautiful.”
“What a rich and productive 3 weeks it has been.”
“May others benefit from time spent in this magical place as much as I have.”
Casa Uno is pleased to be listed in an article in Art and Object as one of 10 Inspiring Artist Residencies.
Located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica, the residency takes place on a beautiful property that provides an opportunity for one to three artists simultaneously to have meaningful interactions and stimulating discussions while pursuing their own individual projects in an inspiring natural setting.
The ideal participant is an artist who wanting to be able to devote time to a project for 3 weeks in a beautiful nurturing environment in Costa Rica. Participants may be a writer, visual artist, photographer, filmmaker, storyteller, poet, composer, performer or dancer/choreographer. Sharing ideas about what you are doing and being willing to listen to what others are doing is an important component of the residency. A unique labyrinth has been added to the property. I have written four blogs related to the labyrinth. I strongly suggest reading the second blog. Please note the residency is for people who seriously want to work on their project and is not meant for people who want to do some art and significant sightseeing and take a lot of time off property. If you want to visit places outside of Atenas I strongly recommend coming to Costa Rica a few days early or staying afterwards where that can be your main focus.
Toward the end of the residency, each participant will be asked to share what they have done (or earlier related work) with members of the local community.
Facility
Each artist is provided with a private room and bath. Two of the rooms are in the shared main house. One has a king bed and the other a queen bed. A separate casita has a bedroom with twin beds and a full kitchen. The kitchen in the casita is shared with the other artists.
There are no separate studios. Each bedroom has a desk and a work table which can be moved to common areas or kept in the bedroom. This residency is not for an artist who needs a separate studio in addition to the private room. There is not a dance studio although the main house has open space. There is a covered porch area facing the garden that provides excellent work space as well as common areas in the main house and casita. There are a lots of beautiful areas on the property to spend time painting, writing or just reflecting!
This is a no-smoking property, both inside and outside! There is good internet.
Parking is available for two cars. Cars are not recommended, as rentals are expensive. Taxi service is easily arranged and very reasonable. The house manager, Manrique, will be providing or arranging transportation to and from the airport, and a food shopping on the Wednesday after arrival. There is lovely outdoor space to work in and a pool to relax in.
Recently added is a labyrinth to enjoy, use as a meditation, or ponder the next step in your creative process. Ronald Esquivel designed the labyrinth for this property with the creative process in mind. We call it Camina del Artista!
While there are snakes in Costa Rica, we have not had any on the property. There are bugs of various kinds, and having a good bug repellent is helpful. Sunscreen is also recommended. It is best to bring bug repellent and sunscreen with you, as they are expensive here.
A welcoming dinner and/or breakfast will be provided. The rest of the food is the responsibility of each participant and the full kitchen in the casita is ideal for making meals. Cooperating and working together on meals is encouraged. There are two dining tables as well as outdoor eating areas. We are located less than 10 minutes by car from the center of town which has good restaurants. Taxis can easily be arranged for meals out or shopping. There are several restaurants that deliver as well as other prepared food options.
Dinner time and evenings provide an opportunity to share ideas and talk about the project you are working on. Every Thursday from 10 AM to noon a writing group of local dedicated writers meet to share work. Residents are strongly encouraged to participate.
Casa #1’s setting is vibrant, with nature offering so many opportunities to explore.
2024
All residencies for 2024 are full. Sometimes there is a cancellation. If you would like to be added to a wait list please fill out the following form and send an email joannetuckerart@gmail.com.
2025
Applications for 2025 are now closed. If you would like to be added to a wait list please fill out the following form and send an email joannetuckerart@gmail.com.
Staff:
JoAnne: Owner of the property and living full time in the main house. JoAnne has been engaged in the arts throughout her life. She studied dance at Juilliard and has a Ph.D. in theatre from the University of Wisconsin. When she retired from directing the Avodah Dance Ensemble, she began painting and founded a documentary film company, Healing Voices – Personal Stories focused on domestic violence. If you would like to know more about JoAnne please visit her blog “about” page.
Oscar: a miniature poodle who loves to be played with and thinks the property totally belongs to him. (If you aren’t comfortable with a playful dog then this won’t be an appropriate residency.)
There is no fee for the residency. There is a fee for airport pick up and return and that is usually around $55 each way.
Common areas are cleaned regularly. Cleaning supplies are available for your use for your private room and there is a laundry room with a good washer and dryer. Linen and towels are provided.
The participating artist is responsible for travel to and from Costa Rica. The San Jose (SJO) airport is about 35 minutes from Atenas.
Artists should bring all supplies and materials needed for their creative project to ensure availability of what they need. JoAnne has a printer and keeps a supply of paper and ink available. If you plan on printing more than a few pages, then you will need to make arrangements with JoAnne and contribute toward the cost of paper and ink.
This residency is for the artist only and there is no space for spouses, partners, or children, unless they are applying as an artist for the residency, fill out a full application, and are seriously committed to working on their project.
Each artist should have some kind of health insurance that covers them while in Costa Rica. There are good hospitals and doctors about a half hour away and emergency care close by. Currently the United States is NOT requiring a COVID test to return.
On the last Saturday of the residency, the participating artists share what they have been doing with members of the local community. These informal presentations have been much appreciated.
If you have any questions, please email JoAnne at: joannetuckerart@gmail.com
FAQ
What Makes a winning application: A well written and edited response to each question. Your best example of your writing, artwork, or video. Please do not send a full script or book or if you must indicate the 5 pages you want JoAnne and the committee to read. Professional references. No application moves forward to be reviewed until it is complete with references, resume, sample of work, and answers to each question.
My Partner or Spouse wants to come with me but is not an artist: This is not an appropriate program for a spouse or partner to join you. This is an opportunity for you, an artist , to give undivided attention to your project. Have your spouse or partner join you before or afterwards and enjoy sightseeing in Costa Rica at that time.
Can I bring my three year old child? The facility is not equipped to handle children. Again, this is an opportunity for you to spend uninterrupted time on a project.
Is this only for very advanced artists: This is for seriously committed artists who are use to working intensively on projects. You might consider yourself an emerging artist or are an established professional. This is not for someone who wants to do a little art each day combined with sightseeing.
I am collaborating with another person on a project can we come together: Yes. Each person needs to do their own application, including references and a sample of their work. Both applications should be submitted within a few days of each other indicating they are part of a team. Up to 3 people can be here at the same time working on a project.
What is the main language of the residency: English is main language and fluency in English is important so all the artists can enjoy sharing time together.
I want to sightsee and explore Costa Rica: The 19 days of residency are for you to work on your project. While there are breaks into town and sometimes a special event occurs that residents go to this is a period to focus on your art. Come a few days early or stay after the residency to sightsee in Costa Rica.
Some additional Pictures
Queen Room in the Main House
King Room in Main House
Casita
Outdoor space waiting for an art project
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