Blog #7 - Who Does Art Residencies or Retreats?

Recently, I went to a small business conference. So fantastic to meet other small business owners in northern Colorado!

I was asked this: What problem does Kestrel Fields Studio & Art Residency solve for people? 

My answer:

- People who want to make art often believe that their desire to make--or that what they make--is perceived as unimportant by society

- People, especially women, prioritize other things, particularly the interests of other family members and the demands of day jobs and/or the household

- Art is put on the back burner because of competing priorities and energy levels.

- The daily to-do list is treated as a "must-do-now" list rather than a "should-do-eventually" list (think: emptying the dishwasher)

- Some people do not have a designated space for making art, which means that the art gets put away or pushed to the side when that space is required for another activity (think: guest room, dining room table)

- Even if someone has a designated art-making space and makes art regularly, they still feel like they have to justify making art, or that it is less important to spend time there than it is to (fill in the blank)

- US culture trivializes "artist" as a legitimate job, career path, or sometimes even a pastime. It's considered petty, fluffy, unstable, precious, a waste of time.

Their follow-up questions: 

Why does this matter to you personally? Read that story here. 🙂

and

How does Kestrel Fields Studio uniquely address these problems?

We welcome people who seek to develop themselves further in art or a creative practice, who want to master their craft, or who aim to delve into the world of becoming a 'professional' artist.