The Weir Farm Art Center (formerly the Weir Farm Trust) manages the AIRProgram at the park through a five-year renewable cooperative agreement, providing logistical and financial support and program publicity.
Applications are due January 15 and July 15.
Download: Application for the Artist-In-Residence Program
For more information, please contact the Weir Farm Art Center at residency@weirfarmartcenter.org or (203) 761-9945.
The Weir Farm Art Center’s mission is to sustain and promote the legacy of American artist Julian Alden Weir and preserve Weir Farm’s historic landscape and artistic tradition through its artist residency pro- gram, educational opportunities, exhibitions and publications, in alliance with the Weir Farm National Historic Site.
Weir Farm, purchased in 1882 by the artist J. Alden Weir, occupies a prominent place within the history of American art. The Farm’s rocky pastures and dense woods were a source of inspiration for some of Weir’s best work, securing his role as a major and pioneering figure in the American Impressionist movement.
Museums collections across the country include works of art created at the Farm by Weir and his wide circle of friends including Childe Hassam, Albert Pinkham Ryder, John Singer Sargent, and John Twachtman. The home, studio, farm buildings and landscape integral to Weir’s artistic vision have sur- vived intact, making it the finest extant landscape of American Impressionism.
http://www.nps.gov/wefa/supportyourpark/upload/AIR08.pdf
Program Features
The studio and living space: The Weir Farm Art Center’s program provides living and studio space for one artist at a time although two artists working collaboratively may reside together. The residence is located in a charming 1,100 sq. ft. historic cottage, built in the mid 1800s and located on the Weir Farm site. A 400 sq. ft. second floor studio is equipped with a professional easel, several large and small tables, and a variety of hand tools. Printmakers may rent off- site facilities through an affiliation with the Center for Contemporary Printmaking in Norwalk, CT. The cottage is comfortably furnished with a fully equipped kitchen. Having a car is extremely helpful although it is not a necessity.
Spouses and significant others of participating artists are welcome to visit, but are not permitted to stay for the duration of the residency. Children and pets are not allowed.
Application Information
The Weir Farm Art Center encourages mid-career visual artists of all backgrounds to apply for admis- sion. The WFAC does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, or sexual orientation.
Deadlines: The January 15th deadline applies to residencies from May through October. The July 15th deadline applies to residencies from November through April. Completed applications must be postmarked by these deadlines to be considered in these judging periods. Notification of results will be mailed six to eight weeks following the deadline.
Financial support: Weir Farm Art Center provides housing, utilities and phone service within the U.S. Each artist is expected to present their work during an open studio event at the end of their residency. Artists are responsible for their own personal living expenses, supplies and any other expenses related to the cost of producing work that may be incurred while in the program. Travel and shipping expenses to and from Weir Farm are also the responsibility of the artist.
Selection: The selection of artists in residence is made by a juror from the art museum or academic communities. Selections are made on the basis of the quality of the work and the interest in working at Weir Farm. The program represents diverse artistic points of view, from traditional to experimental, with the emphasis on quality and consistency of the artist’s work. Applicants may apply in any visual art medium.
Work samples: Submit a cd with six digital images of work no more than three years old. Number each image and identify with your name, medium, size, date of completion. Include three copies of image/title list with corresponding numbers and data.
Foreign applicants: U.S. Dollars are accepted for the application fee. You must send a bank draft or money order drawn on a U.S. bank. Please add sufficient funds for return of application materials.
Mail materials to: Weir Farm Art Center, 735 Nod Hill Road,Wilton, CT 06897. Questions? Call (203) 761-9945 ext. 1.
Application Materials
Your application must include the following:
- Non-refundable application fee of $35 made payable to the Weir Farm Art Center.
- 3 copies of application.
- 3 copies of work plan.
- 3 copies of current resume.
- 1 cd of 6 digital images (see description on left) with 3 copies of image/title list.
- You may include copies of reviews, catalogues or other support materials.
- 2 letters of recommendation sent directly to the Weir Farm Art Center by your references.
- Stamped, self-addressed postcard for notification of receipt of the application.
- Stamped, self-addressed envelope for return of slides and supporting materials.
Recognizing the importance of preserving this rich artistic legacy, the Weir Farm Art Center grew out of the grassroots efforts to save the Farm. As a private non-profit organization, the Weir Farm Art Center works in partnership with the National Park Service as a cooperative association that provides educational programs for a regional audience.
Weir Farm Art Center programs are supported in part, by Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, Elizabeth Raymond Ambler Trust, Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher Foundation, Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, Daphne S. Culpeper Memorial Foundation, the Elizabeth Ambler Trust, the Bonnie Cashin Estate, New Alliance Foundation and the Weir Farm National Historic Site.
http://www.nps.gov/wefa/supportyourpark/upload/AIR08.pdf
