Caldera - Near Three Sisters, OR - The Caldera Residency Program
by Heather Dwyer

(published in Artist Trust's Journal, Spring 2002)

Founded in 1996, Caldera is a nonprofit interdisciplinary arts organization dedicated to fostering creativity, experimentation, and stimulating an appreciation for the environment. Seventeen miles west of Sisters, Oregon and surrounded by the Deschutes National Forest, Caldera occupies 90-acres and meets the shore of Blue Lake. This pristine lake was formed in the cone of an extinct volcano and by all accounts is a fantastic, shimmering blue.

Since 1997 Caldera has offered Camp Caldera, which has provided more than 500 children with an opportunity to spend up to ten days studying with professional artists and enjoying the alpine setting. In the summer of 2001, Caldera proudly announced the start of The Caldera Residency Program.

This program offers residencies to artists and writers for one to five weeks during the fall, winter and spring. A private live/work space is provided for each artist or writer who is accepted for a residency. Caldera's five A-frame cottages are equipped with a sleeping loft, kitchenette, bathroom and live/work area. Currently, Caldera’s spaces do not have the capacity for projects that require complex facilities or equipment.

Open to artists nationally, those interested in applying for The Caldera Residency Program may be either established, professional artists, or demonstrate a promising talent. Caldera supports the creative process and there is no expectation that resident artists produce a specific product. However, residents who stay more than two weeks are encouraged to give an informal presentation about their work during their stay. Caldera staff works with each artist to organize an event that will meet his or her needs and interests.

Applications for The Caldera Residency Program are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by an admissions panel, which includes staff and distinguished professionals in the literary and visual arts. In addition, Caldera will work with guest curators to offer special residencies by invitation. Applicants will be notified of the panel's decision approximately six weeks after the application deadline. Recent residents have included writer Burky Achilles, visual and performing artist Damali Ayo, writer Merridawn Duckler, poet and writer Leanne Grabel, playwright and director James Moore, and writer Gail Robinson.

Applications must be postmarked or hand delivered to Caldera by July 15, 2002 for residencies during the dates of September 15, 2002 through February 1, 2003. For more information, please contact: Miriam Feuerle, Director of Adult Programs, Caldera, 224 NW 13th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209 or miriam.feuerle@wk.com or http://www.calderaarts.org/.