Artist Residencies

Artist Residencies at Trout Creek Wilderness Lodge

Name: Trout Creek Wilderness Lodge — Artists Residency
Location: Trout Creek Wilderness Lodge, near Molalla, Oregon - 50 minutes SE of Portland, OR
Length: 4–6 weeks (selectable by artist; typical option: 4 weeks or 6 weeks)
Cohort size: up to 4 artists (partners welcome — see policy below)
Season: November to December 2025
Goal: Provide focused time, space, and natural inspiration for makers to develop new work, deepen practice, and contribute to site stewardship and community-building on the land.

Residency Goals

• Time and space for concentrated creative work or research.

• Artist contributions that strengthen the Lodge’s landscape and visitor experience (either labor-based stewardship or site-specific artwork/digital work).

• Shared learning and low-key public engagement (optional): an open studio, reading, or small display at residency end.

Core commitments from residents

• Care for their cabin and shared lodge spaces (cleaning, basic upkeep).

• Contribute meaningful land stewardship labor (suggested 6–10 hours/week) and/or deliver an artwork contribution for the property.

• Respect communal rhythms, safety, and other residents’ practice time.

The Offering (what we provide & logistics)

Housing & private space

• One private sleeper cabin per artist. Cabins include: bed (linens provided), small work/sitting area, heater, basic lighting.

• Partners: welcome to stay but must be included on application and agree to the residency rules. Partners are considered guests and count toward occupancy.

Shared spaces

• Communal lodge (kitchen, dining, lounge): grocery-grade stove, fridge, basic cookware (artists manage their own groceries).

• Barn: indoor studio/workspace with work tables (artists may bring specialized tools).

• River deck & sky deck: outdoor spaces for reflection and site-based work.

• Bath house: shared bathroom facilities; respectful scheduling required.

Basic amenities

• Electricity in cabins and barn; wood-fired stove(s) or electric heat in lodge - radiant floor heating

• Wi-Fi availability: Fiber Optic Mesh Network Near Structures, 2.5Gbps

• Supplies/tools: basic cleaning supplies, garden tools, invasive-species removal tools (gloves, loppers, hand saws). Artists may bring specialty materials and tools.

Support from Lodge staff

• Orientation on arrival, basic supplies, safety briefing for river/terrain, tool training for stewardship tasks.

• Mid-residency check-in and final walkthrough.

Compensation / Fees

• Housing is provided for $250 for 4 weeks of the residency, with $50 for each additional week. If fees are unattainable please let us know.

• Damage deposit: $1000/Credit Card on file in case of damages.

• Artists are responsible for travel, food, materials unless otherwise agreed.

Residency expectations & contribution

Time commitment to land & lodge

• Suggested stewardship contribution: 6–10 hours per week OR a single equivalent project (e.g., one full weekend of trail clearing, an installation, or a digital piece for the Lodge). Typical tasks: removing invasive English ivy, clearing small trails, composting, repairing small structures, planting native plugs.

• All stewardship is supervised and will be matched to artist ability and safety.

Artwork Contribution Options

• Site-specific physical artwork (permanent or ephemeral).

• Digital artwork or documentation to be displayed on Lodge/website.

• A small object or print for the Lodge collection.

• A short workshop/open studio or artist talk (optional / scheduled at the end of residency).

• 1 hr artist class for children - once during residency

Care & Cleaning

• Artists keep their cabin tidy, change linens weekly, and participate in a rotating lodge cleaning (kitchen, bathrooms, common areas). See the Cleaning Checklist below.

• At residency conclusion, artists complete the End-of-Residency Checklist and return keys.

Work-in-progress & sharing

• Residents may share work publicly but must coordinate any public events with Lodge staff.

• Quiet hours: 10:00 PM–7:00 AM (music, amplified sound restricted outside these hours).

• Barn/studio scheduling: sign-up system to avoid conflicts.

Guide for Conduct — policies & practical rules

Respect & community

• Treat others’ work, materials, and time with respect. No interfering with another artist’s artwork or tools without permission.

• Nonviolent behavior and kindness are mandatory.

Visitors & partners

• Partners are permitted but must be declared on application.

• Day visitors or additional overnight guests require prior approval from Lodge management and must follow the residence rules.

• No parties or large gatherings.

Pets

• Pets are not allowed unless expressly pre-approved.

Health & safety

• River and forest areas can be hazardous—follow safety briefings, sign-in/out for off-site trips, and never go on hazardous terrain alone.

• First-aid kit available in lodge. Emergency contact: Ian Rowan 305-395-8891. Nearest hospital: Silverton Legacy. About 30 minutes away.

• Artists must have their own medical insurance and appropriate personal liability insurance; Lodge not responsible for artist injuries.

Tool & chemical safety

• Use tools only as instructed. For ivy removal, prioritize manual removal.

Property & liability

• Artists are responsible for damage caused by negligence. The Lodge may withhold deposit to repair damage.

• Artists must sign a Residency Agreement and Liability Waiver.

Sustainability

• Pack in / pack out policy for trash where possible; composting station provided. Low-impact practices required.

Application & selection process

How to apply

• Submit via email to: sales@troutcreekwildernesslodge.com or Google Form. Include:

  1. Short bio (100–150 words).

  2. Artist statement + goals for the residency (200–400 words).

  3. Project proposal or what you hope to accomplish (200–400 words).

  4. Portfolio links (images, audio, video) or 8–10 representative images.

  5. Preferred residency dates (4 or 6 weeks).

  6. Whether you choose stewardship labor or artwork contribution (and any special skills).

  7. Partner info (if applicable).

  8. Emergency contact & proof of insurance (if required).

Selection timeline

• Application deadline: 10/28/25.

• Notifications: within 1 week of deadline.

• Orientation: first day of residency.

Selection criteria (rubric)

• Artistic merit & clarity of proposal (40%)

• Fit with site & rainy-season schedule (25%)

• Proposed contribution to land or Lodge (20%)

• Ability to live & work well in a shared, rural setting (15%)