Oak Spring Garden Foundation Artist Residency, Upperville, United States — 4 Reviews 4.8/5

Overview

The Oak Spring Garden Foundation offers a unique residency experience located in Upperville, Virginia, between Middleburg and Marshall. The foundation is dedicated to perpetuating the gifts of Rachel "Bunny" Lambert Mellon, including her extensive gardens, estate, and the Oak Spring Garden Library. The program supports individuals engaged in a variety of disciplines including the arts, conservation, humanities, and plant and ecological sciences, and focuses on interdisciplinary residencies that bring together artists, conservation practitioners, researchers, and scholars connected through their creative and investigative practices concerning plants, gardens, landscapes, and related environmental themes.

Residency Details

Residents are provided with fully furnished accommodations in small houses with private bedrooms and bathrooms, shared kitchens, and laundry facilities. The 700-acre property offers access to studios, a significant library collection, communal meals prepared by an on-site chef, and various natural and cultivated landscapes. The program fosters a collaborative environment while providing opportunities for solitude and focused work.

Facilities & Resources

• Private rooms and shared kitchen facilities
• Studio spaces (varying configurations)
• Oak Spring Garden Library with world-class botanical illustrations, print ephemera, and illuminated manuscripts
• Common spaces and shared studios
• Internet access
• Gardens and farmland on 700 acres
• Full catered meals
• Opportunities to volunteer in gardens or on the farm

Key Components

Initial orientations to the resources available at OSGF, involvement in community meals, and optional involvement in activities that enhance experiential learning and connection to the site. Residency periods range from 2-6 weeks depending on the program applied for.

Funding & Support

All residencies are fully funded with funding provided for travel expenses. The Eliza Moore Fellowship is available and was noted by applicants as life-changing. Applications are becoming increasingly competitive; applicants are encouraged to submit thoughtful, specific proposals.

Practical Information

The residency is located in a rural area; having a car is helpful, though staff assist with transportation for errands. During summer season, residents can participate in a CSA program. The wide open fields mean ticks and bugs are prevalent in summer months, so bug spray and hats are recommended.