Starting at the end of August, Shadowcliff will be hosting five artists-in-residence as part of a new program initiative. The artist residency program at Shadowcliff builds on our long-standing tradition of fostering meaningful exchanges and connections. The residency brings together a diverse group of artists, creatives, researchers, and cultural caretakers from around the country, providing them with time, space, and access to the rich natural and cultural resources of Grand County. For two weeks, from August 29 to September 13, these artists will be immersed in the beauty and history of Grand Lake, embarking on ecological experiences and engaging in new creative projects.
“We are thrilled to be hosting these exceptional artists at Shadowcliff and are so excited about what an established residency program could look like in Grand Lake,” said Kelly Yarbrough, Shadowcliff’s Board Chair. “The community has been cultivating the local arts scene for years and is poised for the next stage of growth. Developing a residency program at Shadowcliff in coordination with organizations like the Grand Lake Creative District makes all the sense in the world—this is the place and the time to do it!”
We are also excited to announce a free public event featuring the inaugural cohort of artists, happening on Monday, September 9, at 7:00 PM at the Grand Lake Community House. The event will offer residents and visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the artists and learn about their work. Each artist will share insights into their creative processes, present their work to the public, and engage in dialogue with attendees.
“Cultural initiatives like Shadowcliff's artist residency play a vital role in enhancing the vibrancy of our local community,” said Grand County Economic Development Director DiAnn Butler. “By bringing in creative voices from around the country and fostering collaborations with local organizations, this program not only enriches the cultural landscape of Grand County but also contributes to the economic vitality of our region.” She added, “Events like these are powerful reminders of how the arts can build connections, inspire, and create lasting positive impacts for both residents and visitors.”
Meet the Artists:
● Kyle Dacuyan (Brooklyn, NY) is a poet, performer, and 2021 NEA Creative Writing
Fellow whose work explores the intersections of language, labor, and embodiment. https://www.poetryproject.org/people/kyle-dacuyan
● Ash Hanson (Moab, UT) is a theater artist, Creative Executive Officer of the Department of Transformation, and a 2018 Obama Foundation Fellow with a
deep commitment to social practice and rural community development. https://www.publictransformation.org/
● Li Harris (Houston, TX) is an interdisciplinary artist, musician, and 2022 Guggenheim Fellow whose practice incorporates voice, electronics, movement, and new media to explore themes of healing, spirituality, and resilience. https://lisaeharris.com/
● Sam Kim (Brooklyn, NY) is an experimental choreographer, dancer, and MacDowell, Yaddo, Djerassi, and UCross Fellow, whose bold, boundary-pushing performances challenge traditional dance forms. https://newyorklivearts.org/artists/sam-kim/
● Helen Otterson (Excelsior, MN) is a ceramic and glass sculptor with a keen interest in the intersections of art, nature, and science. Otterson’s intricate and expressive sculptures have been exhibited internationally and are featured in multiple museum collections. https://helenotterson.com/
Shadowcliff’s new artist residency program will extend the Lodge’s legacy of contributing to the cultural vibrancy of Grand Lake. From its early involvement in the founding of Rocky Mountain Repertory Theater—whose actors were housed on Shadowcliff’s campus in the theater’s early days—to its support during the founding of the Rocky Mountain Folk School, Shadowcliff has played a vital role in shaping the region’s creative landscape. The Shadowcliff Artist Residency Program joins these efforts, further establishing Grand Lake as a destination not only for its majestic natural environs but also for its thriving arts and culture offerings.
We are currently in a fundraising campaign to support the cultivation of this program! Click here to learn more about our goals and how you can help.