06/11/2024
Dear Elsewhere community & people of the North Fork Valley,
Since 2011, Elsewhere Studios has hosted hundreds of artists from around the world at a quirky, cozy green house in Paonia, Colorado. Over the years, residents have found sanctuary, inspiration, and bursts of creativity there. And countless people in the community have poured hard work, dreams, and imagination into the building and its surroundings. But Elsewhere has never been just about the house.
Artist after artist has called Paonia “magical.” Many have described feeling inspired and supported by getting to know others exploring their own creative practices in the greater community. And many have found inspiration in the environment — from the North Fork of the Gunnison River and Mount Jumbo to Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Kebler Pass — and the valley’s abundance.
As we move forward, we will be finding fresh ways to tap into that magic, starting with a big change that will allow us to evolve and grow: Elsewhere is going elsewhere, while staying rooted right here in the North Fork Valley. Leaving the house is bittersweet, but the real magic of Elsewhere and the residency experience is about the connections that artists build: with the community, with the landscape, with fellow artists, and with their own practices.
So what does “going elsewhere” mean? Imagine a “roving” residency, one that pops up in different places in the community, inviting artists to have intimate and unique experiences. Past residents have often been amazed by how warm and welcoming both Elsewhere and the community are, and we’re excited to help future residents experience even more of that warmth as they engage intentionally with the community. And the benefits go both ways: inviting visiting artists to bring their creative passions and vibrancy into local organizations, businesses, and homes will, in turn, enrich and inspire our community.
We hope you feel as energized and hopeful about Elsewhere’s ongoing evolution as we do. If you have any ideas or questions, please reach out!! And if you’d like to lend your support to Elsewhere during this transition, you can donate in the link in bio.
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