A studio complex in Vermont’s Green Mountains accommodates writers and artists with disabilities.
By Linda A. Cronin
My byline has appeared in Action before, but what readers may not know is that, in addition to freelance articles, I am a published poet. Like most artists and writers, I often dream of having uninterrupted time to devote to my work in my own studio. At home, I work in my bedroom which is cluttered with books I’ve collected, and, all too often, my inspiration disappears when something or somebody interrupts me.
My dream came true last September when I spent a month at Vermont Studio Center (VSC). During the inspiring time filled with hard work, I lived and wrote surrounded by others who were also completely focused on their art.
Creative Environment
VSC was started in 1984 by artists John Gregg and Louise von Weise who wanted to find a place centered around the values of creativity, community and humanity that could support the creative efforts and aspirations of artists. Set on a historic 30-building campus, VSC lies alongside the Ghion River in the village of Johnson, Vermont, in the middle of the Green Mountains. The center hosts 50 artists and writers each month (24 painters/mixed media, 12 sculptors, 2 printmakers, 12 writers). Residents come to the center for stays that last between 2 to 12 weeks. Each person has their own room and studio, and all meals are provided. John and Louise are active members of the community, and like many staff members, they share meals with residents at the dining hall.
Residents, from the United States and throughout the world, are selected through an application process on a rolling basis. If you wish to be considered for a fellowship that pays for your stay, you must apply by one of three deadlines. VSC accepts artists and writers at many levels and styles. This encourages a large mix of artists to interact, and many discussions take place over dinner and during free time, which inspires new and different works. When I was at VSC, people came from many countries, including Japan, England, Cuba, Australia, and New Zealand. I enjoyed meeting and talking with other residents and made some lasting friendships.
In addition to fellowships, VSC also offer grants, financial aid and work-exchange, which may cover up to half your tuition. The work-exchange depends on the hours you work (usually 10 hours a week).
Positions include office help, kitchen prep, landscaping and others. There are a number of specialized fellowships, and VSC’s Website has a list of the fellowships available during any application period.
Creators with Disabilities
This year, VSC offered two different fellowships specifically for writers and artists with disabilities. Applications for these fellowships were due by February 15 (mark your calendar if you’re interested in applying for next year). One Wheels for Wheels Fellowship is available each year for writers and artists who use wheelchairs or live with spinal cord injuries. Wheels for Wheels is sponsored by money John raised through a cross-country bike ride in 2006 which was sponsored by alumni, friends, and supporters of VSC, including the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. In 2010, the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation supported three 4-week fellowships for artists and/or writers with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). I hope this fellowship will be offered again so more artists and writers with SCI/D can take advantage of it. VSC constantly looks for more sources of funding so they can offer more fellowships. When I informed the Admissions Director that I had a disability, she explained the best time for a residency for a person with a disability was between the months of May and October. During the winter, Vermont has too much snow. While in early spring, the mud and rain are often problems. I attended in September, and the weather was uncommonly mild. I need an attendant to manage everyday life so I spoke to a person on staff, who was very accommodating.
My attendant was welcomed into the community and at all events. Since we shared a room, I only paid for my attendant’s board. It would have cost slightly more if my attendant had a separate room.
Learning from Each Other
Each month, VSC has two visiting writers, two visiting painters, and two visiting sculptors. The writers may be poets, fiction writers, or nonfiction writers. The visiting artists, writers, and sculptors arrange conferences with students who sign up for a studio visit. The writer usually visits only with those working in their genre while the visiting artists and sculptors often visit with either artists or sculptors. Visiting writers give a craft talk for all writers, and a reading which is open to the entire community. The visiting artists and sculptors show slides of their work which is again open to everyone. The visiting poets when I attended, Marge Piercy and Cole Swensen, offered me a fabulous opportunity to work with two writers with very different viewpoints and styles. Their advice proved extremely helpful to my writing. A schedule of upcoming visiting artists and writers can be found on the VSC Website.
Each resident receives the use of an individual studio appropriate to their medium for the length of their stay. Studios are open 24 hours per day, and I found fellow residents working at all hours of the day and night. A number of different buildings contain the studios, but accessible studios are available for each medium. Maverick Writing Studios building, a new two-floor building built alongside the Ghion River, contains all of the writing studios.
All studios on the first floor are accessible. The studios provide a fabulous view of the river that has inspired more than one writer.
During the residency, events are held in the evenings at an accessible VSC building in town. On certain nights, artists and sculptors show slides of their work. On other chosen nights, poets and writers read their work. The events are well attended, and I looked forward to learning about the other residents’ work.
Residents stay in a number of different houses. Each resident has a private room with a shared bathroom. Bivins and Diney are the houses where residents with disabilities stay. These houses have first floors that are accessible, and there are several rooms available for residents with disabilities.
As a person with a disability who uses a power wheelchair, one of my main concerns when I considered VSC was accessibility. Throughout my stay, I was surprised at how accessible the campus was, although not every building has access. (The main buildings do.) The staff was very accommodating and handled any problems I encountered. The VSC staff welcomed my input on accessibility, demonstrating to me they are eager to improve. As the funds become available, VSC staff works to increase accessibility. Because a number of the buildings are quite old, accessibility is not always easy but they are doing their best.
For writers, artists and sculptors, a VSC residency provides undisturbed time to work and an invaluable experience. While there are many residencies throughout the US and in other countries, I found the VSC staff extremely accommodating. The staff works to provide a wonderful, welcoming experience for all artists but especially artists with disabilities. VSC wants to create an environment where a wide-range of people can mix freely in a community dedicated to the creation of art and literature. For more information, visit www.vermontstudiocenter.org or call 1-802-635-2727.
Linda A. Cronin is a freelance writer and poet. Her first book of poems, Dream Bones, will be available from WordTech in June 2010 or from her Website www.lindacronin.net.
