The Wild Kingdom Art Retreat Residencies in the Kootenays

Mile Zero Dance is collaborating with Sonja Myllymaki on a new arts retreat in the Slocan Valley. Artists or groups of up to 10 of any medium can apply now!

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY
Sonja Myllymaki has a creative and healing hostel-type retreat in Lemon Creek in the Slocan valley. She’d like to open it up this summer for residencies for artists of all disciplines looking for a safe, quiet wild space for creative retreats or incubations.growth. The lodge is peaceful, humble and rustic with six available bedrooms, a big kitchen and living room, a sauna, and lots of camping spots on four acres of forest. We’re in a very rural area surrounded by nature, close to the river, and right alongside the Rails for Trails system for easy walking and biking. (https://slocanvalleyrailtrail.ca/). There are some amazing wild hot springs about an hour away. It’s about 50 minutes to Nelson and ten minutes to the nearest grocery store.

This opportunity would be good for either individuals or groups for:
– collaborative processes
– outdoor experimentation
– nature-based work
– creative resets or research time
– work-in-progress development
– workshops

You would bring:
– your own art supplies and materials that cannot be found or made on site
– food for yourself or your group
– a sleeping bag if possible
– your open creative self
– some idea of how you want to structure and use your time at the lodge

We are asking $175-250 a week per person, depending on whether you are camping, sharing a room or sleeping in a private room. Work-trade positions might be possible for experienced gardeners or carpenters. You would be responsible for your own travel plans but ride-sharing is encouraged and we can try and connect people in this way.

There are a few halls available to rent close by if you want a conventional studio space to dance or rehearse in but there are lots of free, outdoor possibilities as well. Travel to and from Nelson or Castlegar could be arranged. Sonja could also be available for herb walks, bodywork sessions and plant ceremonies.

The space is available from June through to November but the fire season in July and August can be intense so just be aware of that and plan on being flexible.

APPLICATION

For questions or to apply please email Sonja at bluedeerlodge@gmail.com 

Include:
– your name
– contact information
– tell us about your artistic project, vision, or research, including documentation if available
– your anticipated dates
– number of participants, if you’re planning to bring a group

Application deadline MAY 31