How the Residency Began
Originally acquired in 2000, the La Familia Artist Residence was opened to the public in 2008 as a unique opportunity for artist and art administrators to retreat, reflect, and recover from lives over-run by expectation and commercial expectations. The Residence is Jurored by the
Directors of La Familia Gallery and a panel of professional artists. Artists are selected based on a combination of their skill and personal need.
The Purpose of the Residency
To encourage a better understanding of what one truly needs to live, to create, and to be happy.
Experience what it is to live with less: less stress, less noise, less technology, and less expectation. Understand that the LFG Artist Residence is built on a minimalist concept. We providing a retreat and an escape from the media, the press, the economy and the expectation of modern society. The home is modest, the space is limited, and the opportunities are endless.
To provide artists with an environment where they can hear their own voice above the maddening crowd.
Situated in a small village of approximately 600 people, the residence hosts only 2 – 4 guests at any given time. There is no TV, no internet, no franchise, no box stores, and no pressure to be anything beyond what you are. Within the silence and peace you will discover that what you need to create, what you need to live, and what you need to be truly happy is far less than you ever imagined.
To give back to our community by adding to the creative dialogue through visiting artists.
Artist Residents are required to provide 20 hours a week of community service. Talkeetna’s diverse non-profits provide many rich and varied opportunities to give back. Volunteer with the local radio station, newspaper, or simply help rebuild a home that burned down. Ask around and you'll find it very easy to get connected with the local community. You will not only be giving something back to your local hosts, you will also make long-term friends and discover why Alaskan folks are legendary for being both friendly and cantankerous.
La Familia is not responsible for any artist, author, or musician who falls in love with Alaska and does not leave. Over the years, many of our guests have found it impossible to return home and have lived in Alaska ever since. They have bought homes, found love, and generally vanished into the Alaskan wilderness. We cannot be held responsible for the hypnotic effect that beautiful mountains, magnificent rivers, plentiful wildlife, and fantastic people might have on participants of our Artist In Residence Program.
It is an addiction. It is a passion. It is Alaska.
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