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Artist Residencies for Creative Parents: A Family-Friendly Sanctuary in Eastern Ontario
Salmon River Studios is now accepting residency proposals from artists, writers, photographers/videographers, students, educators and others interested in spending time on our property creating work, conducting research, studying or simply enjoying the gorgeous setting and facilities. This is a family friendly residency- participants are encouraged to bring partners and children and to take advantage of our art and ecology centred programing.
Artist Resident Application Process:
As artist-parents, we understand that when children come into the equation, we often take a step back from our arts practices- for years or more- this makes applying to artist residencies difficult as we may not be as competitive as artists who have been consistently active. At Salmon River Studios we understand that while your day job may not be arts related- you are an artist. Our goal is to cut the red tape for you and make available a place in which you can nurture that part of yourself, focus on your creativity, share your work through exhibitions (if desired) and hopefully return over the years, becoming a part of an arts community.
While typical artist residencies require applications in a competitive context, we base our application selection process on how well we will be able to support the applicants and their family’s needs. We focus on how we can accommodate and provide our guests with the time, facilities and materials they need for their creativity to flourish!
Our family-friendly accommodations, childcare support, and intergenerational programming allow artist-parents to share their creative side with their families and fully engage with their work while their children participate in enriching creative experiences. This residency ensures that parent-artists don’t have to choose between their art practice and their family.
*artist residents have access to studio facilities, printmaking, ceramic and other equiptment and materials/assistance if needed as well as exhibition space. Amenities at the main barn studio include indoor outdoor kitchen, communal firepit/bbq, outhouse, shower, wood fired hot tub, river front, private hiking trails and internet access. View our family-friendly accommodations for residents.
Jen Pilles- Illustrator
Jen Pilles is a freelance illustrator currently living and adventuring in Toronto. She graduated with honors from the BAA Illustration program at Sheridan College. Her work is created using layers of gouache, watercolour and coloured pencil; it is thoughtful, cheerful, colourful and appeals to both adults and children. She loves to explore science, nature, story, myth and the human condition with her work. She creates illustrations for newspapers, magazines, websites, publishers and private clients. Jen also creates limited edition greeting cards, enamel pins, and art prints as well as self-published books and zines. She is a member of Akin Collective art studios in Toronto where she is involved in arts-related programming for the community. Jen's first children's book, High Fives at High Tide was published in April, 2016 by Pink Squid Press.
Jen spent her time at Salmon River Studios as an artist-in-residence completing a series of plein-air paintings and nature studies to help inform and inspire her illustration work. This was a time for reflection and research for Jen as she immersed herself in the beauty of the Ontario countryside and explored nature - her biggest inspiration.
In addition to her own artistic work she co-organized in partnership with Salmon River Studios and Akin Projects a camp-out landscape painting workshop that allowed other like minded artists to join her for a portion of her stay here.
www.facebook.com/jenpillesillustration
“Having time to explore nature and work in the beautiful studio/barn was extremely energizing and refreshing!” Jen says of her time spent at Salmon River Studios. “I am excited to take the paintings I created back to the studio with me and see how they will influence my illustration practice.”
~Jen Pilles- Illustrator
Not a parent? It’s ok! We’d still love to have you here:)
Family, Logistics & FAQ
We specifically designed our residency to support the 'Parent-Artist.' Whether you need a solo sabbatical while your family explores the Salmon River, or you want to integrate your children into your process, our 52-acre farm is a safe, inspiring environment for all ages.
Located just 3 hours from downtown Toronto and 1.5 hours from Ottawa, we offer an accessible escape for urban artists looking to reconnect with the land without the stress of a day-long trek
What does "Family-Friendly" look like in practice?
It means your kids have 52 acres of safe, natural space to explore while you work. We can provide age-appropriate art kits for your children so they can work alongside you and nature based art and farm activities facilitated by arts educators with volnerable background checks so you can get some time to focus solo.
our accommodations are outfitted with the practicalities families need including extra beds, bassinets, laundry facilities, etc.. Let us know what you need- we’ve got you covers
How far is the studio from Toronto and Ottawa?
We are perfectly situated for a creative getaway without the grueling drive.
From Ottawa: Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes.
From Toronto: Approx. 2.5 hours.
From Kingston: Approx. 45 minutes. We are located in the heart of Tamworth, Ontario, making it easy for a partner to commute if they aren't staying for the full duration.
I minute drive or ten minute walk from Tamworth which has groceries, LCBO, book stores cafes- even a new skate park!
Is there high-speed internet for remote work?
Yes. While we offer the perfect place to unplug, we also understand that many are also balancing freelance work or remote careers. Our residency spaces are equipped with reliable Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected to your professional life while you immerse yourself in your creative one.
What kind of studio space is provided?
Our main studio is a bright, converted heritage timber barn equipped with electricty, running water, track lighting, large format printing press, pottery wheel and other general arts equiptment. We focus on non-toxic, sustainable materials. Residents have 24/7 access to the barn and the surrounding 52-acre "outdoor studio."
Are the residencies self-directed or curated?
Currently, we offer self-directed residencies. This allows you the flexibility to set your own pace—vital for those balancing family needs. However, we are always available for "farm-side" chats, and we love connecting our residents with the local Land O' Lakes arts community.
Can my partner come too?
Yes. We encourage families to experience the farm together. While you spend time in the studio, your partner can enjoy the Salmon River, local hiking trails, or the charming shops in Tamworth and nearby Erinsville.
What should I bring for my kids?
Think "Farm Life." We recommend sturdy boots, sun protection, and clothes that can get messy. We provide the inspiration and the landscape; you bring the snacks and the sense of adventure.