Plough & Stars Artist-in-Residence

A Seeker’s Sabbatical

Plough & Stars is a working farmstead situated over 93 acres of hilltop in Southeastern Vermont. It is a region with a rich in history of idealists and iconoclasts - from the Putney Perfectionists to Helen and Scott Nearing - experimenting with their relationship to land and each other. We grow over 60 varieties of vegetables, berries, and tree fruit and produce gallons of honey and maple syrup that nourish our guests and community. Our handcrafted spaces are warmed by wood, powered by the sun and the surrounding fields are home to laying hens, a couple beef cows and honey bees. 

For 12 years now, we have been working at the intersection of land- and people-care, nurturing community through the food we grow, landscapes we tend and art we create. Our newest initiative: The Seeker’s Sabbatical - is an on-farm, artist-in-residence program for writers, musicians and visual artists whose work is making a significant contribution to healing, either personal or planetary. We believe that artists have a uniquely powerful gift to offer this precarious and precious moment. This residency is designed to support those creatives as they endeavor to uncover and give form to the truths that can carry us through. (More about our philosophy on the power of art and creativity in this time can be read here: https://erikjacobs.substack.com/p/seekers-sabbatical-an-invitation)

There will be much (and by design, little) on offer for artists who reside with us: A simple, rustic yet well-appointed cabin, ample quiet and glorious sunrises. There will be opportunities to observe and contribute to the daily work of the farm. But mostly the residency is designed to provide creatives time and space to follow their own intuitive sense of center, recharge their creative spirit and overflow into their work. Hiking shoes, yoga mats, favorite authors, and journals are all are encouraged. A commitment to turning in and an openness to encounter is required.

Anyone seeking quiet, wonder, rest, inspiration - the curious and hungry - bring your longing and deep desire to create. This space is for you.

To inquire about securing a residency, simply fill out this form and let us know: How does your work contribute to healing (personal, ecological, social…)? How do you hope a residency will deepen/further your work? Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until slots are filled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of artist is this for? We believe in the work of all artists, professional and striving to be, and we apply the term “artist” broadly to a range of people who live/work in art-full ways. You can read more about our artistic philosophies and if they resonate we encourage you to apply. Ecologically minded artists whose creative process is intimately connected with solitude and the natural world will be very comfortable here. But also, people who seek to stretch themselves in that direction could thrive as well. The space itself is well-suited to musicians, writers and visual artists who don’t need extensive tools/space to practice their craft.

Is it really free? Yes. And we intend it keep it that way into the future. But for 2026 as we pursue funding opportunities and discern what works here and what doesn’t, you will be a bit of a guinnea pig. Your feedback will help us shape this experience for others. And as a collaborator there is no cost to you except for a nominal cleaning fee at the end of your stay. We will provide whatever eggs/produce/honey and other farm-fresh products we have in season during your stay. But you are responsible for any costs associated with travel and the majority of your food during your time here.

How long is the residency? The residency is for either 1-week or 2-weeks, continuous or not. Our agenda is to support you so we’re open to a structure/time frame is best for your projects and process.

When is the residency? The residency is open from May 1st through the end of October, with the months of September and October being especially magical here.

Where is it? The property is 2 miles up a class 3 gravel road in Townshend, VT, 30 minutes north of Brattleboro and 2 and 1/2 hours from Boston.

What are the accommodations like? The cabin/studio is a beautiful, newly built, timber frame structure, set to the West of the property’s main house (where we live). It overlooks the gardens and fields and is warmed with a wood stove and powered 100% by the sun. It is simple, private, and designed to make indoor and outdoor life feel more intimately connected. The toilet is a composting toilet and the shower is outdoors (with perhaps the best view of the property). There is a kitchenette for meal preparation. The bedroom is in the second floor loft which is only accessible by a ships ladder.

Is there any formal programming associated with the residency? Aside from the seasonal calendar of farm work, no. But as we continue to build out our network of creatives, teachers and wisdom-loving humans, that might change. Dina and I will be right next door and we are available, as your fellow creatives and seekers, to whatever extent it serves you. Nothing lights us up more than vibrating with other artistic/spirited souls and engaging collectively in soulful, creative work.

How do I apply? Simple. Fill out this form and answer the following questions: How is your work involved in personal and or planetary healing? And how do you hope your time here will deepen and further your work? Links to your previous projects are great. We simply want to get a sense of your work, your ideas and how you hope to leverage your time here.