Plough & Stars Artist-in-Residence

A Seeker’s Sabbatical

Our home, our passion - Plough & Stars Project - is a working farmstead situated over 93 acres of hilltop in Southeastern Vermont. We produce nutrient-dense vegetables, berries, fruit and maple syrup. Our handcrafted spaces are warmed by wood, powered by the sun and the surrounding fields are home to Highland cattle, laying hens and hives of honey bees. 

For 12 years now, we have been working at the intersection of land- and people-care - nurturing communities through the food we grow, landscapes we tend and events we organize. And we’re excited to roll out our newest initiative: The Seeker’s Sabbatical - an fully subsidized artist-in-residence program for writers, musicians and visual artists whose work is making a significant contribution to personal and planetary healing.

We believe that artists have a uniquely powerful gift to offer in this precious and precarious moment. We seek to support those creative spirits as they endeavor to illuminate the truths that can carry us through. (More about our philosophy on the power of art 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, farm-fresh food, ample quiet and glorious sunrises. There will be opportunities to observe, learn and contribute to the daily work of the farm. But mostly the residency is designed to provide creatives the 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, journals are all are encouraged. A commitment to turning in and an openness to encounter is required.

To inquire about securing a residency, simply reach out to us and answer: How does your work contribute to healing (personal, ecological, social…)? How do you think a residency will deepen/further your practice?

Anyone seeking company or quiet. Wonder and rest. The curious and hungry. Bring your longing. You are welcome. Be in touch.

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 use the term “artist” to apply to a broad range of people who live/work in art-full ways. You can read more about our artistic philosophies and anyone for whom they resonate is welcome 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 suited to musicians, writers and visual artists who don’t need complicated tools/resources to practice their craft.

Is it really free? Yes. There is no cost to artists who stay with us except for a nominal cleaning fee at the end of your stay. We are not able to cover costs associated with travel or food during your time here. But we will stock you up with eggs/produce/honey and other farm-fresh products we have in season during your time.

How long is the residency? There is a 1-week minimum. Our agenda is to support you so we’re open to a structure/time frame is best for your projects and process. Imagine your ideal container and send us the pitch.

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, VT.

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% with the sun. It is simple, private, and designed to lower the barriers between indoor and outdoor life. The toilet is a composting toilet and the shower is outdoors (with perhaps the best view of the property). There is a small kitchenette for meal preparation. The bedroom is up 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 doing this work collectively.

How do I apply? Simple. Send us an email 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.