Article: In the Rocky Mountains, an Artist Residency Is Launching Careers
Tucked away in the Rocky Mountains, about 20 minutes from Aspen, sits a thriving, 50-year-old arts community. Anderson Ranch Arts Center was established in 1966 by the ceramist Paul Soldner, who sought to create an alternative to art school. With fellow artists Cherie Hiser, Peter Voulkos, and Sam Maloof, among others, Soldner created a place for artists to learn and refine their skills, to develop new work, and to relish the company of other creatives—a model that has flourished and evolved over the years as the community adapts to the demands of an ever-changing art world.
Today, the Colorado ranch offers more than 140 summer art workshops while also engaging its local community with year-round programming and outreach. The center also hosts world-renowned visiting artists, including the Haas Brothers, who recently worked there on a new ceramic series, and Carrie Mae Weems and Alex Prager, who gave artist talks. Yet the most inspiring aspect of Anderson Ranch might be its residency program: two 10-week terms during which 14 artists live and work at the ranch, with an opportunity to freely develop their work, take advantage of abundant resources, and become part of a close-knit arts community. More at Artsy