Artist Residency

Future Residency plans

Bell Moon Arts plans to host six resident artists for 1-2 week sessions. Resident artist studios are located in the old stable building where light pours in from the window that spans the building. Each artist will have a dedicated studio space adjacent to a large shared workspace that can accommodate significant work. Our focus is on community and inspiration, so common spaces are integral. We encourage artists to step out of their traditional media and try something new, share their story and craft, and learn new skills from their fellow residents. Residencies will begin spring 2024

About your Stay

Resident artists will stay in glamping yurts outfitted with mini-fridge, coffee makers, water, electricity, and heater fans. Amenities are thoughtfully designed to be rustic chic and eco-conscious. Communal restrooms and shower houses are only a few steps away from your private yurt. All meals and snacks are provided and the weekends will feature curated menus with farm-to-table foods prepared by guest chefs. Weekend workshop attendees and instructors are encouraged to attend family-style dinners with resident artists. Dietary restrictions will be honored with prior notice.

Parent Residency Weeks

For two weeks during summers, we will offer special Parent Artists weeks. During this time, we will offer a nature-inspired kids art camp. Artist parents can attend the residency while also having thoughtful full-day childcare. The camp is a unique and exciting opportunity for young artists to explore and create in the great outdoors while their parents make art in their own separate programs. With a focus on using found objects in nature, this camp offers a hands-on experience with art making while learning about the natural world around them. The camp is designed for children 5 and up, but it is possible to accommodate younger children for half-day adventures. Spouses are welcome to attend as well. Parent residency is still a work in progress and we hope to have it running by summer 2025.

Artist Residency FAQ’s

  • Resident artists must show dedication to their practice and provide a portfolio of recent work.

  • Yes! Teaching is encouraged. Teaching a workshop or leading an experience can offset the cost of your residency. In your application, propose a class to teach.

  • We are open to a wide range of courses. Some ideas include painting, drawing, stretcher/frame building, teaching workshops, printmaking, website creation, self-healing, yoga, tattooing, ecstatic dance, and meditations...we are open to all sorts of ideas!

  • Artists will provide their own paint, painting surfaces, and other tools for their specific needs. Bell Moon Arts provides access to the workshop with abundant tools and communal materials like clay, glazes, brushes, palettes and water buckets, towels, spirits, oil, and acrylic mediums. Saws, drills, hammers, staple guns, and so much more. A complete list of available tools and materials will be emailed upon acceptance. Bell Moon Arts encourages experimentation and keeps a large stock of interesting sculptural elements for artists to use as well.

  • Bell Moon Arts are located in Hayesville, NC, in the Appalachian mountains of western North Carolina. It is nestled just north of Atlanta, GA, East of Chattanooga, TN, and West of Asheville, NC. The retreat is about 10 minutes to downtown Hayesville, 10 minutes to Hiwassee, and 20 minutes to Murphy.

  • Resident Artists will reside on-site in glamping yurts. Yurts are equipped with beds, linens, and lounge chairs with access to power and water. Communal composting toilets and shower houses are a few steps away.

  • Meals are provided as part of your residency. Self-serve breakfast and coffee will be available in the mornings, and a to-go lunch will be available to eat at your leisure. Snacks and beverages will be available anytime. Family-style communal dinner will be served at 7. Wine and craft beer will be available at an additional charge. Allergies and dietary restrictions will be honored when notified in advance.

  • We are still exploring scholarships, grants and teaching opportunities to offset the cost of the residency to make it as affordable as possible.

  • Kids camp is from 9-5 Monday-Friday and is $400 per child. We offer a sibling discount for the second child at $300 and the third sibling and beyond are $200 per child.

  • Significant others, caregivers and children are always welcome to share your generous 18-foot round yurt. During parent weeks, there is a fantastic kids camp that is available for additional cost. During regular residencies, artists are responsible for their own childcare. Additional humans may join for meals at an additional cost.