Herion Park

Photo credit: Amanda Greene

“My residency experience at the Hambidge Center was freeing and amazingly productive. I accomplished more in my too brief, two weeks sojourn than I have often achieved in months of studio work.

The tranquil, unspoiled setting and absolute seclusion enabled me to contemplate and create for the large portion of each day while, the small grouping of residents along with a centralized gathering place and daily regimented meals, (with BTW tons of delish’ leftovers to take with!), helped create strong bonds with other residents and everyone else involved in the overseeing of this residency. It was the perfect balance of order and freedom. So much that it was really hard to pick up and leave such an ideal place.

Hambidge, for me, provided an environment where I could focus on the practice of my art and also learn from interaction with a community of other artists. I was encouraged by the renewed sense of purpose, as well as by the vulnerabilities that I’ve found in myself and the others that I shared this experience with.

I wanted this space and time to explore and to continue to create sculptural forms that express the love and vitality of the human experience. The Hambidge Residency helped me to achieve my goal and it has supported me in innumerable ways, in the advancement my art career.

And, all of this was possible only because of the amazingly organized professionals, from Jamie Badoud, Executive Director, Mindy Chaffin, Office Manager and Ife Williams, Deputy Director, to Lori Speed, the chef, who created some of the best meals I’ve eaten, to the maintenance staff and those behind the scenes on-site and off.

All of these people and, all the resident artists made this an unforgettable and formidable experience! Thank you All!”

— Herion Park, Florida, Visual Art, Windgate Fellow