Virginia Willis

As a scholarship recipient for Les Dames d'Escoffier I was aware of the significance of Hambidge to past recipients Cynthia Graubart, Tamie Cook, and Angie Mosier. I knew Hambidge held a special place for each of them. I had every idea it would be wonderful, a remote cabin in the mountains, but I was unaware of just how significant it would be for me.

I am not embarrassed to say that I slept 24 of my first 48 hours. I'm not certain exactly why I was so exhausted other than the obvious, the pandemic, general life, and work or lack thereof. I awoke to the beauty of the trails, a semi-escape from the online tentacles of modern life, and uninterrupted welcome solitude.

The sense of community, but distanced was comforting. To have the freedom and space to live and work undistracted surrounded by so much beauty was inspiring. I treasured the quiet and solitude. And, yet the inherent intent of community around meals still thrived, even under the duress of the pandemic. The fellows were able to develop rapport, to learn and grow from one another. The Hambidge Center is a unique and nurturing environment. On the last day, our group gathered and shared art from 3 pm until 10 pm.

In my 2 weeks at Hambidge, I was able to find my novel. Space and support allowed me to determine the story, develop a cast of characters, create the story structure, and write a cornerstone chapter. The experience was indispensable.

– Virginia Willis, Georgia, Culinary Arts, recipient of the Les Dames d'Escoffier Sponsored Residency