May is one of the best times to be in a Sarasvati creative Space residency at Camp Wonder Wander.
The weather is most often lovely and after Feb-April rains, the flowers and trees, grass, etc. are in full bloom and colorful glory.

Are you seeking a residency that has motivating theme and direction that will allow you to interact with others in a multi-disciplinary self-directed intensive?
Is nature your muse, collaborator, or co-conspirator?
Can you respond to the theme 'Water Rabbit Flower Moon' in some way?
Limited to a maximum of 12 participants, this 10 night residency will have basic structure for group experiences, but plenty of time to focus on your work. Visit each other and talk about your creative process. At least two group critiques or presentations. Seeking a variety of disciplines to assign work space and have dynamic interesting interactions. Priority may be given to mediums that use the outdoor space primarily for work or installation such as plein air, photography/film, sculpture/installation, fiber arts, theater, or writing, among others.

























2023 Theme: Water Rabbit Flower Moon
"According to Chinese Horoscope 2023, following an eventful and regenerating period dominated by the Tiger, the advent of the Year of the Water Rabbit 2023 is a harbinger of gentleness and serenity. Since it is a sober year with an indolent rhythm that begins, rest, truce and intellectual challenges become the main dynamics of this Chinese New Year 2023 ruled by the Rabbit. So, both individually and collectively, it's time to heal wounds, reacquire inner balance and make plans for the future." (source)
"The Rabbit is the fourth of all zodiac animals. Legend has it the Rabbit was proud—arrogant even—of its speed. He was neighbors with Ox and always made fun of how slow Ox was. One day, the Jade Emperor said the zodiac order would be decided by the order in which the animals arrived at his party. Rabbit set off at daybreak. But when he got there, no other animals were in sight. Thinking that he would obviously be first, he went off to the side and napped. However, when he woke up, three other animals had already arrived. One of them was the Ox he had always looked down upon. In Chinese culture, rabbits represent the moon. Some say it is because the shadows of the moon resemble a rabbit. Others say it is because of the rabbit’s pure characteristics. " (source)
May 2023 full moon - The Flower Moon (named for this blooming season where you'll have lots of shades of green and pops of colors) - will occur May 5 and the skies will gradually darken towards the new moon on May 19 so you can be assured to see some starry skies. You'll have a chance to spend time with our Rabbits - Peaches and Plum as well as all of our other animals.
" Let us live like flowers, wild and beautiful and drenched in sun."
- Ellen Everett

This is a nature immersion and homestead experience group residency with a summer camp flair. A maximum of 12 participants with multi-disciplinary interests.
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
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Submit your inquiry including portfolio references and your response to the theme as well as what you would accomplish in the 10 day experience.
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Based on the backgrounds and interests of each application, a group of 12 will be selected for the program.
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Over the ten day experience, you'll have some structured group activities and time on your own to work on your projects.
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We'll have group dinners, critiques, and add in some fun with art/design inspired movies and/or bonfires.
This experience includes nature and homestead immersion featuring a guided Forest Therapy session - inspired by the Japanese Forest Bathing - and participating in a few of the farm-style activities most often in food prep and meal clean-up as well as being able to interact with the camp donkeys, chickens, peacocks and peahen, cats, two rabbits, and the two farm dogs.
ITINERARY BASICS (you will receive a complete agenda closer to the event):
Except for coordinated group activities including dinners and the day one Forest Therapy walk, your time is your own to find your rhythm and even rest, making sure to go for a walk, skip rocks at the river, hug the donkeys, or read a book for pleasure or research, etc. Each person will sign up on Day One to participate in various facets of the meal preps and homestead chores so you can experience life in the countryside.
Activities include:
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Welcome Dinner and a get-to-know each other evening filled with pecha kucha style presentation - 20 slides, 20 seconds per slide to introduce yourself to the group and what you hope to accomplish.
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Our first full day will end in a full moon bonfire (weather permitting) and will start after a leisurely breakfast with a Forest Therapy guided walk (day one as intro to the land and personal journey)
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You'll have breakfast and lunch items to grab on your own while we will have a group dinner nightly. Each person will sign up to assist for at least one evening meal.
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We'll have a mid-point review after dinner to chat or show what you are working on and then a finale night to showcase your accomplishments for the week.
What's included?
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Coordinated group sessions by Val, MFA Graphic Design and former associate professor
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Space to work and assistance in any needs through your stay.
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Forest Therapy guided walk, Val is certified by ANFT
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All access to the land and visits with the animals, access to the library collection
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Documentation of your work and progress including at least one video, critique or conversations if desired
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Food - All food will be procured prior to the start of our session and include mostly organic and gluten free, vegetarian or pescatarian options. No junk food will be included. Mornings will be continental style with fresh eggs from the camp chickens, fruits, yogurts, breads, juices, coffee or tea (plus our delicious well water). We'll have a soda stream on hand to make fresh carbonated beverages if that's your thing, plus try out using fresh garden ingredients. You may be introduced to edible flowers, herbs from the garden, or foraging as part of the nature immersion and homestead experience. Lunch will be available to grab on your own and may include salads, sandwich elements, or possibly leftovers if we have any. Dinners will be together as a group and each person will volunteer to help for at least two meals in prep and clean-up. Some of our options may be slow-cooked crock pot. Understanding how to eat healthy and how fuel feeds our creative brains is an aspect of this experience.
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Supplies & Camp Care package:
- camp water bottle
- camp T-shirt (Pepper Patrol or Camp Logo) (size ordered after registration)
- a nature journal with waterproof paper
What's not included? Transportation. Please inquire about assistance from the Nashville airport if you are flying into TN for an additional fee.
What should I bring?
You will be provided a general recommendation list in your final arrival info packet.
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Make sure to have layers of clothes and prepare for your ten days without possibly doing laundry.
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No shoes allowed inside the houses so bring socks and slippers.
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Flashlight
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Shoes that can get wet in the rain or shoes to walk into the river.
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Bath Towel (we'll wash towels mid-way through the event).
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Basic bedding is provided, but you may want your own pillow or blanket.
Program & Lodging Fee:
DORMITORY (max of 4 occupants) = $1,400 per person (loft in the Lemon lodge, open space, will have shelf, bed, lighting, space under the bed for storage - shared hall bath on main floor
SINGLE OCCUPANCY (booking by first choice in application acceptance)
Twin shared bath / Raspberry Residency = $1,500
Full shared bath / Lemon Lodge = $1,550
Queen shared bath / Camphaus (a live in cat cafe style) = $1,600
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY (booking by first choice in application acceptance. please designate if you have a roommate attending with you.)
Private ensuites:
Full with Twin / Raspberry Residency - double = $1,550
* request as a private = $1,900
King with Twin / Lemon Lodge - double = $1,600
*request as a private = $2,000
Queen with twin / Camphaus - double = $1,600
*request as private = $1,900
* Interested in the Farm Stay Scholarship and willing to arrive up to 4 days early to contribute to the land for a discount of the program fee? Please send an inquiry on how to apply and the details using the chat or via mail @ camp wonder wander dot org.
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