ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM - FAQS
Please refer to this list prior to contacting us. If you still have questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
Q: I do not have any JPEGs of my work, will you accept slides?
No, we have moved to an online application form so you will need to submit work samples in a digital format. If you do not have any JPEGs of your visual work (or mp3s of audio work), we suggest going to a copy facility (such as Kinko’s or a local equivalent) to make digital files from your slides or other digital forms of your work samples.
Q: I have my two references, do I need to get letters of recommendation from them?
No, letters of recommendation are not required; however, if you feel it will be helpful to your application, then you may choose to include them.
Q: I am a smoker, can I smoke?
Smoking is not permitted inside the buildings at Byrdcliffe. However, you may smoke outside 50 feet away from a building.
Q: I am applying as a group ensemble, do I have to pay more than $50 USD to apply?
No, if you apply as a group you do not have to pay more than the $50 USD application fee. However, you must give us the contact info, resume, references, etc. of each person in your group. Once accepted, however, each member will have to pay the session fee.
Q: I have a small but well behaved dog, can I bring it?
No, pets are not permitted except for assist/guide animals.
Q: Can I bring my spouse/partner?
Spouses/partners are not allowed to stay during your residency unless they have submitted an application and been accepted as a resident. You are allowed one overnight guest during your stay. At times it is possible to book a guest room in one of our other buildings, Eastover.
Q: Do you get cell phone reception at Byrdcliffe?
Yes, however, depending on your carrier, there may be areas at Byrdcliffe that do not get a signal. We ask that residents refrain from using cell phones in the Villetta or studios, so as not to disturb your fellow artists.
Q: Do you have a darkroom?
No, The Center for Photography Woodstock has a darkroom. You may want to contact them to make arrangements.
Q: Do you have a studio for printmakers?
No, The Woodstock School of Art has printmaking facilities as well as The Women's Studio Workshop (in Rosendale, NY). Please contact them for rates and info.
Q: I am concerned about ticks and wildlife in the area, how do I prepare for my stay?
Unfortunately, ticks are prevalent in the Catskills. However, if you take precautions and check yourself for ticks, you should be safe. Tuck in your pants, wear long sleeves, and use a tick repellant spray. Contact the Ulster County Health Department for more info and helpful hints: 845.340.3150. Bears, raccoons, deer, mice, and other animals are part of Byrdcliffe. It's best to observe animals and do not encourage them by feeding them or leaving food scraps. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has an informative website about living amongst black bears.
Q: Do you have an internet connection? What about a printer?
Yes, there is a computer and a black and white printer available for residents’ use. There is wireless, DSL internet connection in most areas of the colony.
Q: I would like to make a contribution and/or become a member:
Super, it's easy to do! Check out our membership and contribution page to do so.
Q: I understand the easiest way to get to Woodstock is by bus. What is the closest terminal/stop?
Trailways Bus 800.776.7548, stops in Woodstock. The bus stop is about 1.5 miles from the Byrdcliffe Art Colony. Ulster County Area Transit also has a local bus to Woodstock, call UCAT 845.340.3333 for more info and schedules. View a Map to the Byrdcliffe Art Colony.
Q: I am taking the train, what are the closest stations?
If you are arriving on Amtrak, its best to go to Rhinecliff, NY (RHI). If you are taking Metro North from NYC, you can get off at Poughkeepsie, NY. Ulster County Area Transit has a bus (Ulster–Poughkeepsie Link) that links the Poughkeepsie Train Station with the Rosendale Park and Ride. One could take either another UCAT bus to Woodstock, or the Trailways Bus. Call UCAT 845.340.3333 for more info and schedules or Trailways, 800.776.7548.
You are responsible for your own travel arrangements to the colony from the airport and train stations. If you are arriving at the Woodstock bus stop (Adirondack Pine Hill Trailways), contact Katherine Burger at 845.679.8540 before your arrival to arrange to be picked up.
Q: I am flying in, what are the closest airports?
John F. Kennedy (JFK) in New York City; LaGuardia (LGA) in Queens/NYC, NY; and Newark (EWR) in Newark, NJ. Please check with your flight carriers.
Q: If I arrive by bus, can someone pick me up?
Yes, arrangements can be made for a Woodstock pick–up. Contact Katherine Burger at 845.679.8540 before your arrival to make plans.
Q: Is there an in–house chef?
No, there is no chef on staff. Residents must provide their own food and prepare their own meals, and of course, clean up afterwards. Group meals and clean up often occur.
Q: Where do I get groceries?
There are a few places to shop in Woodstock, such as Sunfrost, Cub Market 845.679.6569, Sunflower, Gallos 845.679.5113, and the Woodstock Meat Market 845.679.7917. There are supermarkets in neighboring West Hurley (Hurley Ridge Market 845.679.8121), Saugerties (Price Chopper), Town of Ulster (Hannaford, ShopRite, Adams Fairacre Farms, and Aldi) and Uptown Kingston (Hannaford and Davenports Farms 845.334.9004). Plus there are Farmer's Markets in Woodstock, Kingston, and Saugerties during the summer. UCAT has bus service to West Hurley, Saugerties, and Kingston.
The Program Director provides a weekly shopping trip for those without cars.
Q: Do I need to bring my own sheets and towels? What about toiletries?
No, we provide sheets and towels. There are inexpensive coin–operated laundry facilities on the premises. You must bring your own soap, shampoo, toothpaste, hair dryer, laundry detergent, etc...
Q: Is The Villetta Inn wheelchair accessible?
The Villetta Inn is ADA compliant.
Q: Is there a pool or workout room?
No, sadly, there is no pool or workout room. There are plenty of places to hike and walk. There is a creek to swim in in town. The local park in Woodstock, Andy Lee Field, has two tennis courts, a basketball court, two baseball diamonds, plus swings and a field for frisbee. There are some yoga (Bliss, Shakti, Yoga Monkey, and Euphoria) and pilates studios (The Moving Body) in town. A bicycle with a lock is encouraged. Bikes can be rented from Overlook Mountain Bikes or from Old Spokes Home (behind the Golden Notebook in town). 28 West Gym on Route 28 in West Hurley is about a 10 minute car ride from the Colony.
