2010 Byrdcliffe Artist in Residency Program - Frequently Asked Questions
- APPLICATIONS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE
- Deadline was March 01, 2010
- Applicants will be notified by late April/early May
- If you have any questions, please contact us.
- Each four week session is limited to 10 individuals. The cost per session is $300 USD. Candidates may apply for additional weeks in the event a space becomes available. (Learn more...)
Guests enjoy artist's work during Open Studio
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 slides, will JPEGs suffice?
Yes, we accept JPEGs on a CD. You will need to make a "slide list" that corresponds the images on the disk. Please make sure the disk was burned properly and it can be opened on a Mac and a PC.
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 do so.
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 $35 USD to apply?
No, if you apply as a group you do not have to pay more than $35 USD for the 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, according to 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 Byrdcliffe. Its 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?
Yes, there is a PC with a wireless, DSL internet connection.
Q: Do you have a printer?
Yes, there is a black and white printer.
Q: I would like to make a contribution and/or become a member:
Super, its easy to do! Check out our membership and contribution page to do so.
Q: I am flying in, what are the closest airports?
Albany International (ALB) in Albany, NY, Stewart International (SWF) in Newburgh, NY, John F. Kennedy (JFK) in New York City, LaGuardia (LGA) in Queens/NYC, NY, and Newark (EWR) in Newark, NJ. Please check with your carriers.
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 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 Trialways Bus. Call UCAT (845) 340–3333 for more info and schedules or Trialways, (800) 776–7548.
You are responsible for your own travel arrangements to the colony from the airport, bus, and train stations.
Q: I am taking the bus, what are the closest terminals/stops?
Trialways Bus (800) 776–7548, stops in Woodstock. The bus stop is about 1.5 miles from Byrdcliffe. Ulster County Area Transit also has a local bus to Woodstock, call UCAT (845) 340–3333 for more info and schedules. Please see our directions page for more info and about area taxis.
Q: I am taking the bus/train/plane, can someone pick me up?
This depends on when and where you arrive, accommodations can be arranged for a Woodstock bus stop 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 cleanup often occur.
Q: Where do I get groceries?
There are few places to shop in Woodstock, such as Sunfrost, Cub Market (845) 679–6569, Sunflower, Gallos (845) 679–5113, and the Meat Market (845) 679–7917. There are supermarkets in neighboring West Hurley (Hurley Ridge (845) 679–8121), Saugerties (Price Chopper), Town of Ulster (Hannaford, ShopRite, Adams Fairacre Farms, WalMart, 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 colony wheelchair accessible?
No, unfortunately the colony is not wheelchair accessible.
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, Namaste, 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)
