Artist-in-Residence at Jalama Canyon Ranch

Create at the intersection of art, ecology, and regenerative agriculture on California’s Central Coast.

Artwork created by Holli Harmon during her 2023 residency.

White Buffalo Land Trust established the Artist-in-Residence Program to evolve the consciousness, definition, and representation of living systems.

We believe art and artists play a vital role in shifting cultural narratives and public understanding of what’s possible—and that reimagining agri(culture) begins with creative vision. This residency offers time on the land to explore, interpret, and share stories of regeneration that inspire change.

Program Overview

Residents will have access to five distinct ecological sites—each offering a unique window into our role as stewards of living systems.

  • Oak Woodlands

  • Grassland Pastures

  • Sage Scrub

  • Riparian Areas (Waterways)

  • Vineyard & Orchards

Selected artists will be invited to:

  • Create original work that reflects on our relationship to the living systems we inhabit, tend, and rely on.

  • Engage the public through at least one collaborative event and one educational activity (such as a workshop, exhibition, concert, or school visit).

  • Stay onsite in cozy, rustic accommodations with stipend for food and materials and travel reimbursement.

  • Collaborate with the WBLT team of land stewards, educators, scientists, and practitioners to deepen your understanding of regenerative agriculture through direct engagement across our programs.

Based at our 1,000-acre Center for Regenerative Agriculture at Jalama Canyon Ranch, the program invites artists to engage with the landscape as muse, collaborator, and teacher.

2025 Residency Details

Application Deadline:
August 15, 2025

Residency Period:
October–December 2025

Residency Length:
4 weeks minimum, with flexible options up to 3 months

Eligible Disciplines:
Open to artists across all mediums—illustration, painting, architecture, sculpture, fiber arts, ceramics, photography, music, dance, creative writing, poetry, and beyond.

Support Provided:

  • Cozy onsite cabin and outdoor kitchen

  • Food and materials stipend

  • Travel reimbursement

  • Access to working landscapes and creative spaces

Public Engagement Expectation:
Each artist will collaborate with WBLT to co-create at least one community engagement offering and one educational activity during their residency.

Completed Works:
Artists retain full ownership and copyright of their work. WBLT will request limited rights to share and display documentation for educational and promotional purposes.

Submit Your Application

The application includes questions about your artistic practice, interest in ecology, initial project vision, and ideas for public engagement.

Estimated time to complete:
45–60 minutes

Required materials upon request:
Resume/CV and portfolio

Application deadline:
August 15, 2025, by 11:59 PM PT

Have questions? Email us at programs@whitebuffalolandtrust.org

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We plan to select 1–2 artists for the 2025 residency period.

  • No prior experience is required. We welcome curiosity, openness to learning, and a desire to engage with land-based systems.

  • The experience is rustic and comfortable, with a private cabin, shared bathroom, outdoor cooking space, and access to communal amenities at our basecamp. See the full PDF for details.

  • Yes. Artists receive a weekly stipend and travel reimbursement. Details are shared during the intake process.

  • The Artist-in-Residence Program is an ongoing, annual offering. Each year will have a new application period and selection process. Applicants can choose to opt in to having their materials kept on file for consideration in future residencies or special opportunities.

  • Yes. Collaborative duos or small collectives are welcome to apply and should indicate this clearly in the application.

Past Residents

Holli Harmon - 2023 Resident

Holli Harmon’s work revolves around human experiences that are connecting points between different cultures and generations set in iconic California imagery. Her paintings and printmaking re-imagine the story of these places, people, and culture.

Ready to explore art as a tool for regeneration?

With Gratitude

We are grateful to the Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation for their generous seed funding, and to the artists, donors, and community members who support this evolving work.

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