GENERAL INFORMATION
MISSION:
The Sustainable Arts Society at Blue Ridge is an organization fostering creative
endeavors in visual arts, music, dance, drama, writing and environmental sustainability
in the rural, pristine setting of the North Georgia Mountains of Southern Appalachia.
VISION:
The Sustainable Arts Society at Blue Ridge envisions the establishment of a community facility in
perpetuity, where artists, individuals and groups will be empowered to:
* Create works of significance in the arts and in environmental conservation;
* Share creativity with fellow Society members-in-residence;
* Produce creative content available to Blue Ridge and the local rural community at large;
* Cultivate positive intellectual growth and change;
* Preserve the cultural and environmental integrity of this unique, historic family farm setting.
LOCATION:
A restored 1885 historic farmstead situated on 16 acres along the banks of the Toccoa River in Southern
Appalachia at the gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains - sixteen miles from Blue Ridge, Georgia; ninety
miles from Atlanta, Georgia; seventy five miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee.
SURROUNDINGS:
Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian Trail / Benton McCaye Trail, Chattahoochee, Cherokee and Nantahala
National Forests, Lake Blue Ridge, Toccoa River Watershed, wetlands, state fish hatchery, Blue Ridge
Scenic Railway, Blue Ridge Community Theater, galleries, shops and restaurants.
ELIGIBILITY:
Creative individuals over 21 with a passionate commitment to their art form and respect for living
sustainably among others and the natural world. Emerging, mid-career and professional level artists are
encouraged to apply.
RESIDENCY SEASON:
Residency Seasons: January - May and September - December
Length of Stay: Minimum 2 weeks, Maximum 4 weeks
Maximum # of Residents at one time: 2 - 4
APPLICATION:
Application Deadline: NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. Complete application packages should be
received by SAS three months in advance of your earliest preferred residency date.
ARTIST RESPONSIBILITIES:
Application fee*: $25.00 Residency Cost*: $65 / day Deposit*: 10% of Total Residency Fee
Payment*: Residency Fee due 10 days before arrival (*Postal Money Order or certified bank checks only.)
Travel / Transportation
[A sliding scale for residency fees, fellowships and scholarships are under development.]
Materials / Equipment (Laptop/Notebook computer w/Wi-Fi encouraged)/Long Distance Calls
SUSTAINABLE ARTS SOCIETY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program Administration and community liaison
Housing and studio/work space
Meals (Please provide details on your Application of special dietary requirements)
FACILITIES:
Background:
The historic 1885 farmstead was originally home to the first settlers of Fannin county. It is adjacent to the
Toccoa River where Cherokee Indians settled and which evolved into a traditional river crossing settlement
in the early 1800's.
Property:
The Cochran-Davenport Farm includes the historic, spacious Victorian home, six out buildings, organic
vegetable gardens, domestic and wild flowers, pastures, trees, horses, goats, and chickens.
Living Arrangements:
The Cochran-Davenport House offers four upstairs bedrooms and two shared full baths. Common areas
include dining room, cooking/kitchen facilities, library, wireless Internet connection, TV & VCR/DVD,
residents’ telephone with voicemail, piano, meeting rooms and laundry facilities.
The Apple House offers a separate, private space with living area, bath and small kitchen.
All furnishings and linens are provided. (Smoking is limited to designated outdoor areas.)
MEALS:
Dinners are served family-style seven days a week; a stocked kitchen with prepared foods is available for
breakfast and lunch; most special diets can be accommodated.
STUDIO / SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
Available are 2 private general purpose spaces in out buildings, outdoor spaces and a resident's private
room; a piano is available in the parlor of the main house; no formal studio space is currently available.
SAS provides wireless internet access, telephone and fax.
ACTIVITIES:
A wide range of outdoor activities are available on the farm, including gardening, egg collection and goat
husbandry (milking and cheese-making). The surrounding area is ideal for hiking, bicycling, camping,
photographing, canoeing, kayaking and tubing, fishing and horseback riding.
PROGRAMMATIC EXPECTATIONS & OPPORTUNITIES:
The Sustainable Arts Society at Blue Ridge exists for the purpose of stimulating ideas and creative
endeavors in its rural mountain setting. Residents will be encouraged to share in household tasks; and will
be encouraged to share inspirations with each other and contribute ideas and abilities to SAS’s vision. The
town of Blue Ridge enjoys a burgeoning arts community and the Sustainable Arts Society hopes that its
residency program will offer mutual exposure and enhancement to the creative spirit of both its residents and
the local community. Residents are encouraged to participate in a minimum of one local community arts
event by sharing one service in the form of a class, workshop, lecture, exhibit or performance.
FUTURE PLANS:
The Society’s plans include property and facilities expansion to accommodate 1-15 residents per session,
and the addition of formal studio space, exhibition space and performance areas.