SHADOWCLIFF ARTIST RESIDENCY FEATURES MULTIDISCIPLINARY CREATIVES IN FREE EVENT AT GRAND LAKE COMMUNITY HOUSE

Grand Lake, CO – August 2024 – Shadowcliff Mountain Lodge, in partnership with the Grand Lake Creative District, is excited to announce a free public event featuring the inaugural cohort of artists participating in its pilot residency program. The event will take place on Monday, September 9, at 7:00 PM at the Grand Lake Community House, offering residents and visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the artists and learn about their work.

The artist residency program at Shadowcliff builds on the Lodge’s long-standing tradition of fostering meaningful exchanges and connections. The residency brings together a diverse group of artists, creatives, researchers, and cultural caretakers from around the country, providing them with time, space, and access to the rich natural and cultural resources of Grand County. For two weeks, from August 29 to September 13, these artists will be immersed in the beauty and history of Grand Lake, embarking on ecological experiences and engaging in new creative projects.

“We are thrilled to be hosting these exceptional artists at Shadowcliff and are so excited about what an established residency program could look like in Grand Lake,” said Kelly Yarbrough, Shadowcliff’s Board Chair. “The community has been cultivating the local arts scene for years and is poised for the next stage of growth. Developing a residency program at Shadowcliff in coordination with organizations like the Grand Lake Creative District makes all the sense in the world—this is the place and the time to do it!” The September 9 event will showcase each artist’s respective work through a series of presentations, performances, and discussions. Each artist will share insights into their creative processes, present their work to the public, and engage in dialogue with attendees. “Cultural initiatives like Shadowcliff’s artist residency play a vital role in enhancing the vibrancy of our local community,” said Grand County Economic Development Director DiAnn Butler. “By bringing in creative voices from around the country and fostering collaborations with local organizations, this program not only enriches the cultural landscape of Grand County but also contributes to the economic vitality of our region.” She added, “Events like these are powerful reminders of how the arts can build connections, inspire, and create lasting positive impacts for both residents and visitors.”

Meet the Artists:

● Kyle Dacuyan (Brooklyn, NY) is a poet, performer, and 2021 NEA Creative Writing Fellow whose work explores the intersections of language, labor, and embodiment.
● Ash Hanson (Moab, UT) is a theater artist and 2018 Obama Foundation Fellow with a deep commitment to social practice and rural community development.
● Li Harris (Houston, TX) is an interdisciplinary artist, musician, and 2022 Guggenheim Fellow whose practice incorporates voice, electronics, movement, and new media to explore themes of healing, spirituality, and resilience.
● Sam Kim (Brooklyn, NY) is an experimental choreographer, dancer, and MacDowell, Yaddo, Djerassi, and UCross Fellow, whose bold, boundary-pushing performances challenge traditional dance forms.
● Helen Otterson (Excelsior, MN) is a ceramic and glass sculptor with a keen interest in the intersections of art, nature, and science. Otterson’s intricate and expressive sculptures have been exhibited internationally and are featured in multiple museum collections.

Shadowcliff’s new artist residency program will extend the Lodge’s legacy of contributing to the cultural vibrancy of Grand Lake. From its early involvement in the founding of Rocky Mountain Repertory Theater—whose actors were housed on Shadowcliff’s campus in the theater’s early days—to its support during the founding of the Rocky Mountain Folk School, Shadowcliff has played a vital role in shaping the region’s creative landscape. The Shadowcliff Artist Residency Program joins these efforts, further establishing Grand Lake as a destination not only for its majestic natural environs but also for its thriving arts and culture offerings. The September 9 event is free and open to the public. For more information and to RSVP, please visit https://shadowcliff.org/events/ or contact Alexander Thompson at [email protected].

Event Details:
Date: Monday, September 9, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Grand Lake Community House, Grand Lake, CO*
*Note: The Grand Lake Community House is wheelchair accessible

About Shadowcliff: Shadowcliff is a non-profit mountain sanctuary dedicated to creating spaces for personal and collective transformation. With a mission rooted in reconnection—with oneself, others, and the natural world—Shadowcliff has welcomed people from all over the world for decades, offering retreats, workshops, and community-focused programs. Situated along the Continental Divide Trail, Shadowcliff also serves as an important resource for thru-hikers and visitors seeking peaceful, transformative experiences.