I am currently attending a fully funded artist residency at the Whiterock Conservancy outside of Coon Rapids, IA! Whiterock Conservancy is a nonprofit land trust. I was invited to attend after applying along with a recommendation from my friend Terri McGaffin, who completed a residency here a couple months ago!

The residency is hosted at the River House, and the conservancy spans over 5,500 acres; as such, I brought my vehicle and bike along, but I have also been provided with a Gator UTV as a part of the experience. I wasn’t sure whether I’d enjoy driving a UTV around, but it turns out I do! As you’re motoring up a steep hill in total isolation and crest the top to see the landscape unfold around you, you can’t help but feel the wonder of both nature and human ingenuity.

Stay tuned for photos of my explorations, journal entries, and new artwork!