Retreat Space
Saltonstall’s five private apartments (two of which include studio space for visual artists) are available to local and New York State-based artists and writers and to past Saltonstall Fellows and grant recipients on a first-come, first-served basis for personal retreats.
These retreats are designed to provide you with a private space and a quiet environment — free from the distractions of everyday life — for you to engage in your visual art or writing practice.
We require a simple statement-of-purpose – an explanation of why you’d like to use the space and the nature of your work or project. There is no jurying involved. There is no application process.
PLEASE NOTE: Saltonstall’s do-it-yourself retreat space is available solely to artists and writers based in New York State.
2017 – 2018 Dates
October 9, 2017 – April 20, 2018. Feel free to reserve time as much in advance as you’d like, especially if you have specific dates in mind.
Overnight Rate
$25/night with a two-night minimum stay (check-in after 2:00 pm, check-out by 12:00 pm) Oftentimes we can be flexible with these times. Just ask.
Daily Rate
$20/day (week days or weekends, this rate covers a 9:00 am – 5:00 pm time period)
What we provide
- sheets, towels, pillows, bedding, toilet paper, laundry soap, dish soap
- full use of the kitchen in the main house (incl. coffee maker, coffee grinder, microwave, gas stove, dishwasher, pots, pans, all dishware, utensils, etc.)
- a private bathroom
- wireless internet access
- tables and easels in the visual arts studios
- a wet darkroom (chemicals and paper are not provided)
- a quiet, private space in which to work
What you provide
- a 50% non-refundable deposit to hold your space once dates have been agreed upon (PLEASE NOTE: if your stay is 4 nights or less, nonrefundable payment in full is required to reserve the dates)
- balance of your payment upon your arrival
- all groceries
- your own transportation, including a taxi if you are traveling by bus*
- all supplies, equipment, and material you may need to work
What we ask
- that you respect the retreat-quality of the colony by maintaining a quiet environment at all times
- that you wash (and dry!) your sheets and towels before you check out (there is a washer/dryer just off the kitchen in the main house)
- that you keep the communal kitchen clean and swept daily
- that you take out the recycling and the garbage at the end of your stay
- that you clean your bathroom before you leave (cleaning supplies provided)
- that you leave your pets at home
- that you not invite guests to visit you at the colony (no guests are permitted at any time)
Regarding transportation: If you plan to take a bus to Ithaca, you will need to hire a car service to drive you to the colony. A one-way trip by cab (which you need to call to schedule) between the downtown bus station and Saltonstall is approximately $17 – $25. Uber and Lyft are now available, too!
The fine print
Yes, we know — the upstairs visual arts studio is beautiful. However, you may not reserve this space in advance unless you are a visual artist. Sorry, writers. If you love this space, we may be able to move you into that studio when you arrive but only if it’s vacant. We must reserve this studio for artists.
We do not currently have a cancellation policy. Since we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, your deposit secures your apartment or studio. This means that we potentially turn others away for that time period.
Deposits are not refundable, even if you cancel your retreat. Deposits cannot be applied to future retreat reservations.
If you arrive a day late or decide to leave a day early, payment for the full retreat period is still required. Additionally, we understand that you may need to slightly alter the dates of your retreat after the initial reservation is made. (i.e. arriving a day earlier, staying a day later, etc.) However, we’re not able to offer a refund if the dates change results in a shorter stay.
Sound Appealing?
The Saltonstall Arts Colony is comprised of two contemporary residential buildings, located about 100 feet apart.
The main house: There are three individual apartments in the main house — one apartment upstairs adjacent to the kitchen, and two apartments downstairs, including an apartment with a built-in darkroom, which we designate as “main house – PHOTO.” These three apartments are most appropriate for writers.
The studio building: There are two visual arts studios with adjoining private apartments in the studio building (or “carriage house.”) They are stacked on top of one another and are indicated with an “UP” or “DOWN,” accordingly.
If you’re interested in reserving time in the Fall, please send an email to artscolony@saltonstall.org that includes the purpose of your retreat, and indicate your preferred dates and studio / apartment. Feel free to call (607) 539-3146 if you have any questions or if it would be easier to ask about dates over the phone.
NOTE (calendars for the upcoming retreat season – October 8, 2018 through April 19, 2019 – will be available soon).
