Mission

Formed in 2010 amid the small rural community of Paonia, Colorado, Elsewhere Studios is a residency that provides a unique environment for nurturing artists while facilitating intentional community engagement. We are an eclectic, imaginative space that is committed to generating inclusive, equitable, and restorative creative experiences in the surrounding North Fork Valley. We are focused on creating opportunities for underrepresented artists and communities in need while pursuing social and environmental justice throughout our organization and specific projects including: the Parent Residency; Indigenous Poet Residency; Aging Creatively; Art, Environment and Sustainability; and scholarships for BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, and regional creatives.

"Elsewhere Studios is not only an incubator for creativity and unhindered expression but also the perfect place to unearth buried talents and unleash success. The combination of high quality people, invigorating energy, and breathtaking mountain views creates an elixir that can surely launch any artist into a brighter future.” – Elyse Mische, 2016 Resident

Residency

We host artists from around the world and provide them with the opportunity to focus on their work in a unique and supportive environment. Elsewhere generally hosts four to six artists at one time, and has hosted over 300 artists from over 22 countries. Elsewhere is open to visual artists, writers, musicians, and performing artists as well as scientists, activists, teachers, students, or any kind of creative worker interested in exploring and expanding their work. Artists are supported in the creation of new work and ideas through intentional time, space, and environment.

Residents have lots of freedom to structure their time how they wish: connecting with the community, exploring the outdoors, working independently, etc. Artists stay for one-month durations, with the option to be in residence for consecutive months up to six months. Elsewhere generally hosts four to six artists at one time, and residents share their practice with the community through public Final Friday open studios. Additionally, residents often host impromptu events, teaching workshops in the community or hosting interactive projects.

"Elsewhere is a hub of activity, a gathering place for the art, music, and magic of Paonia, and it quickly works its way into your soul, leaving anyone who's spent time here with the sense they've come to the right place." – Shay Lopez, 2011 Resident

Additional Projects

The Alleyscape Art Wall was built along the public alley adjacent to the Elsewhere property by Elsewhere residents, the Village Building Convergence, the North Fork Valley Creative Coalition, and over 100 community members. It adds vibrancy to our small town and provides a fun informal gathering place. We continue to add benches, sculptures, murals, and small outdoor venues in this multi-organization collaborative project.

The Paonia Community Garden, located near Elsewhere, is an urban garden tended by community members and the Elsewhere staff and residents. The garden has hosted workshops on permaculture, biodynamics, composting, food forests, etc.

The Summer Art Film Series is a collaboration with the Paradise Theater of Paonia, our local community-owned theater. The film series is focused on artists and the creative process. We show one movie a month during June, July and August.

Thanks to Our Supporters

Elsewhere would not be able to provide these opportunities without the support of foundations and individual donors, both large and small.

Every donation makes a big impact, please consider giving to Elsewhere today!

The Addy Foundation helps us keep our entire program accessible, subsidizing artist costs, providing scholarships and implementing new systems.

Colorado Creative Industries provides support that contributes to all of Elsewhere’s programming.

The National Endowment for the Arts supports Elsewhere in the wake of the pandemic and related impacts.

Redline & Arts in Society supports our Youth Mural project (in process, web page coming soon).

The Sustainable Art Foundation supports our Parent Residency.

The Western Colorado Community Foundation supports our Local Creative Fund.

The Witter-Bynner Foundation supports our Indigenous Poet Residency.