* image cretit: Painting by Tim Scott Bolton
Ever since I arrived in Viscri in 2019 with a group of painters I've been working towards recreating the experience. I knew nothing about Romania. I grew up in Cincinnati Ohio, so arriving in Viscri was quite a shock. I never had been to a place where people still use horse and cart as a main method of travel. And I'd never seen cows coming home let alone did I know that they walk to their respective doors unprompted. The experience truly widened my perspective. Not only that, but after a day of sightseeing and doing a bit of art (others were much more prolific), we all settled down for an evening meal together. It was the perfect way to share what we had been doing and relax. The food was fresh had come from and had come from the land that we were standing on. The wine and brandy were home-made too. This was paradise for an artist.
Throughout my life I've been such a supporter of community. Starting art and music scenes everywhere I was because I knew how invaluable it was for me and everyone involved. I hope that by creating one here in Viscri not only will I continue my personal tradition of starting a community but to also extend it to the international community by starting an artist in residency of our own.
I want to be absolutely transparent and flexible with this because I would love it to grow and for anyone to contribute in the smallest ways. Right now we require fees from artists but I hope we will be able to raise money in the future if it goes well so that artists may even be able to come for free.
For now I'm taking baby steps, getting all Viscri artsy types in the same room and presenting this website and my own and applying to resartis for an ad for a 2023 artist in residence program. Fingers crossed! Watch this space!
Katie
Viscri Arts Club is founded!
21.12.2016
Viscri Arts Club