AIR Program
INTRODUCTION:
The Lucky Star AIR Program offers residencies of two to six weeks from April through October allowing artists to integrate into the workings of the permaculture homestead. The AIR Program welcomes a wide range of artists, scholars, and art administrators from disciplines including visual arts, music, performance art, theater, dance, writing, culinary arts, photography, architecture, interior design, garden design, textile arts, sculpture, graphic design, biology, ecology, food preservation, and farming. Residencies include room and board with no fees for food, utilities, internet service, or living and studio spaces. Some residencies include a stipend. Emerging and established artists, scholars, and art administrators aged 21 years or older are welcome to apply.
CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM:
The AIR Program provides unique opportunities for Culinary Artists including opportunities to be hands-on with all stages of food production, food preservation, food preparation, and food presentation at Lucky Star Farm. AIR Culinary Artists have access to the large, lightfilled kitchen that was designed for the processing, preserving, and preparing of farm-raised foods; to vegetables, fruits, and herbs fresh from the gardens or preserved for out-of-season use; to pastured meats, eggs, and dairy; and to sustainably harvested wild foods. The AIR Program is one of only a few artist residency programs to offer a purely exploratory experience for Culinary Artists.
TEXTILE DYEING PROGRAM:
Textile Artists who work in natural plant dyeing have opportunities to utilize plant materials specifically grown for fabric dyeing in the dye garden at Lucky Star Farms. Indigo, for example, is grown annually and the equipment to produce indigo powder is available for use as is equipment for small-batch bundle dyeing. Seasonal dyeing materials can also be sustainably wild harvested or gleaned from the farm’s flower and herb gardens.
LOCATION AND FARM:
Lucky Star is a 174 acre wilderness homestead in northern Arkansas located off the lower Buffalo National River. It is an area of incredible natural beauty nestled in the ancient Ozark Mountains. The farm resides in the traditional territory of the Sioux, Osage and Quapaw peoples and we honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout its history.
We grow approximately 80% of all the vegetables, herbs, fruits and meat we consume year-round. We eat seasonally with our harvest extended through the winter through the use of a high tunnel for cold weather vegetables and greens. The summer harvest is preserved by freezing, drying and canning. We raise chickens for meat and eggs, sheep for meat, and goats for clearing land. Our animals and the farm are protected by our loving rescue dogs Zulu, Jockamo, and Stella.
The majority of our energy needs are supplied by solar energy. We have sparkling clean well water for drinking. Two beautiful clear-flowing creeks are on the acreage which provide beauty, a habitat for wildlife and a refreshing dip during our long summer days. Our creeks drain directly into the Buffalo National River which make us stewards of a precious natural resource.
Wildlife is everywhere! We share the land with many forms of life: wild turkey, deer, fox, wild boar, otter, beaver, bobcat, coyote, snakes, raccoon, and the occasional bear. The Ozarks are home to hundreds of species of birds and many nest, fish and hunt in the area.
There are many hiking opportunities in the immediate area with many hundreds of miles of hiking trails within an hour’s drive. The nearby Buffalo National River, Crooked Creek, the White River, Bull Shoals and Norfolk Lake all offer hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, bird-watching and serenity.
While the beauty and isolation can be a creative godsend for many, it’s not for everyone. You will never be alone on the farm, and we can arrange for as much or as little contact with the local community as you desire. But keep in mind, if you only work well with constant interaction with others, this might not be the residency for you.
There is no public transportation in the area. A car would be required if you plan to leave the farm during your stay.
HOUSING FOOD AND FACILITIES:
Accommodations include a two bedroom cabin (private bedroom/ shared bath) with a large light-filled open work area and small kitchenette. This building is nestled in the woods and has central heating and air, a washer/dryer, and spacious front porch. Two restored vintage trailers parked nearby serve as additional bedrooms. Wireless internet service is provided.
Food is very important to us! We want to integrate the life of the homestead into the life of each residency. Part of your time at Lucky Star will be an immersion into the cycle of food production and preparation. We ask all residents to spend six hours a week working in the garden, in food preservation, or food preparation. That could include planting, harvesting, or weeding; cleaning and preparation of vegetables and herbs for drying or preserving; or helping to prepare the dinner meal.
We eat well. Fresh, organic seasonal food and free-range meats grace our table prepared in imaginative and creative ways. Our staff will prepare dinner in the main kitchen and we usually eat together for discussion and sharing of the days events and creative endeavors. Breakfast and lunches are prepared by the staff and residents. A wide variety of eggs, fresh vegetables, grains, and breads will be available for your use.
An indoor studio space and several outdoor covered areas are available for residents to create environments they need to develop their creative process. A large workshop with woodworking tools and 174 acres of natural materials are also available.
AIR Culinary Artists have access to the large, light-filled kitchen that was designed for the processing, preserving, and preparing of farm-raised foods; to vegetables, fruits, and herbs fresh from the gardens or preserved for out-of-season use; to pastured meats, eggs, and dairy; and to sustainably harvested wild foods.
Textile Artists who work in natural plant dyeing have opportunities to utilize plant materials specifically grown for fabric dyeing in the dye garden at Lucky Star Farms. Indigo, for example, is grown annually and the equipment to produce indigo powder is available for use as is equipment for small-batch bundle dyeing. Seasonal dyeing materials can also be sustainably wild harvested or gleaned from the farm’s flower and herb gardens.