OXBOW

Programs: Ox-bow operates an art school, including artists-in-residency programs, and owns the necessary property and buildings to conduct the same. Ox-bow was founded in 1910 by frederick fursman and walter marshall clute, artists from the school of the art institute of chicago, to serve as a respite for artists from the industrializing havoc of chicago. Over the past 100 years, ox-bow's core values and its educational philosophy have remained constant. Ox-bow's mission is to connect artists to a network of creative people, resources and ideas; to an energizing natural environment; and, to a rich artistic history and to a vital future. Ox-bow values our rich history providing a singular platform for exploring contemporary art practice and driving a dynamic future through conceptual and material innovation. Ox-bow recognizes artists are visionaries: they create new possibilities, advance culture, and enable others to imagine the unimaginable. Ox-bow values the joy of discovery through the process of teaching, learning, and making something new - feeding the soul and expanding the mind. A supportive community enables the freedom to explore, take risks, learn through failure, grow through success, create, and experiment. Ox-bow offers equal access to creative resources generating a more complete expression and understanding of humanity. At ox-bow, a nourished life includes conversation, rigor, playfulness, experiencing nature, immersion into a creative context, and communally enjoying delicious, healthy meals. Ox-bow's strength is drawn from healthy relationships with the saugatuck/douglas community, the school of the art institute of chicago, and national and international artists and supporters. Ox-bow believes experiencing a flourishing natural world invigorates a sense of awe and curiosity that enables the creative spirit. Ox-bow's board of directors is made up of 17 individuals who are connected to the art world; passionate about ox-bow; and, lead the organization on a volunteer basis. Five standing board committees (governance, finance, program, development, and facilities & grounds) help to focus attention on critical areas ensuring its future success. In addition, ox-bow's stewardship committee is made up of a diverse cross-section of west michigan residents, artists, business owners and community leaders who link ox-bow to the vibrant local community. Stewardship committee members are ardent advocates for ox-bow and its mission. They connect ox-bow with other local residents through personal contacts: educate the local community about ox-bow's resources, and inform residents about opportunities on campus. The stewardship committee is responsible for maintaining open communication, goodwill and strong relationships between ox-bow and the community in which it thrives. Integral to the ox-bow experience are the dedicated staff who help define the character of the organization. Ox-bow has been largely artist run for the last 100 years, which infuses the leadership, main office, kitchen, maintenance, and housekeeping with a creative and playful sensibility. Each summer, ox-bow welcomes 12 fellowship students from competitive art schools all over the nation providing them the opportunity to focus on their work, meet with renowned artists, and grow as a member of this unique community. These students live on campus for 13 weeks from late may until late august, where they participate in campus life as both staff members and as artists. Annually, from the 150 applicants, fellowship students are either selected by ox-bow's jury or their departments at one of eight partnering schools based on the merit of their work and on their commitment to making inspired and innovative art. Ox-bow's classes are taught by local, national, or international renowned and distinguished artists. In addition to our talented faculty, ox-bow hosts a series of world renowned visiting artists, art historians and critics each summer. Visiting artists give slide presentations of their work, are available for individual and group critiques, and visit classes to talk with students and faculty. Annually, ox-bow offers over 500 artists access to our 115 acre campus to delve into the artistic process. At ox-bow, artists enjoy creative focus, a committed community of peers, innovative and rigorous intensives and an unparalleled natural environment. In january, ox-bow offers a two-week winter intensive where students of the school of art institute of chicago can take one of three for-credit courses. In summer, approximately 40 one and two week immersive and diverse courses are offered, ranging in focus from the functional to the sculptural; from traditional to contemporary; from representational to conceptual; and, can be taken for-credit or non-credit. Ox-bow's pre-college program is a one-week intensive landscape drawing class designed for advanced high school juniors, seniors and recent graduates who are considering pursuing a degree in the visual arts. Students are given the opportunity to evaluate and strengthen their commitment to the study of art, receive college level instruction, and receive 1 college credit through the school of the art institute of chicago. Ox-bow's art on the meadow program offers day workshops throughout the summer for children, teens and adults. This program is a way for local residents and short term visitors to engage in life and art-making at ox-bow. Classes are timed to give participants concentrated studio time, while still allowing for the flexibility that busy summer and year round schedules require. Artist in residency programs offer artists and writers, at various stages in their career, the time, space, and community to encourage growth and experimentation in their practice. The arts faculty and mfa residences are held during the summer while our core classes and community programs are in session. The fall artist residencies are held for five weeks between september and october. This larger group of artists enjoys a more intimate community. These residencies are highly sought after as over 1,300 local, national, and international individuals apply for the estimated 60 available spots. The selection process consists of an online application review followed by an in-person panel meeting focusing on the merit of the applicant's work as well as responses to the statements of practice, purpose and interest. Each summer, ox-bow opens its doors to the community for five select evenings. During these friday night open studio events, artwork by student, fellows, and artists-in-residence is displayed in the studios and the ox-bow gallery; studio demonstrations are provided; and, a live auction of their artwork is held to support studio maintenance and scholarships. As a historically artist-run organization, ox-bow continually works to benefit those whose art-making is a primary component of their professional career. Our programs seek to be a source of both professional and creative development. Over the past ten years, ox-bow has welcomed artists from the philippines, trinidad, nigeria, china, france, south korea, pakistan, iran, japan, the uk, and canada. Our national representation is equally diverse, pulling talented artists from all over the country. Alumni from the residency program have exemplified ox-bow's commitment to community and intensive art-making, garnering extraordinary opportunities following their stay. Student and resident alums have gone on to work with important contemporary artists, and show in museums, internationally renowned art exhibitions, and galleries all over the world. For more information on our 100+ year rich history; current program offerings; and, news and events; visit our website at www. Ox-bow. Org.