the fields project Bringing Art and Agriculture Together
The Artists
2010 Timeline

March 15, 2010
Application Deadline

March 31, 20010
Application Juried
Applicants Notified

June 19, 2010
Check-In/Introduction of Artists & Farm Host Families Orientation

June 26, 2010
Mix It Up, 1st Annual Sidewalk Painting Event
Mix Park, Oregon, Il

Fields Project Week

June 27, 2010
Fields Project Fine Arts and Crafts Show

Visiting Artist
Application - Apply
Visiting Artists

Come visit our beautiful Rock River Valley for nine days. We offer you an opportunity to live with farm families throughout Ogle County who are eager to share with you their way of life and the knowledge of what is happening in agriculture in the 21st century.

Every summer, artists come to the Rock River Valley in Ogle County to combine art and agriculture in their own unique medium. They are invited to live with farm families for nine days. Artists experience first hand, the lifestyle that puts food on your table, clothes on your back, and perhaps even the fuel in your tank. We seldom realize how closely art and agriculture are interconnected.

For plein air painters and photographers, you have the luxury to work as many hours as you choose with a myriad choice of subject matter; as one of the artists commented; "everywhere I look there is a picture to paint.

In addition to plein air art and photography, we also offer a hands-on art/agriculture experience by recruiting artists who would like to create a field sculpture that is approximately 5 acres on a pallet of grassland. This work of art is designed by the artist and, with the help of a farmer and his tractor, mowed onto the grassland. This process takes several days and can be seen and photographed from the air the last three days of your stay.

On the Saturday afternoon of your arrival, we have a reception to introduce you to your Farm Host Family. Sunday evening at the site of the original Lorado Taft Artist Colony site we tell the story of the heritage of Fine Arts in our community followed by a dinner overlooking the Rock River.

Monday morning we meet at the Oregon Library for breakfast in the art gallery established by Lorado Taft’s Eagles Nest Art Colony. Monday evening we gather together where you can share a bit about yourself and your art with fellow artists and the community. The rest of the week is yours to paint/photograph, or to get together with other artists or your farm family. On Friday, airplane rides are offered to see the field sculptures. Saturday evening results in a food and fun-filled picnic for all participants, farm host families and the committee. Sunday brings the Fine Arts & Crafts Festival with regional artists and sculptors where you can show and sell your art.

In the past 10 years we have had about 100 artists from 24 states and Canada spend this week with 41 farm families. Many of our farm families have had an artist each year and a number of artists joined us more than once. Kathy D. Sisters of Oregon, wrote after her week with us; "Thank you for the terrific time in Ogle County. It was a life-changing week for me . . . I learned so much about people, farming, art and generosity. Thank you for that gift."

We would love to have you join us for this week of Art and Agriculture. The cost is $350 for the 9-day stay at the host home, which includes most meals. There is an additional $25 non-fundable jurying fee.

Visiting Artist Application - Apply
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