Art in Nature PROGRAM
The Art In Nature Residency, located in the Studio Gardens at Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve, captures the spirit of our long-standing mission to:
“Explore the relationship between humans and their environment.”
This unique program contributes to the growth and understanding of ourselves and others through the experience of creating and engaging with art in a natural setting.
Artists living in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, with a practice in any discipline, are eligible to apply.
Once accepted, they are encouraged to develop new works with a broadly experimental, environmental, and ecological focus. We invite the residency participants to take inspiration from the stewarded Gardens and Nature Preserve and glean from a wide variety of natural resources on the property.
2026/27 Residency Artists
We are thrilled to announce and welcome this years recipients.
9-MONTH Studio RESIDENCY
Ben Grace
Sculptor and Lighting Designer from Ojai
Historic Art Studio
October 1, 2026 - July 3, 2027
3-Month INVITATIONAL STUDIO RESIDENCy
Jade Hendrix and Daniel Wright
Singer-Songwriter Duo from Ojai
Protea Studio
October 1, 2026 - January 30, 2027
9-Month RESEARCH Non-STUDIO RESIDENCY
Janet Neuwalder
Ceramic Sculptor/Installation Artist from Ventura
October 1, 2026 - July 3, 2027
3-Month Studio RESIDENCy
Hilary Walsh
Ceramic Sculptor from Ojai
Protea Studio
February 2, 2026 - July 3, 2027
Note: 3-Month residecies are given extra time to buffer for rain.
The residency concludes each year with an exhibition and presentations of work, with 20% of sales proceeds going to the CEF/Taft Gardens.
The application is now CLOSED and will reopen in the summer of 2027.
All creative disciplines are welcome to apply for the next season.
Applicants must establish a clear connection between their projects and some specific aspect of the property.
The application process is competitive. Due to limited space and funding, we cannot accept every qualified applicant each year. To maximize your chances of admission, we recommend that those sincerely interested plan to apply more than once, as we prioritize repeat applicants.
See Residency FAQ for more details.
SCHEDULE
2026/27 Residencies begins: October 1, 2027
Art in Nature Fundraiser and Exhibition Opening: June 4th, 2027
Free Daytime Exhibition Opening: June 6th, 2027
Residency Season Ends: July 3, 2027
Next application opens: June 15, 2027
Application due by: TBA (now closed)
For inquires please email taftresidency@gmail.com.