A 10-day artist retreat at Otter Creek Arts in partnership with Woman Made Gallery
A Room of Your Own is a 10-day self-directed retreat for women and nonbinary artists and creatives whose work could benefit from solitude, reflection, and immersion in the natural world.
Located in the Driftless region of southwestern Wisconsin, the residency offers uninterrupted time to live and work in a private historic log cabin situated along the banks of Otter Creek. Surrounded by woods, wetlands, and rolling hills, the setting invites artists to slow down, observe, and deepen their creative practice away from the distractions of daily life.
The cabin provides comfortable accommodations, including a modern kitchen, air conditioning and laundry. A dedicated workspace has a long work table along a bank of north-facing windows. A wraparound deck extends along two sides of the cabin and overlooks the surrounding woods. Both are equally suited to writing, sketching, planning, reading, composing, and other contemplative creative pursuits. The surrounding landscape offers opportunities for long hilly walks, wildlife and nature observation, photography, plein air painting and site-responsive exploration.
A Room of Your Own is not a production-driven residency. While artists may complete work during their stay, the primary gift of the residency is time: time to think, observe, experiment, reflect and reconnect with one’s creative practice in a setting shaped by the natural rhythms of the surrounding landscape. Artists are welcome to arrive with a defined project, but they may also use the residency for research, reflection, sketching, writing, observation, or the early stages of a new body of work.
While the retreat is intentionally independent, the cabin is located on the grounds of Otter Creek Arts, where artists Pamela Callahan and John Walté maintain their studios nearby. Residents are encouraged to let the landscape inform their work and use the time in whatever way best supports their creative growth and renewal.
“Part of the spirit of the residency is quiet time, reflection and how a conversation evolves between the artist and the natural world.” –Pamela Callahan.
What’s Included
- Exclusive access to private accommodations in a historic lofted log cabin for 10 days
- Dedicated creative workspace with abundant natural light, overlooking the woods and Otter Creek
- Air conditioning, internet, kitchen, living/dining room, lofted bedroom, laundry
- Access to the woods, wetlands, and surrounding landscape
- Optional critique and conversation sessions with host artist Pamela Callahan
- Grocery stores and basic services including hospital within 15 minute drive
- Nearby artistic hubs of Spring Green and Mineral Point within 30 minutes drive
What to Expect
- Rural woodland setting
- Insects and ticks (bring insect repellent and clothing suitable for hiking and fieldwork)
- Uneven terrain and natural walking paths
- A personal vehicle is strongly recommended, as groceries, restaurants, art supplies, and other services require driving
- Wi-Fi available for email, research, Zoom calls, streaming
Application Materials
- Artist or creative statement (500 words or less)
- A brief project proposal describing what you intend to explore during the 10 days
- Portfolio, writing samples, or work samples (5–7 items or equivalent)
- Brief bio or CV
Review Panel
The review panel will consist of representatives from Otter Creek Arts and Woman Made Gallery. The panel will seek applicants who demonstrate a serious commitment to their creative practice and who are likely to benefit from a period of focused time, reflection, and engagement with the natural environment.
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Artistic merit and commitment to the creative practice
- Thoughtfulness and clarity of the application materials
- The potential benefit of the residency to the applicant’s creative development
- Alignment between the applicant’s interests, working methods, and the unique qualities of the Otter Creek Arts environment
A Room of Your Own Residency Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
| Application opens | June 2026 |
| Application deadline | July 15, 2026 |
| Panel review | July 20, 2026 |
| Creative notified | July 31, 2026 |
| Residency takes place | September 15–30, 2026 |
Learn more about Otter Creek Arts Learn more about Otter Creek Arts here.
For questions contact general@womanmade.org with the subject line A Room of Your Own Residency.
“Please donate to the A Room of Your Own Artist Residency at Otter Creek Arts. Your support helps us continue empowering women and non-binary artists to thrive in their creative careers.”
All proceeds benefit Woman Made Gallery, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization.