Artists Sojourn Painting & Drawing Residency
Two Weeks of Dedicated Studio Time in the Ozark Mountains
Step away from daily distractions and immerse yourself in your creative practice at the Eureka Springs School of the Arts. Designed for emerging and established painters and drawing artists, the Artists’ Sojourn provides dedicated studio space, comfortable private lodging, and the freedom to focus entirely on your work in one of America’s most inspiring arts communities.
Medium
Painting & Drawing
Length
2 Weeks
Lodging
Included
Studio Access
24 Hours
Residency Fee
$400
Location
Eureka Springs, AR
November 9 – 23, 2026 | Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Submit completed application materials to program@essa-art.org by August 26, 2026.
A Residency Designed for Creative Focus
The Artists Sojourn is a unique two-week residency created for painters and drawing artists seeking uninterrupted time to deepen their artistic practice. Whether you are developing a new body of work, experimenting with techniques, conducting creative research, or simply reconnecting with your studio practice, this residency provides the space and support to pursue your goals.
Located just minutes from the nationally recognized arts community of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, ESSA’s campus offers a peaceful environment surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains. Here, artists can work independently while also enjoying opportunities to connect with fellow residents, visiting instructors, and members of the regional creative community.
Residents are encouraged to use their time for exploration, experimentation, and focused studio work while drawing inspiration from the landscapes, culture, and artistic energy that make Northwest Arkansas a destination for artists from across the country.
What the Residency Offers
Dedicated Studio Space
Enjoy exclusive access to the Peine Studio for the entire duration of your residency. With 24-hour studio access, you can work according to your own schedule and creative rhythm.
Comfortable Private Lodging
Your residency includes a private bedroom and bath, kitchenette, Wi-Fi access, and shared use of ESSA’s Commons House, providing both comfort and convenience throughout your stay.
Inspiration from the Ozarks
Surrounded by the beauty of the Ozark Mountains and located near historic Eureka Springs, ESSA offers an inspiring setting for artistic growth and exploration.
Meaningful Creative Community
Become part of a vibrant campus environment that includes fellow resident artists, instructors, students, and visitors. Residents are also invited to participate in the Studio Stroll, ESSA’s public residency showcase.
An Exceptional Value for Working Artists
The Artists’ Sojourn residency is valued at more than $2,500, with the majority of costs subsidized by ESSA.
Residency Fee: $400
What's Included
- Two-week immersive residency
- Private on-campus lodging
- Private bedroom and bathroom
- Kitchenette with microwave, refrigerator/freezer, and coffee maker
- Wi-Fi access
- Shared access to the Commons House and full kitchen
- 24-hour access to the Peine Painting and Drawing studio
- Participation in the ESSA Studio Stroll
- Connection with ESSA’s creative community
Your Studio at ESSA
Studio Highlights
- Private studio space
- 24-hour access
- Professional floor easels
- Studio sinks and adjustable lighting
- Additional equipment available upon request
Paint, canvas, paper, and other project-specific materials are not provided.
Walter Peine Studio serves as the dedicated workspace for ESSA’s Artists’ Sojourn Painting & Drawing Residency.
Residency Details
Residency Dates
November 9 – 23, 2026
Application Deadline
August 26, 2026
Notification Date
September 9, 2026
One artist will be selected for the Painting & Drawing Residency and will join a small cohort of artists participating in concurrent residencies across ESSA’s campus.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Application Form
- Statement of Intent (maximum one page)
- Five images of current work
- Current CV or résumé
- Two professional references
Experience in painting or drawing is required.
Applications and supporting materials should be submitted electronically to program@essa-art.org no later than August 26, 2026.
Application Materials
Download the application packet and review the studio inventory before applying.
Share Your Work with the Community
Residents are invited to participate in Studio Stroll, an open-house event where visitors can explore ESSA’s campus, meet resident artists, and learn about their creative process.
Artists may choose to display and sell their work during the event and are encouraged to engage with the ESSA community throughout their residency.
Ready to Begin Your Sojourn?
Give yourself the time, space, and inspiration to focus on your artistic practice. Join ESSA’s creative community for two weeks of dedicated studio work surrounded by the beauty of the Ozark Mountains.
Ready to apply?
Submit application materials to program@essa-art.org by August 26, 2026.
Questions?
Contact program@essa-art.org
Residency Fellowships
Fellowship Support for ESSA Artist Residencies
ESSA believes that financial circumstances should not prevent artists from accessing meaningful creative opportunities. To help make artist residencies more accessible, a limited number of fellowship awards are available each year.
Residency fellowships cover 50% of the residency fee and are awarded through a competitive application process. Fellowship recipients are selected based on application materials, financial need, residency goals, and available funding.
Fellowships are made possible through the generosity of ESSA donors and community supporters who help remove financial barriers for artists, makers, and creative learners.