In the early 1970s, three aspiring artists, a writer, a painter and a musician, began discussing the possibility of creating a multi-disciplinary community for artists in their small town in upstate New York. Over the next 40 years they spoke to many creative people about this project and purchased property and buildings, several of which they restored and listed on The National Register of Historic Places. They also planted an apple orchard, managed a sheep farm, earned graduate degrees, taught in their respective fields, and created two highly acclaimed hostelries: The Horned Dorset Inn, in Leonardsville, NY, and The Horned Dorset Primavera Hotel, in Rincón, Puerto Rico. In 2011 they formed a private foundation to help facilitate their vision in its final form, The Horned Dorset Colony, where they now serve as directors.
Directors
Kingsley Wratten, Executive Director
Harold Davies, Development Director
Roberta Wratten, Program Director
Board of Trustees
Dr. Dietrich Mack
Dr. Manuel Moran
Martha Morano
Steve O’Neil
Patrick Shields
The 250 acre site in the rural hamlet of Leonardsville, N.Y., includes a working apple orchard, organic vegetable gardens, waterfall, and miles of walking trails through the hilly woodlands and pastures of a former Horned Dorset breed sheep farm.
A mix of accommodations and workspace is available in several restored houses (Victorian, Federal, Greek Revival, Arts & Crafts). All are within minutes walking distance of each other and the restaurant building which serves as dining room and houses an exhibition space.
An 8,000 volume library and internet access are available. Artists must provide all of their own materials and special equipment. Studios vary in size and are assigned according to residents’ needs.
A personal vehicle is recommended, although weekly transportation is available for shopping, area museums, and nearby artists’ residency programs.
Housing & Services
All residents have their own private room, some with private bath. All houses have comfortable common rooms. A few rooms are of adequate size to comfortably accommodate a spouse, partner, or associate who contributes an essential collaborative component to the artist’s work while in residence; there will be a surcharge for their housing and meals. Laundry facilities and housekeeping service are included in the fee.
Meals
All meals are included. Informal breakfast and lunch are in residential houses. Dinners are served in a private dining room of The Horned Dorset Inn. Vegetarian choices are available for all meals.
Accessibility
Although limited at this time, the Horned Dorset Colony is committed to compliance and accommodation in all new construction and renovation. Email for specific details.
Eligibilty is presently limited to artists, over the age of 21, who have demonstrated exceptional talent in the fields of ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, CREATIVE WRITING, CREATIVE WRITING TRANSLATION, MUSICAL COMPOSITION, or VISUAL ARTS. The total cost for a four-week residency is $4,000. Artists who are able to cover their own costs increase HDC’s ability to assist those who cannot, but acceptance to HDC is based upon quality of work and professional references, not the ability to contribute financially. It is hoped that some artists will be able to make a charitable donation of $500 – $1,000 to help defray some of the cost of their residency, but HDC will make every effort to help invited artists who are in need of financial support.
2019 CALENDAR DEADLINES
These deadlines apply to all applications.
SESSION I: June 6 – July 1
SESSION II: July 5 – July 30
SESSION III: September 5 – September 30
Application Deadline: FEBRUARY 22
Notification of Acceptance: MARCH 12 – 16
Your Confirmation of Acceptance: MARCH 19 – 23
Applications can be submitted at any time during the year. The director will then advise you how to proceed by return email. You MAY be asked to submit additional work samples, professional references, a curriculum vitae, or a more comprehensive description of the work you intend to accomplish. You MAY be asked to submit financial information regarding your personal income. Final applications are reviewed by an outside panel of jurors and the director. Repeat residencies are permitted every three years.
RESIDENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
Residents are expected to attend all dinners and participate in cultural engagements such as occasional open studios. Residents are asked to keep some form of journal from which they can draw to make an informal presentation during the last week of their residency. Most dinners are served in a semi-formal, public restaurant setting, so appropriate dress is expected. Volunteer assistance in maintaining the walking trails and organic vegetable gardens is always welcome.
The Residents of HDC
The founders, a painter, a writer and a musician, believe that interaction across traditional disciplines frees an artist from old biases, stimulates risk-taking, and encourages collaboration. The residents of HDC enjoy rich interactions that trigger their most creative inspirations. Click below to find out about our past residents and their experience at the Horned Dorset Colony.
The Horned Dorset Inn and Restaurant buildings were listed as “The Wheeler Block Complex” on the National Register of Historic Places in September, 1983. The restaurant, which has enjoyed a reputation for world-class cuisine for more than 40 years, is open to the public and sometimes serves as a dining room for HDC. “ . . . At the Horned Dorset Colony, dinners are an important catalyst for dialogue and for exploring collaborative possibilities. Invigorated by delicious food, served in memorable surroundings, artists have a unique opportunity to explore the common components of their various creative biases.”
Kingsley Wratten, executive director, HDC
The following is an excerpt from the original National Register nomination:
The Horned Dorset Colony is a not-for-profit corporation and is exempt under 501(c3). Gifts and donations are fully deductible for income and estate purposes. All contributions will be directed entirely to support the residency program and will be acknowledged by a letter from the director for tax purposes. Contributions of all sizes are welcome.
PARTICIPATE IN THE HDC OPEN STUDIOS. Free and open to the public, these events are held at the end of each residency. Meet the artists. Buy some of their work. Enjoy some refreshments. Dates will be announced on HDC Facebook.
ATTEND HDC’S MONTHLY DINNER/CONCERT SERIES. World-class performances (from jazz to classical) are paired with fine cuisine on eight memorable Sundays throughout the year. PROCEEDS FROM THESE EVENTS BENEFIT THE HDC SCHOLARSHIP FUND. Dates will be announced on HDC Facebook. For reservations, call the Horned Dorset Inn at 315-855-7898 or go to The Horned Dorset Inn’s Website.
STAY IN THE HDC ACCOMMODATIONS. When residency rooms are not occupied by artists, they are made available to the public. Rates vary depending on the accommodation, from queen rooms to king suites. All rooms are well-appointed and have private bath. Group inquiries are welcomed. ALL PROCEEDS FROM ROOM RENTALS GO DIRECTLY TO THE COLONY. For more information and reservations, call the Horned Dorset Inn at 315-855-7898 or click the button below.
hdcolony@gmail.com
MAILING ADDRESS
The Horned Dorset Colony
Box 182
Leonardsville, NY, 13364
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
The Horned Dorset Colony
2000 Route 8
Leonardsville, NY, 13364
BY CAR
From New York City (Manhattan): Take George Washington Bridge, to Palisades north, to NYS Thruway, to Route 17 W (86) at Harriman. Follow 17 (86) to Route 8 north to Leonardsville. (about 4 hours)
From Utica: Take Route 8 south to Leonardsville.
From Albany: Take the Thruway (90) to Utica and Route 8 south to Leonardsville, or (more scenic), the Thruway to I 88 south, and then Route 20 west to Bridgewater, and Route 8 south to Leonardsville.
BY TRAIN
Take Amtrack to Utica, NY station and an HDC representative will meet you.
BY PLANE
Syracuse (Hancock) airport is about 1 1/4 hours drive; Albany airport is about 1 1/2 hours. An HDC representative can arrange to meet you for a modest fee.
Click on the map below to be directed to Google Maps of the Leonardsville area.
The following sites may be useful in planning your visit or residency.
Upper Unadilla Valley Association
Madison County Tourism
Fenimore Art Museum
Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute
Arkell Museum
Hyde Hall Historic Site
Colgate University
Hamilton College
Utica College
Pratt Institute at MWPAI
Glimmerglass Festival
Cooperstown Chamber Music
Aunt Karen’s Farm (artist residency)
karen@auntkarensfarm.org
Golden Artist Colors (factory store & artist residency)
Sculpture Space (artist residency)
The Constance Saltonstall Foundation for the Arts
Stone Quarry Hill Art Park
The Horned Dorset Inn
The Horned Dorset Inn Facebook
Photography by Wendy Barrett