in just three short weeks I will spend 10 days deeply immersed in my artistic expression.  Photography.  Oh my gosh.  My artist residency is hosted by Milkweed Mercantile the only strawbale solar and wind powered B&B in the U.S.  The Inn is part of Dancing Rabbit's EcoVillage ( Rutledge, MO ), a 280 acre off grid, sustainable, intentional community founded in 1997.  

I fell in love with Alline and Kurt, long time residents of Dancing Rabbit and owner/founders of The Milkweed Mercantile, when Alline spoke at an event.  Alline had just been awarded the Eileen Fisher's Business Grant for Woman Entrepreneurs.  Wow.  I was very inspired by Alline and super curious about Dancing Rabbit. 

Artists were selected for their:

• artistic caliber 
• specific focus relevant to Dancing Rabbit's mission for outreach and education
• artists ability to communicate the atmosphere and values of Dancing Rabbit
• artists potential for personal growth.

My artist submission included an application and small fee, my resume, 10 select images w/detailed descriptions, plus a very specific project idea.  The project I proposed is from the perspective of a wide eyed curious and affectionate admirer of all things Dancing Rabbit.  My specific curiosity is about the key people who make Dancing Rabbit what it is today - to me,  that could be capturing part of the day of the master builder, gardener, and innkeeper, to highlighting an artisan, a child...maybe even the local dog!  

Resident artists in addition to having full access to Dancing Rabbit are to gift 8 hours of instruction to their community.   I can't wait to teach collage while there. I am to donate a final piece to the Inspired By Dancing Rabbit: Artist In Residence Collection.  A public presentation is also expected. 

© collage by karen hanrahan

When Alline officially emailed that I had been awarded a residency I was in the middle of making a huge batch of french onion soup.  While i had tears streaming down my face from all those onions.  I also had great tears of joy from the news.  Pinch me, I was awarded an artist residency!!

I look forward to sharing more about my Dancing Rabbit experiences and photography!!

Below are the images i submitted for my application ( some of the projects shared here include:  the good to go campaign, two blokes and a bus, and blooming gardens)