Residency Consulting

There are many resources online that cater to starting an artist residency program, but they often focus on medium to large organizations, nonprofits, or educational institutions. I am currently writing a book that is designed for the solopreneur: artists or creatives who may not have access to the resources and support these larger entities enjoy. As a full-time visual artist, I founded The Verdancy Project (TVP) on a shoestring budget, and it has grown beyond my wildest dreams.

After years of planning, dreaming, and hard work, I officially launched TVP in 2020. TVP is a multidisciplinary, community-oriented art experiment dedicated to fostering curiosity and inspiring environmental stewardship. We offer creative residencies, retreats, community art projects, events, and workshops.

Since our launch, I've received many requests from individuals seeking advice on starting their own programs. While I love helping others and sharing my experiences, balancing my roles as a full-time artist, mother, and residency director is a tremendous amount of work. This book is my way of helping you embark on your journey.

I won't sugarcoat it—starting and running a program is challenging. There are ups and downs, just like any job. But the rewards are immense. I've met incredible creatives, formed lifelong friendships, and been continually inspired by the magic and creativity that TVP brings into my life every day. This book is for those who are ready to take the plunge, navigate the challenges, and experience the profound rewards of starting their own artist residency program.

If you don’t want to wait for the book I offer online or in-person consulting. Are you interested in starting your own residency program but don’t know where to start? Maybe you are just exploring the idea and want to find out if it is possible or something you want to do. Im happy to answer any questions, and share my insights, lessons, and best practices with you.

TVP Stats - 2000-2024:
Established in 2020
71 Artists in Residence
Artists from 12 states and two countries
11 fully funded scholarships
1 Week onsite or offsite Residencies
17 Workshops
Quarterly Seed Session events featuring local performers
Yearly Art and Seed Swap with 80 participants
Land Art Exhibition featuring 30 artists and 500 guests

About Shannon

Residing in the Pacific Northwest, Shannon Amidon is an artist, beekeeper, environmental steward, wonder seeker, lover of insects, books, and plants. Shannon has been featured in solo and group exhibitions worldwide, curated group exhibits, garnered press, and participated in artist residencies worldwide, focusing on both art-making and ecological research. She has collaborated with other artists, scientists, activists, and researchers. She has received many grants and awards, including the Regional Arts & Culture Council Make|Learn|Build Grant, International Encaustic Artists Project Grant, Leigh Weimers Emerging Artist Award, Silicon Valley Creates Artist Laureate, Awesome Foundation Grant, All She Makes Grant, and the Art Inspector Eco Art Grant & Studio Makeover. 

Shannon has been a 3-time artist in residence at The Ayatana Artistic Research Program in Canada, in addition to residencies at TechShop San Jose, Herhusid House Artist Residency in Iceland, The David and Julia White Artist Colony in Costa Rica, Sou’wester Residency in Washington and the Zymogliphic Museum in Portland, OR.

Corporate collectors include Genentech, Wells Fargo Bank, Imagery Estate Winery, Kaiser Permanente, and Google. She is also the co-founder and director of The Verdancy Project, a multi-faceted endeavor that includes an artist-in-residence program, creative workshops, community art projects, research program, and more.