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Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow, located in Eureka Springs, is a special residency program for artists. And by artists I mean writers, painters, architects, chefs, composers, photographer, weavers—those who create. Colony time is magical. What you write and think and create becomes part of you, like the very place itself.
What makes it so special? Grab a cup of coffee, sit back in your most comfy chair, and let me take you there.
- Inspirational Setting. While in residency at Dairy Hollow your every need is met. Life’s typical interruptions are eliminated. With no excuse not to write, the right brain turns on, and there’s no stopping the creativity. Each suite includes a bedroom, private bath, and writing space. Some have mini-kitchens. All have Wi-Fi, coffee pots and wooded views. What else could you possibly need?
When you need a break from writing, explore Eureka Springs, a town of twisty roads, steep stairs, and an estimated fifty-six miles of stone walls, most constructed by stonemasons between 1885 and 1910. There’s no quirkier, more interesting place in Northwest Arkansas.
While there, be sure to go for a hike in the forest. There’s no better way to recharge. C. S. Lewis said, “Any patch of sunlight in a wood will show you something about the sun which you could never get from reading… These pure and spontaneous pleasures are ‘patches of Godlight’ in the woods of our experience.” No matter the season, there’s much to see and always something blooming.
- Synergistic Energy. There’s a unique energy at Dairy Hollow, a special combination of working in solitude while surrounded by the creative energy of other residents. Being around other writers helps ideas flow. Simple, yet true.
- Your schedule is your own. What’s your biggest stumbling block to writing and creating? Finding the time and making it a priority? Your stay at Dairy Hollow includes time to use as you wish. Other than 6 pm supper, there is no schedule. No meetings to attend. No place to be. No demands on your time. That, my friends, is a beautiful, priceless thing.
- Fabulous Food. And speaking of 6 pm supper, don’t dare miss it. At the end of a full day, residents gather in the communal dining room to enjoy a fantastic dinner prepared by Chef Extraordinaire Jana (pronounced Yanna). Meals are delicious and plentiful. At least once you’ll smuggle cookies back to your room, not because it isn’t allowed, but because you’re embarrassed to let anyone know you could eat one more bite before bedtime. For breakfast and lunch, writers in residence have 24-hour access to the well-stocked kitchen (plus all those yummy leftovers). A writer could easily hole up and survive quite well at Dairy Hollow without ever stepping foot in a grocery store or restaurant. And that, of course, equals more time to write.
- Oh, the people you’ll meet. Each year the Colony hosts over 50 established and emerging writers from across the globe. Folks from all walks of life. Connections made at Dairy Hollow will help you grow in your craft. You will meet people who in some way will become part of your own story.
Fair warning: Be advised that leaving Dairy Hollow comes with severe withdrawals. This is unavoidable as you say goodbye to such a gorgeous place where your time is spent doing what you love to do. The greatest shock comes at that first stomach grumble when you realize if you want to eat again, you must cook supper or order pizza or fetch takeout for yourself. That’s a major bummer especially when you know deep in the woods of Dairy Hollow, Chef Jana is whipping up another fabulous meal for a new lucky group of residents.
More details: The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, supported solely by charitable donations from individuals, foundations, and residents. Actual costs (per resident, per day) are about $175. Minimum resident contribution is $55 per night (minimum stay one-week), which includes dinner. Those who are able to contribute more make it possible for those who cannot. For more information or to apply, click HERE.
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