Affiliations
The Antarctic Artists and Writers Collective, represents 40 years of participants from the National Science Foundation’s Antarctic Artists and Writers program. Aunt Karen also worked in Antarctic after retiring from Lincoln Center and is inspired by these artists whose mission is to educate the public about Antarctica and its scientific exploration through collaborations in the arts.
Aunt Karen's Farm is a proud member of the Artist Communities Alliance, which provides support for creative environments and organizations to benefit art and artists.
In 2019, the New York Foundation for the Arts and Aunt Karen’s Farm formed an affiliation. NYFA finalists are accepted for residencies at the Farm.
In 2019, the New York Foundation for the Arts and Aunt Karen’s Farm formed an affiliation. NYFA finalists are accepted for residencies at the Farm.
Recently, Aunt Karen's Farm and Community Capacity Initiative have partnered to continue building and expanding connections with the local community in Art, Environment, Non-profit and community based groups.
Recently, Aunt Karen's Farm and Community Capacity Initiative have partnered to continue building and expanding connections with the local community in Art, Environment, Non-profit and community based groups.
We are currently engaged in meaningful dialogs to place the woods, fields and wetlands into conservation easement, further advancing the environmental mission of Aunt Karen's Farm.
We are currently engaged in meaningful dialogs to place the woods, fields and wetlands into conservation easement, further advancing the environmental mission of Aunt Karen's Farm.
Programs
As an artistic incubator, Aunt Karen's Farm provides a flexible and safe environment for exploring various artistic projects, particularly in writing, choreography, and performing arts. Below are examples of how artists have used their residencies.
At the moment, artist residencies begin with a referral by members of our Advisory Council or Leadership Team. We are working towards expanding our opportunities, but can’t yet accept unsolicited applications.
At the moment, artist residencies begin with a referral by members of our Advisory Council or Leadership Team. We are working towards expanding our opportunities, but can’t yet accept unsolicited applications.
Dedicated Artistic Retreats
Members of the Reunion of Antarctic Artists and Writers reflect on their experiences at Aunt Karen's Farm.
What an amazing creative oasis and wonderful place to cultivate both solo and collaborative projects! I’ve stayed at AKF three times and each time I depart feeling creatively energized. Karen and her fantastic team provided a beautiful and peaceful space that our group of artists and writers could gather together from all corners of the world to discuss past, present and future Antarctic collaborations. Our latest, post-Covid reunion was wildly successful!
- Kirsten Carlson, Ocean Artist & Co-Chair, Antarctic Artists and Writers Collective
Aunt Karen’s Farm was a wonderful environment in which to hold the second in-person meeting of our collective. The first thing that struck me was how peaceful the surroundings were every time I walked outside. Just being surrounded by woods, fields of goldenrod and rolling hills makes you feel calm and receptive; you can hear yourself think. The staff is cheerful and accommodating, and we were well taken care of in terms of meals and accommodations. I recommend the farm as a place to hold a retreat for small groups.
- Helen Glazer, Sculptor & Photographer, Antarctic Artists and Writers Collective
I spent close to a week at Aunt Karen’s farm this summer. It was a wonderful experience. Aunt Karen is generous, kind and smart. She has created a place where people can convene and also have space to contemplate and explore on one’s own. The landscape is magnificent, her staff is thoughtful and accommodating, and she is a pleasure to be around. I look forward to returning, it has become an important place in my heart.
- Elise Engler, Visual Artist, Antarctic Artists and Writers Collective
Aunt Karen's Farm is a place of reflection, inspiration, and community. It has been the setting and catalyst for the formation of the Antarctic Artists and Writers Collective (AAWC), and as such, I can't overstate what a positive influence it has had on my artistic practice and scholarship. Nestled in the beautiful foothills of the Catskills, Aunt Karen's Farm's serene landscapes, pleasant accommodations, and kind, considerate staff provided the means for a disparate group of artists to unite to produce a whole much greater than the sum of its parts. Aunt Karen is a gracious and resourceful host, an advocate for artists. After the last reunion of AAWC I had the opportunity to spend several additional days at the farm to work on a book project that, up until that week, had only been the beginnings of an idea. By the end of the week, I looked up from the kitchen table in Bird House and had a preliminary outline and a clear sense of what I needed to do next.
- Trish Suchy, Video and performance artist and educator, Antarctic Artists and Writers Collective
Artists with Families
Working in the arts presents unique challenges and rewards for artist families. Drawing on the many cultural and ecological resources of Cooperstown and the surrounding Central New York region, Aunt Karen’s Farm is committed to providing residencies for the whole family with conversation, family activities, shared meals, and quiet time for contemplation, creating support and enrichment within a network of similar art professionals.
We have also worked collaboratively with The Farmers' Museum to provide rural educational programming for the urban families who participated. This work was made possible through the generous support of the Sustainable Arts Foundation.
Working in the arts presents unique challenges and rewards for artist families. Drawing on the many cultural and ecological resources of Cooperstown and the surrounding Central New York region, Aunt Karen’s Farm is committed to providing residencies for the whole family with conversation, family activities, shared meals, and quiet time for contemplation, creating support and enrichment within a network of similar art professionals.
We have also worked collaboratively with The Farmers' Museum to provide rural educational programming for the urban families who participated. This work was made possible through the generous support of the Sustainable Arts Foundation.
Art and Environment
Artist Melissa Gollance created a land art installation in the shape of her fingerprint on the field beside Harvest House. Visitors walked upon these earth ripples and pondered the artwork's meditation on our organic and digital encounters. This effort took the hands of a community and resulted in a piece of remarkable scale and effect. The Daily Star documents the culmination of this multi-participant project.
"Dear Karen, Thank you for your support + generosity throughout the process of creating Probe and implementing the surrounding programming. I am forever grateful for your early faith in the project, and for the spirit you have imbued in this residency – one that is contagious and is felt by all of my guests. It has been a real joy to collaborate with you on this grand project." – Melissa Gollance
Artist Melissa Gollance created a land art installation in the shape of her fingerprint on the field beside Harvest House. Visitors walked upon these earth ripples and pondered the artwork's meditation on our organic and digital encounters. This effort took the hands of a community and resulted in a piece of remarkable scale and effect. The Daily Star documents the culmination of this multi-participant project.
"Dear Karen, Thank you for your support + generosity throughout the process of creating Probe and implementing the surrounding programming. I am forever grateful for your early faith in the project, and for the spirit you have imbued in this residency – one that is contagious and is felt by all of my guests. It has been a real joy to collaborate with you on this grand project." – Melissa Gollance
Writers & Storytellers
Participants in the 2016 Spring Writers' Residency share their experiences at Aunt Karen's Farm:
"Spending the weekend at the Farm, whether walking down the road and quietly thinking, or making meals together with fifteen other storytellers, gave us at the great opportunity to let ideas bubble up, tumble over each other, and finally become real action which has resulted in a new show On the Road with Orpheus which we performed in June at the Grapevine in Washington, DC." – Gerald Fierst (Gerald has since published the children's book Imagine the Moon in 2017)
Participants in the 2016 Spring Writers' Residency share their experiences at Aunt Karen's Farm:
"Spending the weekend at the Farm, whether walking down the road and quietly thinking, or making meals together with fifteen other storytellers, gave us at the great opportunity to let ideas bubble up, tumble over each other, and finally become real action which has resulted in a new show On the Road with Orpheus which we performed in June at the Grapevine in Washington, DC." – Gerald Fierst (Gerald has since published the children's book Imagine the Moon in 2017)
Multimedia
Aunt Karen’s Farm was featured in an independent film directed by Justin Lerner’s production company for THE AUTOMATIC HATE (watch film trailer). Upon the film's release in 2015, it was met with critical success. Variety called it an "arresting, skillfully directed seriocomedy." The Farm served not only as a backdrop for many of the scenes, but members of the crew lived on-site in the guest houses during the filming.
“It was SO WONDERFUL shooting on your farm and a month and a half I will not soon forget. I'm still dreaming of waking up at Harmony House, having a coffee on the deck and taking a walk through those woods... just amazing. I can't wait to see you guys again soon.” – Justin Lerner
Aunt Karen’s Farm was featured in an independent film directed by Justin Lerner’s production company for THE AUTOMATIC HATE (watch film trailer). Upon the film's release in 2015, it was met with critical success. Variety called it an "arresting, skillfully directed seriocomedy." The Farm served not only as a backdrop for many of the scenes, but members of the crew lived on-site in the guest houses during the filming.
“It was SO WONDERFUL shooting on your farm and a month and a half I will not soon forget. I'm still dreaming of waking up at Harmony House, having a coffee on the deck and taking a walk through those woods... just amazing. I can't wait to see you guys again soon.” – Justin Lerner
Environment
Planning has been initiated for an exciting pollinator garden at the farm. Consisting of native plants, this garden will attract, feed, and be nourished by a variety of birds, bees, butterflies, and a host of other pollinators. Signage, walking trails, and seating areas are envisioned.
This is a project of the non-profit Aunt Karen’s Farm which welcomes donations to further its work.
Planning has been initiated for an exciting pollinator garden at the farm. Consisting of native plants, this garden will attract, feed, and be nourished by a variety of birds, bees, butterflies, and a host of other pollinators. Signage, walking trails, and seating areas are envisioned.
This is a project of the non-profit Aunt Karen’s Farm which welcomes donations to further its work.
Artist in Residency
Allen Baldy, jewelry maker and wood worker
Allen Baldy has spent is entire life in service to his country and community as a veteran, fireman and as head of safety at McMurdo Station in Antartica.
At Aunt Karen's Farm he enjoys the quietude for his jewelry making and his wood crafting.
His work has been featured at the Cooperstown Art Association.
Allen Baldy, jewelry maker and wood worker
Allen Baldy has spent is entire life in service to his country and community as a veteran, fireman and as head of safety at McMurdo Station in Antartica.
At Aunt Karen's Farm he enjoys the quietude for his jewelry making and his wood crafting.
His work has been featured at the Cooperstown Art Association.
