Expectations

Guest artists are expected to use their time in residence in Cave Creek Canyon to develop new creative work inspired by the extraordinary landscape and biodiversity of the Chiricahua Mountains. They are also expected to engage at least once in some manner with the surrounding rural community. That could take the form of a hands-on art tutorial for a local school, a presentation or performance at a community event, a demonstration workshop for adults on artistic technique, participation in an environmental service project, etc. Linda and Paul will be glad to assist the artist in selecting and facilitating this community engagement opportunity.

Linda Jakse, guest artist coordinator: ljakse@me.com

Paul Hirt, logistics assistant: paulhirt@me.com

Cave Creek Canyon is a magnificent 3,000’ deep incision through rhyolite rock formations on the east slope of the Chiricahua Mountains. Near the New Mexico border and 60 miles north of Mexico, it is nationally famous among birdwatchers, biologists, conservationists, and night-sky enthusiasts. The mountain range was formed some 20 million years ago in a spectacular volcanic eruption. The tallest peaks of the Chiricahuas rise above 9,700 feet with the surrounding valleys at around 4,000 feet elevation. The core of the ancient volcanic caldera is preserved in Chiricahua National Monument, a unit of the National Park System. Most of the remainder of the mountain range is part of the Coronado National Forest, with 87,700 acres designated as wilderness.

Our property is a 3.5-acre private property along the creek surrounded by national forest, five miles up the canyon from the village of Portal. There are several other parcels of private land adjacent to ours, including the historic Southwestern Research Station owned by the American Museum of Natural History. You can expect peace and quiet, dark skies, cool nights, and the sounds of the burbling creek, chirping birds, and singing frogs for company.

Where you will stay

The cabin was recently renovated. It is a former miner’s bunkhouse brought to the property in the 1950s from the Hilltop Mine in Whitetail Canyon. It is about 400 square feet with three rooms: a bedroom with a queen bed and armoire, a living room with a couch and lounge chair, and a long, narrow kitchen/dining room. The kitchen is fully equipped with a refrigerator, propane oven/range, microwave, coffee/tea station, and a large ranch sink. There is electricity (largely provided by solar) and good WiFi. During the renovation, we added a large screened porch facing the creek, an ideal location for painting or pottery or just reading and relaxing. The water supply comes directly from a spring and is very tasty, although we recommend filtering it. We are on a septic system so care must be taken with what you flush. Please note that the bathroom with a toilet, sink, and tiny shower is separate from the cabin and accessed through the screened porch. The spring water is stored in a tank on a hill above the property and gravity-fed to the house and cabin. Water pressure is low to encourage water conservation.

Rules and Cautions

This is a remote location. Guests must be prepared to self-cater. It is 30 miles to the nearest gas station and 70 miles to the nearest grocery store, so come with a full tank and most of the food you will need for your stay. There are two café’s, one in Portal and one in Rodeo, a small farmer’s market every Saturday in Portal, and a rudimentary store with some basic provisions at Sky Islands Grill and Grocery in the valley near hwy 80. There is a small medical clinic in Portal and the all-volunteer Portal Fire and Rescue in the event that you need medical attention. The town of Douglas is 70 miles south on the US-Mexico border with a super Walmart and a small hospital. The historic and funky former mining town of Bisbee is another 20 miles east of Douglas with art, restaurants, and nightlife. Once you arrive in the canyon, however, you will likely not want to leave. So try to arrive with as much food and necessaries as you think you’ll need for your entire stay.

ACCESSIBILITY: The artist residence is not ADA compliant and not appropriate for people with highly limited mobility. There are several steps up into the porch and cabin, two doors separating the cabin and bathroom, and native grasses and uneven ground surrounding the cabin.

HAZARDS: As you would expect in a remote and wild location, there is plenty of wildlife, including some that may present risks, like rattlesnakes, mountain lions, bears, skunks, wasps, occasional mosquitos and biting gnats. Use sensible precautions when wandering around. There is also the risk of wildfire between April and July and the risk of creek flooding during the monsoon in July-September.

PETS AND GUESTS: Generally, we ask that you do not bring your pet(s) with you. If that is a problem, contact us to discuss it. You may invite a guest to visit, but they must stay with you in the cabin or get lodging in Portal (lovely Cave Creek Ranch is the best option). If you have a guest visit you, we prefer that they only stay for a portion of your residency so that you can focus on your creative work without distraction. Contact us to discuss any exceptions you may want to these general rules.

SMOKING AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES: smoking tobacco or any other burning substance is not allowed in any buildings or on the porch. During peak fire season (April to July) smoking is generally prohibited everywhere in the national forest. Medical marijuana is legal in AZ with a medical card, but recreational pot is not yet authorized. While on our property, please do not imbibe in any recreational drugs that are not legal in Arizona.

To apply for a guest artist stay click HERE.