People have been asking, “What was it like?”
In this post, I will try to give an answer
Open Call
Why YOU should apply for 2020
How to find out more about KIRA
The call is now open for 2020
It seems like yesterday, but at about this time last year I decided to send in an application. I am so glad I did!
If you are a professional artist, take a look at the information about the Kingsbrae International Residence for the Arts, at https://www.kingsbraeartscentre.com/residencies
They have just built a new website, so for current application information make sure you go to the site entitled Kingsbrae Arts Centre.
Six Great Reasons to Apply!
My humble opinion ❤️ . . .
1. The Application
The application requirements might look a bit overwhelming, but they have asked excellent questions. The importance of KIRA already begins with this step. I really found it to be a valuable process, clarifying goals and priorities for my art practice. Understanding the questions also help the artist to learn about what the KIRA selection committee will be looking for.
2. Anticipation
If you are fortunate enough to receive an offer, the fun begins in February! You will be planning for something completely new. Not knowing what to expect is a big part of the excitement!
3. Worthy of Your Bucket List – Unlike anything else out there!
This is a world-class residency program, still quite new, already developing an amazing reputation. It is truly a unique opportunity.
Blossoms in the botanical gardens
. . . on an evening walk
4. Culture and Kindness in St. Andrews
Kindness generosity and trust are truly contagious. There is a special kind of contentment and acceptance that seems to spread from person to person in this lovely coastal New Brunswick town. You will meet really wonderful people, and you will be in awe of the way people here pull together to support their community. Every day there seems to be another special event to look forward to.
Special events at the amphitheatre were always very well attended. KIRA supports the arts in so many different ways!
July 1st at the amphitheatre, with the opening anthem sung by Robert Pilon.
July First, St. Andrews New Brunswick
. . .My last night in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. We could see and hear the fireworks from KIRA, and they continued to light up the sky for the entire walk down to the waterfront. After walking down the hill, there was still time for more down by the pier.
5. Leadership and Generosity
This program shows us all how one extraordinary person with a vision can start a ripple and recruit support from others to make important things happen.You will meet Mrs. Lucinda Flemer, the incredible woman who started Kingsbrae Gardens and the KIRA program. She has improved lives for countless others thanks to her influence and her actions.
The top banner shows studios from the outside. This image shows inside my work space at KIRA. There was great light, a sink, and lots of display walls.
. . . looking out the studio door, there was sometimes even a red cardinal that would visit once or twice each day.
Friday Evening: Resident writer, Chuck Bowie, telling stories on the back deck at KIRA.
June 2019
6. Positive Growth – Professional and Personal
For me, KIRA started the inspiration for a quite significant shift in perspective. The KIRA residency experience can be profound.
Inspirations come from trips to rocky beaches, time in the peaceful gardens, brilliant dinner conversations with amazing people, and inspiring life lessons learned from spending time with other artists. You will have days of full immersion in a lovely studio of your own, with great meals and beautiful private accommodations, plus wonderful things to see and do, right within walking distance.I could not have asked for anything more perfect!
Exploring colours and textures at different beaches in the area
Melanie, the butterfly whisperer, on one of our beach walks.
Great Memories
Sending Thanks
Thank you so much to the many people who make the Kingsbrae Arts Centre and Kingsbrae Gardens work. I am very very grateful to everyone who works there, to everyone who visited, and to everyone who shared the experience. Living at KIRA, for one extraordinary month, was an honour and a pleasure!
Photo by Masha Schenkel
I miss these people! It was so great getting to know this terrific group of artists.
To find out a little more about their work, and about other past residents, you can visit https://www.kingsbraeartscentre.com/artists
Apply Now for Next Summer
If you have not applied yet, make sure you start well before the December 16thdeadline. You will be very glad you did!
Next door in the botanical gardens there were some other residents.
This guy was a confident exhibitionist . . .
. . . This one was a little more reserved. . .
There is something for everyone, and beauty in every style.
What a lovely tribute, Susan! I was the lucky writer who attended KIRA in August. I will never forget the freedom, the friendships, or the encouragement that graced me there. I encourage others from around the world to join us as alumni in this ever-growing community. They will never have an experience quite like KIRA!
So glad to hear from you Ginger. Yes KIRA really is something special!