Khnemu Studio on Fernwood Farm
Looking for a summer retreat away from bigger cities and want unlimited studio time on a farm with a variety of animals and wide open fields with a “shag-tastic” vintage RV to rest your head? Khnemu Studio is the program for you! The program supports one artist to come and work alongside Dawn Soltysiak, the resident artist and owner of Khnemu Studio. Dawn organizes workshops and classes during the summer and sometimes has guest artists come to do workshops as well. In exchange for having full, free access to the studio, firing and materials and free housing, the resident is expected to work 25 hours a week cleaning/maintaining the studio and working at the Root Cafe which is Dawn’s gallery and cafe in town.
On my way to Khnemu, I made a stop at Dee’s Lakeshore Farm where I had the pleasure of meeting Dee herself. I bought a few apples, some honey and some jam. She threw in a few more apples because she said she wanted me to stay healthy and get my vitamins while on the road. Lovely experience there.
I came to visit in the fall when the Khnemu Studio was already set for winter. The studio is a large converted barn and during the summer and residency time, more of the workspace is opened up and spread out. When you drive up, you’re greeted by roaming chickens, ducks and geese. There’s also two friendly dogs and a couple cats who keep you company in the studio. The farm is also located fifteen minutes away from Lake Michigan.
Fernwood Farm is a happily situated, classic farm amongst other farm fields a little outside the small town of Fennville and fifteen minutes from a larger town called South Haven. Dawn described the program (and I would agree) a great residency for students right out of undergrad who are looking for a next step in developing their studio practice and what direction they want their work to go. The vintage RV the resident is given to live in is straight out of the 70’s including a disco ball and fabulous orange shag carpet. Anyone taller then me (5’6”) would have a tough time fitting in the space, especially the shower and bathroom, but it is equipped with all the necessities. And what an experience to live in a RV from the 70’s for the summer!
