Doors of Creativity Keep Opening
"I'm finding this experience at Vytlacil incredible. Doors of creativity keep opening". American artist Matthew Beall has been keeping a blog during his stay at The Art Students League of NY Vytlacil Campus.
What to expect at Vyt - The Art Students League of New York Residency
How were the living and studio conditions at Vytlacil (Vyt)? The house sits atop a hill. It's an old house, built in 1906. It's a house with character, not without flaws here and there. Within its walls is a The first floor of Vytlacil's Late Victorian farmhouse contains the office, art supply store, an extensive art library, iMac computer with Photoshop, Wi-Fi, and the three resident studio spaces. The second floor is where the kitchen, shared bathroom, and three good size individual bedrooms. Washer and dryer in the basement.
How is the staff? The staff at Vyt (short for Vytlacil because it's so hard to pronounce) are beyond excellent. They are welcoming, friendly, happy, easy-going, intelligent, and supportive. They go out of their way to make your stay not only comfortable but also enjoyable. If you need anything, you just have to ask. If you want great conversation, all you have to do is just start talking.
What's Vyt like? I didn't know what to expect. I did think that one month was a long time; it's not. To put it very simply, the environment at Vyt is conducive to creativity. And, this probably goes without saying, you get out of it what you put into it.
Where is Vyt located? It's in the small hamlet of Sparkill, NY. Sparkill is about an hour by bus from The Port Authority Bus Station. You can catch the bus into Manhattan at the town square, which is a short (less than 10 minutes) walk from Vyt. The cost for a round trip is approx. 15 bucks plus a bit of change. The Vyt van goes into Manhattan every Wed. You can catch a ride and a ride back later in the evening at no cost.
Eating. Totally relaxed. Lunch is ordered for you every day, but you're on your own for breakfast and dinner i.e. cook it yourself. Once a week or so one of the staff will take you grocery shopping. For me, I find this ideal.
Where can you get art supplies? The Vyt store is pretty small. However, you can order supplies from The League in Manhattan or order and have shipped from a supplier of your choice. I recommend going into the city to Lee's Art Supply located directly across from The Art Students League on 57th Street. Good prices.
July 18, 2010
Matthew Beall
mattbeallart.blogspot.com
