Winter Retreat Program

learn more & apply here!

Deadline Extended to December 1

Spots still available for Jan 15-21 and Jan 22-28

The Anderson Center’s Winter Retreat program is a short-term residency during the organization’s off-season for artists and writers seeking concentrated creative time for reflection and the advancement of their personal artistic goals. A Winter Retreat at the Anderson Center is a fee-based opportunity for up to four artists at a time to live in community and fellowship while working on their own projects in the inspiring setting of the historic Tower View Estate.

The Anderson Center is currently accepting applications for sessions of 1 to 4 weeks in duration from Wednesday, January 9 to Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The weekly rate for a Winter Retreat at the Anderson Center is $650. Arrival takes place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. each Wednesday and includes a short orientation. Check out is by 10 a.m. on Tuesdays. Practicing artists of all backgrounds and at any stage of their career are encouraged to apply.

Tower View Residence in Winter
Writer working at Anderson Center

A self-paced Winter Retreat may be a good fit for:

  • Artists & writers who need time away from daily responsibilities and distractions to focus on a creative project.
  • Visual artists needing access to the Anderson Center’s specific studio facilities.
  • Educators seeking focused creative time during a winter break or sabbatical.

A Winter Retreat is also an ideal opportunity for collaborating artists to advance a project or work alongside one another at Tower View. 

A Winter Retreat in the Historic Tower View Residence includes a private bedroom and a private bathroom, along with access to a fully equipped kitchen, laundry room, living room, dining room, and several common spaces. Bedrooms are equipped with either a king bed, full bed, or twin beds; a desk, a dresser, a large closet, and a comfortable chair.

Artists are responsible for their own food, meals, and transportation.

A self-paced Winter Retreat may be a good fit for:

  • Artists & writers who need time away from daily responsibilities and distractions to focus on a creative project.
  • Visual artists needing access to the Anderson Center’s specific studio facilities.
  • Educators seeking focused creative time during a winter break or sabbatical.

A Winter Retreat is also an ideal opportunity for collaborating artists to advance a project or work alongside one another at Tower View. 

A Winter Retreat in the Historic Tower View Residence includes a private bedroom and a private bathroom, along with access to a fully equipped kitchen, laundry room, living room, dining room, and several common spaces. Bedrooms are equipped with either a king bed, full bed, or twin beds; a desk, a dresser, a large closet, and a comfortable chair.

Artists are responsible for their own food, meals, and transportation. Proof of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination is required prior to arrival.

Writer working at Anderson Center

The Granary Printmaking Studio (with a Vandercook 219 letterpress and Charles Brand-like etching press)or the Darkroom are available for Winter Retreats for $150/week. The fee for a 15' x 26' visual art studio in the North Studios complex (with a sink, heater, easels, and tables) is $100/week.

The Anderson Center does not supply paper or any visual art supplies. Residents are generally expected to bring supplies and tools with them, or have supplies sent to the Center prior to arrival. All Winter Retreat participants should be able and willing to work independently.

Dancers and choreographers interested in using the Tower View Barn for movement work are encouraged to inquire with staff regarding availability and rates. Musicians and composers interested in utilizing the Tower View Barn (and its Grand Royale piano) are likewise encouraged to make a special request about rates and availability.

Winter at Tower View

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Application Form

learn more & apply here!
 Winter Retreat Program Details

The weekly rate for a Winter Retreat at the Anderson Center is $650. It's easy to apply for a Winter Retreat as the application form is short and to the point. Don't delay as spaces fill quickly and acceptance is made at the discretion of staff. The deadline has been extended to December 1st for 2025 January retreats. Rooms are available in weeks 2 and 3.

A 10% discount is offered to local artists living with in Goodhue County, Minnesota. A 50% deposit is due upon acceptance with the balance due at arrival. There is a $30 fee to apply. If accepted the application fee will be applied to the deposit. Application or participation in a Winter Retreat in no way affects eligibility or selection for other Anderson Center Residency Programs.

Deposits are non-refundable.

The Anderson Center does not hire a chef for Winter Retreats and no meals or groceries are provided. Participating writers and artists are expected to do their own grocery shopping and their own cooking in the fully equipped kitchen.

Artists are responsible for their own transportation. Given the time of year, Tower View’s location, and that no food is provided, participating artists and writers staying longer than one week are required to have their own car with them.

All participating Winter Retreat Artists are expected to follow Anderson Center policies including our code of conduct policy.