Applicants
Application Strategy
Who determines the residency awards?
After reviewing the work samples, a panel of art and literary professionals rate and rank the applicants based on the development or promise of a personal vision or voice.
How many applications do you receive?
Jentel averages around 275 applications for 66 residencies with 5-10 partnership invitees.
When is a Jentel residency in highest demand?
May 15th -September 7th are the most heavily requested dates for a residency.
A winter residency in Wyoming. Really?
Winter in Wyoming is a well kept secret and for many state residents their favorite time of the year. Unlike some parts of the country, Wyoming frequently enjoys a sun drenched crystal blue sky plus the physical and psychic solar effect that it generates. Low humidity outside and well insulated facilities inside at Jentel add to the level of creature comfort.
If I am traveling through the area, may I visit Jentel before I apply?
Since the privacy of the residents is foremost, views of the facilities from the office parking lot and visits with staff may be available Monday through Friday during the day. Please contact the office ahead of time and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Do you accept invitations for collaborations?
Collaborations may be accepted for a residency; both artists need to submit separate applications along with a joint proposal. Please indicate in the proposal the requirements for work space.
Do you accommodate applications for couples?
Couples who are artists or writers may apply individually with the understanding that one partner may be accepted and the other may not.
Studio
How large are the artist studios?
The artist studios are located in a pole barn, a typical metal ranch outbuilding that is outfitted with ventilation and lighting to accommodate four artists with large, individual 400 square foot studio spaces. Studios are equipped with two worktables (one on wheels and glass topped at 76 x 34 inches and the other metal topped at 34 x 60 inches), a standard wooden straight back chair, an adjustable stool on wheels, a full length mirror, a day bed, a utility sink with hot and cold water, a small metal trash can, a closed metal cabinet, a paper towel dispenser, broom and dust pan, and good overhead light with both track and fluorescent lights on separate controls. Flat fourteen foot ceilings enhance the spaciousness of the studio. A small single window allows visibility to the outdoors and maximizes the amount of running, usable wall space (11, 13 and 24 continuous running feet) for two dimensional work.
Do you have fully equipped ceramics, sculpture or printmaking studios at Jentel?
Jentel is a low tech and no equipment residency.
How can I work without a fully equipped studio?
Sculptors, ceramists, textile artists and artists creating in media that are often heavily based in equipment and technology intensive studio support have all come to Jentel and had successful residencies. The residency opportunity is only limited by the imagination of the artist to use the unfettered time and space.
Do I need to bring my own tools?
Residents are urged to bring an adequate stock of art materials and supplies for their session. If you need a tool or piece of equipment on a continual basis, you are expected to buy or bring your own. Check with staff before proposing a project that requires bringing major equipment, since there may be matters related to noise, safety and ventilation to consider.
Does it make any difference if my residency proposal involves making art work and writing?
Four studio spaces are designed for visual artist needs and two for writers. The writer studios are cozy, comfortable carpeted spaces with limited WiFi internet access. They may never be used for art making. The artist studios are spacious, well lit and ventilated work spaces. For visual artists with their own laptops, the studios do have access to limited WiFi. Visual artists and writers use one dedicated studio for the duration of the residency. Your proposal should match your studio request.
What is the Internet setup for visual artist studios?
Residents, who bring their own computers, may connect to our limited WiFi in the Artist Studios for their creative work. As with most rural settings and understandably in the least populated state in the country, broadband internet is often slow. Streaming Netflix, Skype or streaming a favorite radio station further slows down and stops Wifi access for all users.
What is the Internet setup for writer studios?
Writers using electronic media to create their work need to bring their own hardware and software for use in the studio while at the residency. This includes a printer. Each writer’s studio can reach our limited WiFi. Streaming Netflix, Skype or streaming a favorite radio station further slows down and stops Wifi access for all users. Give up any plan to stream while in residence.
How about the writer studios?
Two separate writer studios are located in a cabin that is outfitted with furnishings and utilities in comfortable spaces to support privacy and reflection. Studios are equipped with a writing desk and adjustable office chair, a desk lamp, a reclining chair, book shelves and overhead track lighting. A window allows visibility to the outdoors. Each studio has separate climate control.
Funding
What are the expenses related to Jentel?
Residents are responsible for transportation to and from Sheridan and for transporting or shipping personal items, materials and equipment needed for creative work. Residents also shop and prepare meals and purchase personal items. As part of the residency award, a $300 stipend helps to defray some of these expenses.
Does Jentel award additional funding?
Residents, who need funding for travel, materials, supplies and/or at home expenses, are encouraged to research opportunities through state arts councils, local and regional foundations, related resources and some social media platforms.
How much is the application fee?
The application fee is $30. Nonrefundable.
Character Statement
What is most important for my character statement for my Jentel application?
Since Jentel already has a panel of jurors to review your work sample and to make recommendations for residency awards, select individuals who may address your ability to thrive in a small isolated community in a rural setting and be self directed as an individual in your work. Jentel is located on a ranch twenty miles from town and your time is primarily unscheduled.
I am self taught and don’t have any teachers or mentors to contact for a character statement. What do I do?
The individual should primarily address your interpersonal skills, self motivation and self direction. Select people who know you, who have worked with you or who have had an opportunity to observe your life and/or work habits in a group setting or situations. These individuals should know you well enough that they address these qualities and do so objectively.
Eligibility
What are your eligibility guidelines?
Residencies are intended as professional and creative development opportunities for visual artists in all media and writers in creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. Proposals for self-directed, creative residencies must be compatible with available working studio spaces, facilities, and resources. The quality of the creative work and promise are the basis for selections. Mature, mid-career and emerging artists are encouraged to apply.
I am a U.S. citizen living in Buenos Aires. Am I eligible to apply to Jentel?
Jentel welcomes applications from U.S. citizens wherever they may reside or roam.
Am I eligible to apply to Jentel, if I am taking a course at the university this semester?
Yes. Only matriculated students with a course load of nine or more semester hours must wait until after they graduate to apply to Jentel.
I am a French citizen and spend part of my year in the U.S. with my cousin. Am I eligible to apply to Jentel?
If your primary residence for the year you are applying to Jentel is in the U.S., we welcome your application. U.S. citizenship is not a requirement; only residence.
How often may I apply?
After five years have lapsed, previous residents may reapply for a residency by submitting a new application with new work. Artists who have applied previously may reapply by submitting a new application and new work.
Do you collaborate with Ucross in any way?
In a state that is 450 miles by 425 miles, Wyoming enjoys the unique situation of having two residency programs within ten miles of each other. Jentel and Ucross staff are always open to the opportunity, as cooperative ventures further strengthen the cultural community in the area and enhance the experiences of the respective residents.