SPACE on Ryder Farm Launches california Artist Residencies for Families Displaced by Fires
BIG BEAR LAKE, CA – SPACE on Ryder Farm, a renowned artist residency program, has initiated a new residency program in big Bear lake, California, providing fully subsidized support for five artists and their families. The move comes as SPACE reimagines its future following a hiatus to its Family Residency program and in response to the devastation caused by the Eaton-Palisades fires in Los Angeles.
Originally founded in association with the Lilly Awards Foundation, SPACE’s Family Residencies-paused in 2024-previously offered artists dedicated time and space to create while providing arts programming for their children. This new iteration extends that model, offering communal meals, childcare with professional educators, and a community care facilitator alongside dedicated creative time.
The inaugural residents include poet/arts educator Dr. Kahlil Almustafa, screenwriter/performer julia Ahumada Grob, actor/writer John Lavelle, actor/writer/filmmaker Kristin Slaysman, and director Stephanie Ward.The residency will conclude with informal sharings of work created by both artists and their children.
“At the start of this year, we were in deep discussion about what the future of SPACE away from Ryder Farm could look like,” said SPACE Executive Director Laura Simoness. “We were concurrently watching the devastation in Los Angeles unfold as an inevitable result of the Eaton-Palisades fires. It seemed like there might be an organic possibility to share the essential gifts of community, care, time, and space with those in need.”
SPACE is currently seeking donations as it continues to develop new opportunities for artists following the loss of its brick-and-mortar building on Ryder Farm. The organization’s board includes Therese Barbato, Monet Hurst-Mendoza, Blair Russell, and Tamara White.
