Tayari's Blog: Summering At A Colony? FAQs!

What sort of clothes should I bring?
For most colonies, there is no dress code. I'd say bring things that are comfortable to wear, but decent enough to be seen in. (I like to wear my overalls.) Since laundry will be a little bit inconvenient, I recommend pants or capris that can be worn more than once between washings, but takes lots of shirts.

You will also want to take a couple of nicer outfits. Sometimes writers give readings at the colonies and you may not want to look like a hobo. Sometimes the writers will want to travel into the nearest town for shopping or dinner so bring something you can be seen in public in.

As for the shoe situation: you want comfy shoes as you will want to explore the grounds. Make sure you have some closed-toe shoes.

Also, make sure you go to weather.com and find out the average highs and lows for the time of year. Remember that the weather may change quite a bit over two months, so be ready to layer and un-layer.

What's the food like?
Different colonies have different dining procedures. The fancier ones, like Yaddo and MacDowell, are pretty much full service. Three squares are yours for the eating. The only clean-up required is to take your empty plate to a conveyor belt.

Other colonies may ask the residents to clean the kitchen. Sometimes, dinner is provided, but you are expected to make your own lunch-- this is usually warming up leftovers from the previous evening.

Most places make allowances for dietary restrictions and will ask before hand.

You can also bring wine to dinner, for yourself or to share!

What's the diversity situation?
Well, it could be better. If you are a person of color, you probably are the racial diversity. The environment tends to be rather liberal and tolerant of all manner of difference, though I didn't see many accommodations for artists with disabilities.

Should I bring my laptop? Should I bring other writing supplies?
Bring your laptop. If you are driving up, I'd bring a printer, too. If you're flying, no worries; there will be a printer for all to share in the main hall. I bring pencils, electric sharpener, and some plain paper to write long-hand.

Will I work and sleep in the same space?
Maybe. Some colonies, like MacDowell give the writers a separate studio in which to work. Others give a person a suite-like set up where you sleep in a bedroom and have an adjoining office. For others you have one room to use as you will.

Will I have to share a bathroom?
Maybe, but probably only with one other person. Bring your robe; don't nobody want to see you in your birthday suit.

Am I going to want my car?
If it is convenient, yes. If the colony is within five hours of home, by all means, drive. This will give you flexibility to journey into the town, and maybe some sightseeing. But if this is not a good plan for you, most colonies have a shuttle of some type making daily or close-to-daily runs into the town.

Can I come and go as I please?
You can, but isn't the whole point of being at a colony, to be at the colony?? Don't think of the colony as a crash pad, while you gallivant all over New England. Stay put. Do your work. Of course you are allowed to disappear for a day or so, but every day your room and studio stand empty is a day that could have been used by a more deserving artist.

Do I need to bring money?
Technically, you don't need any money-- food and shelter are provided. However, everyone likes to have some pocket-change to buy wine for dinner, snacks or sodas to keep in your studio, and any personal items you want. An allowance of $50 a week should be plenty. Don't forget to bring money to arrange for transportation back to the airport when your stay is over.

I hear colonies are great for networking. Is it rude to ask someone to read my book?
Yes, it is. People come to colonies to work and relax. Most places ask you to bring your work and it will be made available for people who might want to borrow it for a few days. If someone is remotely interested in your work, they know where to find it.

Is it rude to ask people about thier work at dinner? Can I ask someone about her current project?
Sure, people love to talk about what they are up to. Just don't ask to see it.

Will there be a library?
Probably. Most places will have a collection of books written by previous residents. Make sure you bring your book to add to the collection.

But what if I don't have a book yet?
Simmer down, Little One. That's okay, If you were accepted, you belong there. Bring some short stories or poems in a nice folder. That will be just fine.

Will there be someone monitoring my progress?
Nope. The colony is the gift of time. Some people will generate lots of new work, others will just edit. I even knew one man who slept most of the time-- he was just recharging his batteries. You should use the time in a way that feels comfortable to you. The last thing you want to go to away to a colony and then feel stressed because you are not accomplishing enough.

(Thanks Allison, for all your help with this!)