Djerassi Resident Artists Program | Facilities - Djerassi Resident Artists Program

Djerassi’s facilities are nestled in 583 acres of redwood forests, coastal grasslands, and four additional habitats rich in biodiversity. These all contribute to the residency experience. The artists’ studios and accommodations are in three of the organization’s six buildings.

The Artists' Barn

The Artists’ Barn (c.1965), a unique, remodeled 12-sided cattle barn houses three visual art studios, a large dance studio, a darkroom, and a music composition studio. The Composer’s Studio is provided with some basic equipment, including: microphones, boom mic stands, pre amp, power amp, turntable, CD player, 2 KEF speakers, Fender Passport Event 4-channel and 7-channel speakers, Mackie 6-channel mixer, computer monitor, electric keyboard, Wurlitzer electric piano, and baby grand piano. The studios are rustic with wood burning stoves and modest sleeping lofts. The Artists’ Barn also has a kitchen, large common area, library, shared bathrooms, laundry facilities, and a workshop. The shop tools available to artists include a 15” drill press, bandsaw, two table saws, one chop saw, three welders (gas, arc, and mig), wood lathe, router, large compressor and air tools, pottery kiln, electric pottery wheel, and a sewing machine.

Photo: Anthony Lindsey

The Artists' House

The Artists’ House (c.1965) has four rooms to accommodate writers, each with a large desk, workspace, and outdoor deck. The Artists’ House also contains the main kitchen, living and dining areas, Djerassi alumni library, laundry facilities, and shared bathrooms. The Ranch office and staff living quarters are located in the basement of the Artists’ House.

The Diane Middlebrook Studios

The Diane Middlebrook Studios (2012) are four private live/work studios for writers, media artists and other artists with tidy projects. The studios each have private full bathrooms and outdoor space. Middlebrook Studio A is fully accessible.

Photo: Paul Dyer

The Old Barn

The Old Barn (c.1880s) is located approximately 0.8 miles from the Artists’ Barn. It was reinforced by a steel frame and given a new roof to preserve the integrity of the space. The Old Barn is frequently used by artists-in-residence as an installation site and performance site.

Video: Weidong Yang

The Administrative Offices and Director’s House

The Administrative Offices and Director’s House (c.1975) are located in the original home of Pamela Djerassi, the Program’s namesake. It housed artists from 1979 – 1983. For the first four years, the Program was for women only. When the residency spaces moved to the Artists’ Ranch, the Program expanded to accept all people.

Facilities Rentals

The Artists’ Barn, studios, and sleeping rooms are available for a use-fee on a very limited basis. Food can also be provided. Non-profit and commercial rates are available.

If interested in renting facilities for a retreat or conference, please contact the office at (650) 747-1250 or [email protected] for pricing and availability.