The JTH Artist Residency
A Residency Immersed in Nature
As our world grows increasingly disconnected from nature, we are all witnesses to the consequences. But change begins with reconnection and unhurried observation... until we reawaken to nature's beauty all around us.
The Joshua Tree House Artist Residency is a week-long micro residency inviting artists to challenge our society's increasing detachment from the natural world. Built to encourage equal parts inspiration and reflection, this program provides dedicated time and space at JTH Tucson to facilitate the actualization of creative projects. We hope to provide an opportunity that will disrupt routine, invite connection with fellow residents, and ignite a longing to protect the earth.
Frequently asked questions
August 11-18th, 2025.
JTH Tucson, a property by The Joshua Tree House, which borders Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona.
- Private lodging and workspace at JTH Tucson
- Access to property grounds and common areas
- Complimentary bath house session (cold plunge and sauna)
- Welcome dinner
- Optional final presentation
- Opportunity to connect with fellow resident artists
One week: August 11-18th, 2025.
We will select up to 7 artists—each artist will have a private bedroom or suite at the inn.
The program is designed for artists whose work:
- Challenges society's detachment from the natural world
- Engages meaningfully with the surrounding desert environment
- Embraces unhurried observation as part of the creative process
Yes, this is an open call to all artists who are craving the time and space to create and reconnect with nature.
Yes! If engaging with the heat is not for you, this residency won’t be either. August is monsoon season in the Sonoran desert, so you may find yourself amid sunny hot days in the 100’s with afternoon rainstorms that often result in rainbows. A stay in the heat of the summer is an opportunity to flow with nature’s rhythms and seasons—early mornings spent picking prickly pear fruit, slow shaded afternoons spent creating, and evenings under the stars.
For those interested, the JTH team will be offering an early morning prickly pear fruit harvest and juice making session, as well as an evening walk after dark to connect and engage with misunderstood creatures.
Yes, the goal of this residency is to offer time and space to artists in need of a reset and have a desire to reconnect with nature. We feel this reconnection is more needed than ever to protect our precious planet.
We do however ask that one piece of work is left behind. This can be created before the residency and brought with you, or created during the residency itself.
No, artists are responsible for arranging and funding their own transportation to and from JTH Tucson.
Yes, artists must supply all art materials needed for their specific medium and project.
Only the welcome dinner is included. Artists are responsible for providing their own meals throughout the rest of the residency.
Please keep in mind that JTH Tucson is in a rural location. We highly recommend bringing in a week’s worth of groceries so you can focus and stay on site throughout the program. All rooms have dual drawer fridges, and the main kitchen has a common fridge and freezer.
Projects should align with the mission of challenging society's detachment from the natural world. You'll need to explain in your application how your project engages with or responds to the natural world.
The closest airport is Tucson International Airport (TUS). Airports that fly non-stop to Tucson include but are not limited to: Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Seattle and more.
Ideally residents will come alone to allow the time and space to focus on creating. However, if bringing others along is integral to your work ((ie new mother, physical assistance, group work etc), please include that information in your application.
Tucson, Arizona
Located in the southeastern region of the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, Tucson is known for its Saguaro cacti, and being a UNESCO designated city of Gastronomy. The city itself is a dark sky city, and is surrounded by the east and west sides of Saguaro National Park making both city and nature easily accessible.
Upon entering the city of Tucson, you’ll be greeted by a creative energy and many independently owned businesses. Some of our favorite places to check out in the city are the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, MSA Annex, The Coronet, Tito & Pep, Bata, San Xavier Mission, Penca, Falora, Midtown Mercantile, and the Loft Cinema.
