Open Wabi

Open Wabi’s Artist Residency Program, located in a 100-year-old factory building in rural Ohio, offers emerging and established artists the time, space, and environment to encourage growth and experimentation in their practice.

The residency is designed to allow artists to take risks and pursue new projects and ideas. While in residence, artists are encouraged to pursue their own work amidst a group of peers. Open Wabi facilitates this by providing a 20 acre property with large studios, unique spaces for installation, basic living facilities, and the opportunity for collaboration and critique with visiting artists and critics.

Community involvement: The Participant is encouraged to attend and participate in Open Wabi events whenever possible. Open Wabi believes these events help to foster a sense of community among the Participants and are an avenue for connecting with the public. The Participant is encouraged to attend any exhibitions or open houses during their residency program.

Thematic Focus: The Participant is encouraged to incorporate the theme of the Open Wabi session into their thinking and work, however it is not required. Whenever possible, the Participant is encouraged to collaborate with fellow multidisciplinary participants as and when the opportunity arises.

• Depot Building: A converted railroad depot serves as a living quarters for residents. There are 4 private bedrooms modestly furnished with twin beds, night stands, and storage space. One set of linens (sheets, comforter, and pillow) are provided. There is one shared half-bath in this building. Residents can also use a shared lounge area with seating and a library of books available for residents to borrow. WiFi is provided. (Residents utilize the men’s or women’s full-bathrooms in the factory building for showering.)
• Cabin: Three private cabins are available on the property. They include a bed and desk. No electricity or water. One set of linens (sheets, comforter, and pillow) are provided. Participants who choose to stay in the cabin also have access to all shared spaces and bathrooms/showers.
• Camping: Participants also have the option to camp on the property during their session. Participants are responsible for bringing their own camping gear. Tents and campers are permitted. Electric and water hook ups are not available. Staff will direct you to designated camping areas upon arrival. Participants who choose to camp also have access to all shared spaces and bathrooms/showers.

A portion of the factory building’s main floor has been converted into large, 16 x 30 foot studio spaces. Studios are equipped with tables and chairs. The floors are concrete and the 9-foot ceilings are wood. They are lit with overhead flourescent lighting. 

WiFi is available. The studio building is not air conditioned. Open Wabi can provide fans if necessary. Surrounding wooded areas and pasture are available for those interested in working outdoors. There are also architectural remnants on the property that may be of interest to environmental or installation artists.

Located in the heart of rural Ohio, Open Wabi’s location provides freedom from the distractions of everyday life, aiding artists in the production of their work.They are located on 20 acres just inside Fredericktown city limits. The two original structures on the property — an 80,000 square foot factory and an adjacent train depot — were built in the early 1900s. The property was home to the Sun Glow Furniture factory until the 1960s.

Today, the property has a renewed purpose. “Sun Glow” is still faintly visible on the original water tower overlooking the property, but Open Wabi has given new life to the structures by reshaping a portion of the factory into artist studio spaces and the train depot into living quarters. Open Wabi recently converted 20,000 square feet of the factory structure into an open courtyard area that remains partially enclosed by the original exterior walls. It is an ideal space for environmental or installation projects, along with the surrounding wooded and grassy areas.