Djerassi Resident Artists Program

The mission of the Djerassi Resident Artists Program is to support and enhance the creativity of artists by providing uninterrupted time for work, reflection, and collegial interaction in a setting of great natural beauty, and to preserve the land on which the Program is situated.

Sculpture Tours

Throughout its history, artists have been drawn to the Djerassi Program’s powerful landscape and have created sculptures and other works that respond to the place and are reflective of the artist’s experience living on the ranch. We allow the property to be an extension of the studio and permit the inspired artist to work with and in the environment. In some cases, a piece is conceived and constructed specifically for its place. Most works are temporal; they have an inherent lifespan that depends on their material and method of construction. Over the years many works have been placed on the land and many have come and gone. About 50 pieces are currently on site; all are evolving with time and the elements. Their presence is testament to the artist’s creative process.

Each year, from mid-April to late-October, the Program offers tours of its property and many of the artworks. Reservations are required. Located in the redwood-forested Santa Cruz Mountains, the Program makes the private 580-acre ranch where the Program facility is located available to the public on a very limited basis. Preserved in perpetuity through a conservation easement obtained through the Peninsula Open Space Trust, the pristine beauty of the natural landscape and the panoramic ocean views are truly spectacular. In addition, the tours include a selection of the more than 40 site-specific sculptures created by visual artists over the 28 years that the Program has been in existence.

The Program is pleased to offer the public this access through two types of guided tours: 5 Director’s Tours ($45 per person), led by Dennis O’Leary, Executive Director of the Program, and 12 Two-Mile Tours (free), led by Program staff; advance reservations are required for both types of tour. All tours begin promptly at 10:00AM; however, we request that participants arrive by 9:45AM at the entrance gate to the Program’s SMIP Ranch on Bear Gulch Road West. Tours are held rain or shine and once a tour begins attendees must stay with the group and remain for the duration of the tour.

Those attending the Director’s Tours should bring a bag lunch for a rest stop at the picnic grounds. This leisurely tour typically lasts about 4 1/2 hours, covers approximately 3 miles, and visits more than 25 sculptures, including the architectural installation, Estaciones des Luz (“Stations of Light”) by Seattle artist Mark Reeves. The Director’s tours offer a look into the Artists’ Barn – the primary studio building for the performing and visual artists – in-depth conversation and personal insights into the artworks as well as the Program’s inner workings and history. The lunch break provides a relaxing respite and opportunity to converse with other participants and enjoy the natural surrounding near Harrington Creek. No pets are allowed.

The Two-Mile Tours last approximately 2 1/2 hours and include approximately 15 sculptures. No picnic facilities are available for the two-mile tours and the Artists’ Barn is not included. All guests should bring drinking water and wear multiple layers of clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Both tours are strenuous as the trails consist of both steep uphill and downhill hiking, totaling approximately 300 feet of elevation. Registered guests will receive additional instructions and a map to the property in advance of their scheduled tour. No pets are allowed.

To best serve our visitors, the Djerassi Program will begin taking reservations for All Director’s Tours and Two-Mile Tours #1– #6 on March 10, 2009 at 9am.

Reservations for Two-Mile Tours #7–#12 can be made starting June 2, 2009 at 9am.

To make reservations or for more information, please call the Djerassi Program at (650) 747-1250.

2009 Schedule

Director’s Tour dates:
Reservations required
Reservation fee: $45 per person
Reserve A. - C. beginning March 10
  A. Sunday, April 19 FULL
  B. Saturday, May 30 FULL
  C. Sunday, June 28 FULL
  D. Saturday, July 18 FULL
  E. Saturday, Sept 12 FULL

Two Mile Tour dates:
Reservations required
Reservation fee: none
Reserve 1. - 6. beginning March 10
  1. Sunday, March 29 FULL
  2. Thursday, April 9 FULL
  3. Thursday, April 30 FULL
  4. Sunday, May 10 FULL
  5. Thursday, June 4 FULL
  6. Sunday, June 14 FULL
Reserve 7. - 12. beginning June 2
  7. Thursday, July 9 FULL
  8. Sunday, July 19 FULL
  9. Thursday, August 20 FULL
10. Thursday, September 3 FULL
11. Sunday, Sept 20 FULL
12. Sunday, October 11 FULL

ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE
SUNDAY, AUGUST 2
Reservations required
General Admission: $30 per person

the gift of time