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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
2010 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 31 years that the Program has been in existence.

TOUR INFO
The Program is pleased to offer the public this access through two types of guided tours: 5 Director’s Tours (General Public: $50 per person, Djerassi Program Members: $40), 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.

Tours are not for the faint of heart. They are led on unpaved and steep trails and climb 300ft in elevation requiring a significant level of physical stamina. All participants should bring drinking water and wear multiple layers of clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Registered guests will receive additional instructions and a map to the property in advance of their scheduled tour. No pets are allowed.
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.

RESERVATION INFO
Reservations for Djerassi Program Members for all Director’s Tours and Two-Mile Tours 1-6 can be made starting March 3, 2010. Reservations for Two-Mile Tours 7-12 may be made starting June 2, 2010. Members may purchase Director’s Tour tickets at $40 and reserve up to four places for the Two Mile Tour. For information on how to become a Member please visit our Mempership page.

Reservations for the General Public for all Director’s Tours and Two-Mile Tours 1-6 can be made starting March 10, 2010. Reservations for Two-Mile Tours 7-12 may be made starting June 9, 2010. Reservations on the Two Mile Tour are limited to two places

To make reservations or for more information, please call the Djerassi Program at (650) 747-1250. To become a Member of the Program please go to www.djerassi.org.

2010 DIRECTOR'S TOUR DATES:
Reservations required
Members Registration fee:$40 per person*
General Public Registration fee: $50 per person*
*non-refundable

Reserve beginning - 9 AM, March 3 for Members

Reserve beginning - 9 AM, March 10 for the General Public

A. Sunday, April 18 FULL

B. Sunday, May 23 FULL

C. Saturday, June 26

D. Saturday, July 17 FULL

E. Saturday, September 11 FULL

2010 TWO-MILE TOUR DATES:
Reservations required
No registration fee

Reserve beginning - 9 AM, March 3 for Members
Djerassi Members may reserve up to 4 participants

Reserve beginning - 9 AM, March 10 for the General Public
General Public reservations are limited to 2 participants

1. Sunday, March 28 FULL

2. Thursday, April 8 FULL

3. Sunday, April 25 FULL

4. Thursday, May 6 FULL

5. Sunday, June 6 FULL

6. Thursday, June 17 FULL

Reserve beginning - 9 AM, June 2 for Members
Djerassi Members may reserve up to 4 participants

Reserve beginning - 9 AM, June 9 for the General Public
General Public reservations are limited to 2 participants

7. Thursday, July 8 FULL

8. Sunday, July 18 FULL

9. Sunday, August 15 FULL

10. Thursday, September 2 FULL

11. Sunday, September 26 FULL

12. Thursday, October 7 FULL

 

 

 

the gift of time    

© Djerassi Resident Artists Program 2010