2012 Sculpture Tours
Each year, from mid-April to early-October, the Djerassi Program offers a limited number of tours of its private SMIP Ranch property, where the artist residency program is located. 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 33 years that the Program has been in existence.
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. 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.
TOUR INFO
The Program is pleased to offer the public this access through two types of guided tours:
5 Director’s Tours ($50 per person), led by Margot H. Knight, Executive Director of the Program.
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. No pets allowed.
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.
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.
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.
RESERVATION INFO
To make reservations or for more information, please call the Djerassi Program
at (650) 747-1250.
DIRECTOR'S TOUR DATES:
Reservations required
Registration Fee: $50 per person*
*non-refundable
Reserve beginning - 9 AM, Wednesday, March 7
A. Sunday, May 20 FULL
B. Saturday, June 23 FULL
C. Sunday, June 24
D. Sunday, August 5 FULL
E. Sunday, September 9
TWO-MILE TOUR DATES:
Reservations required
No Registration Fee
Reserve beginning - 9 AM, Wednesday, March 7
Reservations are limited to 2 participants
1. Sunday, March 18 FULL
2. Sunday, April 8 FULL
3. Sunday, April 29 FULL
4. Sunday, May 13 FULL
5. Sunday, May 27 FULL
6. Sunday, June 17 FULL
Reserve beginning - 9 AM, Wednesday, June 6
Reservations are limited to 2 participants
7. Sunday, July 1
8. Sunday, August 12
9. Sunday, September 2
10. Sunday, September 16
11. Sunday, October 7
12. Sunday, October 21 |
