Do I have to apply for a residency?

Yes. Our artist facility is private, invitation-only (and not open to the public). Because we offer inclusion in an exhibition, we require applications so we can maintain the high standard we have built with our gallery programming.

However, we accept and encourage artists of all levels to apply for a residency. This helps us to create a dynamic and inspirational environment that benefits all resident artists. We review applications not only for talent, craft and quality of work, but for the stated intention and purpose of the residency.

Are the residencies free? How many scholarships do you give away each year?

Our residency program is fee-based and we give away 10-15 scholarships per year (full, partial and emerging artist). All artists are considered for a scholarship when they apply through our application, and do not have to apply separately.

We wish we could give scholarships to every artist for this residency experience, but as a small family-run business, it’s simply not a possibility. For artists unable to pay for a residency experience, we encourage them to seek funding outside of the gallery (such as local arts organizations that give grants). We are happy to provide documentation or acceptance letters as requested by these organizations to facilitate the funding process for you.

Artists who complete a residency benefit significantly from the experience, which often is less than the cost of a destination workshop, but with far greater benefits long into the future. It includes exhibition, connection with other artists on a similar path, familiarity with the Santa Fe art market, and a relationship with the gallery.

Is my casita/room and my studio private?

Yes, both your casita/room and studio are private and not shared. Each casita/room has an en suite bath that is private as well. The only shared spaces are our common areas: artist kitchen, one restroom, dining area, outdoor lounge spaces, fire pit, lobby lounge.

What are the details on the exhibition?

Each resident artist is invited to submit 3 pieces of art inspired by their stay with us. We announce this call for submissions on Instagram and our newsletter. AIRs are not required to participate in the exhibition. The art does not have to be made during the residency. From the 3 pieces, we select 1 to be included in an upcoming exhibition.

Artists must have art-making as a priority during their residency (as opposed to prioritizing tourism over art-making and enjoying a cheap Santa Fe vacation) and complete their residency (ie, not leave early) to participate. This is at the discretion of the gallery.

An exhibition and consignment agreement will be provided prior to the show. Artists earn 50% commission on all sales, there is no exclusivity contract (you are free to show with any other galleries), the exhibition will last 6-10 weeks, and there will be an opening reception.

Resident Artist Exhibitions will be scheduled about a year after your residency to allow for artists to return for the opening if they choose (not required). We will have a few exhibitions each year, and each will be themed/named. All details will be provided closer to the date of your exhibition.

Can I come for just a couple of days?

Our residencies run Sunday - Sunday. Our residencies are one-week minimum and one-month maximum. Art House is available for one month minimum, three months maximum and also has full access to our main facilities, including art book library, Monday mixer and Saturday dinner (starting 2026)

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in is after 3;00 pm on Sunday. If you arrive after 8:00 pm, we can arrange self check-in.

Check-out is by 11:00 am Sunday.

What hours can I access my studio?

You can access your studio 24/7. We have quiet hours between 9pm and 9am everyday, and we do not allow amplified music at anytime for the peace and wellbeing of other artists.

What materials are available on site?

We have a shared utility/supply room in the artist wing that has a utility sink, extra folding tables, table risers, chairs, plastic sheeting (for painting on walls), rolls of paper (for covering tables), scissors, wet wipes, shop towels, paper towels, metal meter sticks, screw drivers, hammers, tacks, nails, tape, glue guns, plastic yogurt containers for paint/water, and other misc art supplies left by past artists.

I’m going to paint and/or pin things on the wall in my studio. Is that okay?

Yes, you are welcome to use the walls to paint, but please pin up plastic sheeting prior (tacks and sheeting in the supply room). We ask that any holes larger than a nail hole be filled with caulk (provided) at the end of your stay. Please do not paint on the walls in your casita/room or pin things to the wall. We understand that the studios will have more wear and tear and are for making art.

What is the Art Book Library?

We have a growing art book library for AIRs during their stay. AIRs are welcome to take any book(s) to their studio or room during their stay. We ask that books stay on the property (or at Art House) and are returned to the shelves when finished so other artists can enjoy them. Art books that are taken home/damaged/lost will be applied to the damage deposit for replacement.

What hours can I access the gallery?

The gallery is open to the public Fri, Sat and Sun 11:00-5:00 and by appointment anytime during regular business hours. If you’d like to see the gallery outside of the above public hours, we can set up private access and viewing during regular business hours during your residency. If you have friends coming to visit you while in residency, we can also set up a private viewing.

Can I invite friends or collectors to my studio?

Yes. You are welcome to invite up to 4 people at a time to your studio between 9am and 9pm. If they are coming outside of gallery open hours, we can set up a time for private viewing of the gallery.

Can I bring my partner/spouse/children?

We allow partners/spouses at our main facility with a $150 sharing fee, and because we are an invitation-only private facility, prior written permission is required. We have a maximum of 2 persons per casita/room. Each casita/room has a queen size bed.

At this time, our main/N Chamisa facility is not set up for families, but we offer Art House, 7 minutes away from our main facility, for families, small groups of friends, or a couple wanting more privacy and seclusion. Art House offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 2 studios and can be rented a minimum of 4 weeks, and a maximum of 12 weeks with a 6-person maximum.

Can I use oil paints or petroleum-based products?

Due to disposal requirements and health concerns of other AIRs and the local environment, ARTISTS MUST GET PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION TO USE OIL AND PETROLEUM-BASED PRODUCTS. This includes all encaustic media, oil paints, petroleum based resin, diluting fluids, glazes, varnishes, resins, cleaning fluids, etc (mostly liquified products). Oil-based paint sticks, oil-based crayons and oil-based pastels do NOT need pre-approval.

We need to confirm with other AIRs that will be present during your residency that there are no health concerns for them with petroleum based products. If artists do not seek prior written permission, we may cancel your residency without refund, or you may not have any supplies to work with. We reserve the right to refuse service to protect the health of other AIRs and our local environment, at our discretion.

If approved for usage, artists must agree to proper disposal as required by the gallery, ventilation requirements, and cleaning requirements such as Murphy’s Oil Soap and/or baby oil.

Please email for questions and permission: Jen@JenTough.gallery

Can I heat materials or wax in my studio?

We do not allow any heating implements, hair dryers, hot plates or heat guns. For drying work, artists are invited to dry work in the desert sun in any of our outdoor shared spaces.

What airport should I fly into?

You can fly to ABQ / Albuquerque Sunport (recommended) or Santa Fe Airport (SAF). It takes about 60 minutes to drive from ABQ to our facilities straight up I-25 N, and about 30 from SAF. From both airports you can rent a car. From ABQ, you can take Groome Shuttle or the train (Rail Runner). Contact us for details about what stops/arrival location.

Do I need a car?

We recommend having a car as we are in a semi-rural location, 20 minutes from downtown Santa Fe. There are two shopping centers and other shopping/dining within 1-2 miles, but not easy to walk to. Uber and Lyft do pick up and drop off at our location, but artists have found this inconvenient and slow, and ended up renting a car later in their residency.

Can I ship supplies or art before arrival? Can I ship things home afterwards?

Yes, you can ship up to 2 weeks prior to your arrival to our facilities: Jen Tough Gallery, 4 N Chamisa Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87508. Mark your name on the outside of the box so we know it is yours. We have a shipping store within a 2 minute drive for anything you’d like to ship home after your residency.

Is there a grocery store nearby?

Yes, there is a grocery store 2-minutes away in the Agora Shopping Center, and in town, there is Whole Foods, Trader Joes, food Coop, Natural Grocers and chain grocery stores. You are welcome to store food in the artist kitchen fridge, or in your casita/room. Hummingbird and Sunflower have kitchenettes and apartment size fridges. Raven has an office/dorm size fridge. All rooms have microwaves and Keurig coffee makers. See the room descriptions for more details.

What are the dining options?

• There are multiple restaurants (casual, sit down with tablecloths, and take-out) within a 2-minute drive. See the list here, or on the PDF provided via email.

• We have a list with maps at the facility for your convenience.

• Santa Fe is located 20 minutes away with incredible dining. There are also dining options 5-10 minutes away.

• We offer a food delivery service in-house, with details provided upon arrival. Door Dash and Uber Eats deliver here.

• Starting in 2026, we will be hosting a casual Saturday night dinner for AIRs.

Can I bring my dog(s)?

We no longer allow dogs in our facilities, unfortunately. However, we welcome registered service dogs with prior written permission and no fee, and therapy dogs for a $150 fee plus a cleaning fee and prior written permission. Please email us for questions or details. Artists who show up for their residency with pet(s) without prior permission may be asked to leave without a refund.

Is there an opportunity to get to know other AIRs while I am in residence?

Yes, of course! This is one of the most beloved aspects of our program. Each week we host 3-6 AIRs from all over the country. Our intimate group size allows for each artist to be seen and heard, while allowing for privacy and seclusion to focus and create, with numerous opportunities to socialize via the common areas (lobby lounge, dining area, kitchen, outdoor spaces, fire pit). Starting in 2026, we will be offering a Monday night “mixer” to get to know each other, and on Saturdays a community dinner. While in your studio, artists can open or crack their door if they are open for socializing/visits, or keep it closed for more privacy and focus.

How does the payment and reserving process work?

Once you are accepted for a residency and invited to join us, we will be in touch via email, and begin the reservation process with you. We will narrow down available dates based on your casita/studio/house preference. We will invoice you for a deposit of $500 to hold your space/dates which will secure your reservation. It will be applied to the balance due. About 4-6 weeks prior to your arrival, we will invoice you for the balance due, taxes, $100 cleaning fee and a $350 damage deposit (refundable at departure). You can pay by credit card, debit and other payment methods. Fees and schedule are different for Art House, please inquire. Please see our cancellation policy, terms of service, and privacy policy for more details.