Ghost Ranch, an Education & Retreat Center in Abiquiu, NM is nestled amidst breathtaking red and yellow cliffs where vibrant colors dance to life and the intersection of history and spirituality is discovered. From captivating archaeological sites to invigorating outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding, Ghost Ranch provides a sanctuary for exploration, rejuvenation, and the nurturing of one’s inner self. With a diverse and storied past, which encompasses the majestic era of dinosaurs and the artistic presence of icons like Georgia O’Keeffe, Ghost Ranch warmly welcomes individuals from all corners of the world who seek inspiration, connection, and a profound sense of wonder within its transformative embrace.

Estudio Corazón is an artist residency program within Ghost Ranch. The mission of Estudio Corazón is to nurture creatives of all sorts in their artistic pursuits. We foster a healthy experience for our residents by laying aside judgment, prejudice, and expectations to create. There is no requirement to do anything at the residency because we know the experience alone has the potential to make significant impacts on the residents and expand their creativity. Writers can upload headshots or jpgs of work samples. If writers are still having trouble applying through CaFE, they can feel free to email estudiocorazon@ghostranch.org directly. 

Seven artists at a time are housed in individual casitas, each with a separate bedroom and studio. The living side has a queen bed, writing desk and chair, lounge chair, dresser, and clothes hanging space. The studio is equipped with a 4’ x 8’ work table, a 8’ x 4’ vertical work board, an H-Frame wood easel, display shelves, stool, fan, folding camp chair, and a small refrigerator. All residents share a large bathhouse a short distance from the casitas.

Residents enjoy three meals per day in our dining hall which is a 10 minute walk from the casitas and can accommodate gluten free and vegetarian diets. Those with specialized diets are free to bring any food items they need and to use the refrigerator, microwave and toaster oven in our community room casita.

Accommodations are functional but not luxurious and have no air-conditioning and the grounds can be rugged so residents must be able to navigate rutted, uneven, and unpaved ground and should be prepared for rustic lodging.

While the Estudio Corazón casitas are in their own area of the Ranch, Ghost Ranch is filled with a range of activities and a diverse community of visitors. Since Ghost Ranch is an active ranch, there will be critters like snakes, reptiles, rodents, insects, and even the occasional mountain lion.

Residencies are 2 or 4 weeks and we accept a variety of mediums.  Access to any Ghost Ranch specialized equipment (like kilns and jewelry lab) is not available, however. 

For best consideration, apply by these jury dates:

Note: Cost per session is also listed below. 

May 9-29, 2025: $3000 Apply for best consideration by November 9, 2024

June 2-15, 2025: $1950. Apply for best consideration by December 2, 2024

June 19 - July 2, 2025: $1950 Apply for best consideration by December 2, 2024

June 2- July 2, 2025: $4500 Apply for best consideration by December 2, 2024

August 3 -16, 2025: $1950 Apply for best consideration by December 2, 2024

Sept 4-17, 2025: $1950 Apply for best consideration by February 4, 2025

Sept 21 - Oct 4, 2025: $1950 Apply for best consideration by February 4, 2025

Sept 4- October 4, 2025: $4500 Apply for best consideration by February 4, 2025

October 7-  Nov 2nd, 2025: $3900 Apply for best consideration by March 7, 2025

Please note there is no WiFi at the casitas, yet there are spots in other locations on the ranch for communication.

Testimonials: 

"Being a first-generation Mexican American, the values of providing and caring for our community is deeply ingrained in us. However, this can at times mean neglecting to care for ourselves. My time at Estudio Corazon was an invaluable opportunity to nurture myself in ways that are rarely accessible to underrepresented artists. The environment allowed and provided me time in multiple facets: for me to recenter, to reconnect with land, to delve into reading, and to create art that engages in critical conversation within a visual medium. Knowing Ghost Ranch is putting in work to support its community members and visual artists in this and many other ways is appreciated. This experience is something I will cherish and carry forward in my artistic journey." - Daisy Quezada Urena

"My time at Estudio Corazón was transformational. Besides the unparallelled landscape and resources at Ghost Ranch, I experienced long stretches of silence, and the time and space to research and initiate a new body of work. The artifacts of my two-week residency (drawing, writing, photography) are strong and satisfying. But more importantly, being able to make work at Estudio Corazon shifted something for me:  it opened a new way of imagining my studio practice and the conceptual ideas with which I am working. Unfettered time with no expectations, and the opportunity to reflect and generate new ideas in an artist-centered environment is a rare gift."  - Cristina Gonzalez

Application Requirements

Applicants must be 18 years or older. 

Eligibility Criteria

There is no requirement to do anything at the residency because we know the experience alone has the potential to make significant impacts on the residents and expand their creativity. Residents are responsible for transportation, materials, and personal expenses.