The three or four of you who pseudo-religiously read "Why I Hate Chihuahuas" might be wondering (it occurred to me this afternoon) what the Anderson Center for Interdisciplinary Studies is, exactly. Well, here's the abridged version. . .
The Anderson Center is a place where writers come to write, artists come to create, musicians come to compose, and academics come to study. Each Month, after a rigorous application process, five to seven applicants (out of hundreds) are chosen on the merit of their submitted work and creative promise for a full residency at the 1915 estate of the inventor of puffed cereal, A.P. Anderson. Our only requirements while we are here are that we work, and that we attend dinner every day at 6:30PM.
There are no classes, no lectures, no activities, no final project (we do however, perform an afternoon of local community service while in residence). Writers, artists, musicians, and academics come for two weeks to one month under the patronage of the Anderson Center. We are provided housing, an never depleting pantry and refrigerator, a cook, a housekeeper, complete use of the 340 acre grounds, offices, libraries, public rooms, studios, greenhouse, turtle pond, sculpture garden, two art galleries (complete with original Picassos, Miros, and Chagalls), the beautiful Edwardian mansion, and of course, the Tower with its 76 steps up to a magical round room and parapet.
All this so we can create art. It's a gift, it's an honor. It still seems a dream that I'm here. . .
Write on, shine on,
Thomas
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