Shadow Walls is a space in transition. Once full of activity and joy, the beloved former Eva’s Farm Resort was long-neglected and is currently undergoing restoration towards its former ebullience.
This retreat will create a space for nourishment, restoration and healing for guests and artists-in-residence in the natural beauty of the Catskill Mountains.
The plan for the grounds include an art-filled b&b, a barn space for events, gallery spaces and multi-purpose bungalow cabins which will including affordable rentals, guest accommodations, and live-work spaces for artists-in-residence. Each accommodation will be a decadent, temporal and sensory experience, decorated in collaboration with various artists. Already in the works are a sustainable flower and mushroom farm and herb and vegetable gardens.
The inaugural self-titled exhibition, Shadow Walls, presented in conjunction with Upstate Art Weekend opened in July 2024, as artists activated the magical, dilapidated Victorian inn with artwork, installation and performance. In November 2024, a hands-on mushroom immersion, brought about the establishment of the community mushroom farm.
The history of Eva’s Farm being helmed by matriarchs, as well as the deep memories of joy and pleasure recounted by past guests creates a deep well of meaning inspiring the design, activities and food programming of Shadow Walls. Founder and artist, Anna Cone seeks to incorporate her own family legacy of inspiring women by supporting marginalized and emerging artists.
The vision is to support artists-in-residence and community programming that can benefit from this time of retreat. Shadow Walls offers studio space and community, lending the opportunity to make more ambitious work, unburdened by financial obligations and limitations of space. An on-site gallery allows artists to show work and engage the public and local communities. Shadow Walls will host exhibitions, residencies, film screenings, lectures and workshops, which could include herbalism, artist’s talks, gardening, themed dinners, foraging, cooking classes, restoration techniques, somatic movement and mountaineering. The barn will host markets for local artisans and community events. Of utmost importance is a commitment to diversity, accessibility, equity and inclusion with a focus on uplifting underrepresented artists and giving a platform to diverse voices. Additionally the b&b and residency programs will provide supportive jobs across the hospitality, healing arts and contemporary arts sectors.