willow house artist residency parker thornton — ARTIST RESIDENCIES

Established in 2019 by Lauren Werner King, the Willow House Residency was created as a space for artists to retreat, reflect, and focus deeply on their work in the inspiring landscape of West Texas. Now in its seventh year, the program continues to celebrate and support artists across a wide range of disciplines.Interested in participating? check out our application.

Follow us on Instagram for more information about our annual residency program (including application process). Expect to see information beginning in the May or June prior to the August residency.

Apply here

@jeremytwalls captured this beautiful photo of this stunning place that we are lucky enough to have daily access to. Living and being able to show visitors how special this region is... it is a gift. Go on a river for a few days. Respect it and love it. Then, if you feel like a cocktail, comfy bed and maybe a shower.... come visit us at willow house after. #visitbigbend

Warmer weather in Texas. Hopefully we start to see some green after all the snow. Looking forward to spring in the desert. @abstractconformity 📷

Anyone who ventures to the Big Bend region does so with intention. They have to. It is so ‘out of the way’ that no I-10 road trip traveler would happen upon this place by accident. As the most remote area in the lower 48, the Big Bend draws the most thoughtful, curious, and intriguing individuals. Many of those travelers, like myself 7 years ago, get addicted to both the beauty and freedom that exist within this region. While having no previous knowledge this segment was in the works, I am so glad it was made. “Big Bend: The Wild Frontier of Texas” felt like a love letter to the park and the Rio Grande Valley. For anyone who has yet to explore the region, watch this. I look at this photo and still cannot believe it is the view I wake up to everyday. Respect our parks, they are so precious. Well done @pbsnature + everyone else involved

One of the best sounds on earth. These. Blowing in the wind while canoeing down the Rio Grande River. Or sitting on a rock in the Rio while taking a dip mid drive.

Good Morning 🌞

It has been an absolute treat to see this magical desert covered in snow to ring in the new year. Humbling & energizing.

Always welcome 🌞

Feels nice. 📷 @claire_schaper

Big Bend National Park is nothing short of magical. The changes in topography, vegetation, and color as you explore different areas of this great park is a special thing to witness. @abstractconformity captured this moment. Thank you for sharing. We encourage people to get out into the park, take a lesser known hike, drive around for hours. You will not regret it. 📷 @abstractconformity

There are very few places in the world, let alone the United States, where one can see not only the stars... but also the moon in all its glory. The Big Bend is one of those places. We are very lucky to be surrounded by such majestic forces of nature. This was captured by @davidhime 📷

Fall has arrived in the high desert and it feels crisp and wonderful. Chilly mornings in big sweaters and a cup of coffee- looking at the sun rise over the Chisos.

A special shot in the Main House by @claire_schaper

Desert lines.

Finding a shady spot in the desert to relax. #highdesert #desertlandscape #farwesttexas #bbnp #terlingua #southwestdesert #bigbendnationalpark #visitbigbend #desertdesign #desertarchitecture 📷: @claire_schaper -architectural & interiors photographer

This week, Far West Texas is losing two good ones. @reesebrosbbq - we will miss you. San Antonio is in for a real treat. The Reese Brothers will be opening up shop in the coming months and we are so darn excited for our friends. Don’t be surprised if you see the Willow House team behind the register from time to time. Nick & Elliott: thank you for being the two best quarantine members 4 people could ask for, thank you for helping collect rocks and build gabions in 100 F heat just for the hell of it, thank you for feeding us, thank you for showing kindness to everyone you come in contact with. You are as good as it gets. Goodluck! 🤠

This photo by @parker.thornton so accurately portrays Willow House. An austere, monochromatic exterior and a warm, glowing interior. Filled with friendly faces and familiar strangers that may become friends. A safe place to isolate in the vast desert surroundings. Thank you for this photo Parker! 📷 @parker.thornton

Nice light happening in Casita No. 1. 📷 @jackieleeyoung

What is it about Ocotillos? They are so incredibly strange yet so beautiful. They remind us of a plant you would find at the bottom of the ocean. 📷 @jackieleeyoung #visitbigbend #terlingua #bbnp #desertplant #highdesert #bigbendnationalpark #desertsky #darksky #bigbendnationalpark #desertarchitecture

Finding a space to stay cool during these hot summer days, post hike. This is the spot. 📸: @editmode.us Painting: @reag_art

Mother Nature + rugged wilderness can remedy even the toughest of times. When the noise gets to be too much, these massive landscapes put things into perspective. Nothing quite like high desert. Thank you for capturing this @claire_schaper - love all of your work. #highdesert #bbnp #visitbigbend #terlingua #bigbendstatepark #riogranderiver #farwesttexas #desertretreat #americanroadtrip #texasroadtrip #southwestroadtrip

Follow us on Instagram for more information about our annual residency program (including application process). Expect to see information beginning in the May or June prior to the August residency.

↞ ARTISTS ON DISPLAY ↠