About WOWArtSci
"Meditate often on the interconnectedness and mutual interdependence of all things in the universe" -Marcus AureliusScience is Art. Art is Science.
WOWArtSci offers both supported residencies and self-directed retreats for artists and scientists in rural Northern NM. We provide a retreat space for artists and scientists to explore themselves and their passions in a natural setting with total quiet, dark skies (Bortle 2), and easy access to a vibrant, diverse and historic community of artists and artisans. A sense of wonder and amazement about the natural world is worth cultivating (or rekindling). We hope that by cultivating a wander of wonder (or a wonder of wander) we can inspire joy and propel action for our interconnected and interdependent world.
Check out the news page for up to date information about our residency programs. You can subscribe to our bi-monthly newsletter on the homepage.
WOWArtSci is a proud Emerging Program member of Artist Communities Alliance.
Location & Facilities
WOWArtSci is located on 20 Acres in rural Taos County, New Mexico on the Taos Volcanic Plateau aka ‘The Mesa’. We are 35 miles south of the Colorado border as the crow flies, and approximately 13 miles from downtown Taos.
The property is also home to our staff, you may occasionally encounter them on your wanderings.
Staff
-
Founder/Manager: Kiri Hargie
Kirstin Hargie, aka Kiri, is the inspiration behind WOWArtSci. She has spent her life involved in multidisciplinary creative pursuits while simultaneously studying and working in the sciences (biology to tech to geology). She has had her interactive art, experimental animations and writing featured internationally, continues to blog regularly, and her first book of haiku/haibun is forthcoming. When choosing to leave the city for rural life in Taos County, Kiri decided to act on a dream of starting an art AND science residency. The goal is to offer a peaceful space for creative thinkers, surrounded by steady inspiration from the natural world.
Website: Of Wonder and Wander
-
Heliotrope House Manager: Karen Peterson
Karen Peterson moved to Taos County with the intention to spend more of her life outside. She has devoted most of her professional life to service in science-based careers, but creativity and the arts has kept her sane in these pursuits. She holds advanced degrees in the sciences as well as minor emphasis of studies in music and photography. KP, aka Dr. KP, is passionate about gardening and sustainable food systems, nutrition, natural medicine, knitting, learning how to cook and grow just about anything, dogs, coffee roasting, and just staying curious and active from day to day. She aspires to someday turn her love of interior lighting into crafting handmade lamps.
-
Mental Health Coordinator: Miga
Miga is a 4 year old rescue from Baja, Mexico. She was rescued during the pandemic by the awesome organization Street Dog Hero via Cortez Rescue. Miga and her litter mates were discovered by a local farmer in his fields, and brought to Cortez. Miga is now enjoying a quiet carefree life sun-soaking with her feline friend Kitonga. She will happily play frisbee with you anytime!