The Joshua Tree Highlands Artists Residency (JTHAR) was founded nearly two decades ago. It continues to provide opportunities for artists to immerse themselves in their work and experience the Morongo Basin’s unique desert beauty. Artists apply through cafe.org once a year, and the board reviews the applications to select approximately 10 artists annually. Now, it’s two to three artists at a time for a seven-week residency three times a year in the spring, fall, and winter. The artists receive housing, studio space, a small stipend, and the chance to connect with the local community, an essential part of the experience. Other resident opportunities are provided as funding allows. Some past residents return when space is available to continue their work.
Frederick Fulmer, a painter and an art teacher, and James Berg, an accomplished screen and television writer, are the Residency’s founding fathers and board members.
Berg said, “Our mission is simple: give artists uninterrupted time and space to focus on their creativity. Many have told us their time here has been life-changing.”
During their Residency, the artists create new works and participate in an open studio event where they showcase their art to the local community.
As a nonprofit organization, JTHAR continually raises funds to provide artists with opportunities. However, it is essential to raise funds for next year’s residents by the end of this year. Contributions are tax-deductible, and support is greatly appreciated and directly benefits the artists.
The Residency hosts emerging and established artists, and its alumni have shown their work in New York, Europe, and beyond. Notable past resident Sandy Rodriguez received the Alma Ruiz Fellowship, underscoring the Residency’s global reach and impact.
Berg explains the rigorous selection process: “We have seven-week sessions throughout the year, but applications close on December 15. They just closed in 2024, and we’ll pick the artists for the 2025 and 26 seasons. Every year, we have a call that ends on December 15.”
The board members then meet at the end of January to review all the applications, discuss them, and announce the artists in mid-February.
“We take great care in choosing the artists. It’s a democratic process involving all board members, and we deeply respect the journey of every applicant.”
The Residency thrives on community support, and Fulmer emphasizes the importance of donations. There are also incentives to donate. “From January to March,” Fulmer said,” we have an artist from Canada, Edward Wan Fu Chen, a paper maker and a printmaker.” He’s offering paper-making workshops during his January to March stay in Joshua Tree. Funds received will go directly to him. Chen graciously is also providing Homemade silk-screened tea towels from his California imaged art to donors of $250 or more. Sandy Rodriguez, from Los Angeles, now at LACMA, the Hammer, and the Huntington, is offering a print of a Joshua Tree on a mate paper for donors of $1,000 or More. But any amount is appreciated, and you can meet the artists, spend time with them, and become part of the JTHAR family.
Berg said, “Every dollar goes directly to the artists—covering their supplies, living space, and expenses. It’s a tangible way to support the arts and the creative spirit that thrives here in Joshua Tree.”
For more information or to donate, visit the Joshua Tree Highlands Artists Residency website.
