MAUSER HARMONY WITH NATURE FOUNDATION
APPLY NOW!
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2022/2023
For fees and residency information - Res Artist
Please send completed application to info@mauserfoundation.org
How you can keep the ECOHOUSE alive and well.
You can support artists with a tax deductable donation to the Mauser Harmony with Nature Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. We support students, businesses, and non-profit organizations who are committed to honoring and respecting our natural world.
Get to know Dr. Mauser.
The Mauser Harmony With Nature Foundation was created in honor of Dr. Mauser. Dr. Mauser was a professor at Wayne State University and aimed to educate others on how to live, work and play harmoniously within the environment.
Where we are
Located near the town of Parrita on the the Pacific Ocean side of Costa Rica.
Annual Scholarship
Since 2000, we've given an annual scholarship to a student at Wayne State University who has a focus on sustainability.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR RESIDENCY
What is the Mauser Eco House?
The Mauser Eco House is an Artist Residency program where artists from all over the world for a minimum of two weeks come to work on their personal projects. We accept all kinds of focus areas and mediums whether is be visual art, installation art, fiber and textile arts, performance art, writing, and more.
Where are we located?
We are located in Costa Rica, two and a half hours south from the SJO airport in Alajuela. We are located in the mountains, around 10 km away from the closest town, named Parrita, on the central pacific side, in between Jaco and Quepos. It is important to note that we are fairly secluded up in the jungle with no shops within walking distance. Some artists choose to rent a car if they are interested in doing more exploring of the area. We are partnered with a tour company that offers day trips for an additional fee. Please see Day Trips below for more details.
How can I apply for the Residency?
We accept applications year round and if you are interested in applyng you can reach out to info@mauserfoundation.org for additional information and our application document.
What is the residency program like?
The day to day at our residency program looks different for everyone, depending on if you're coming as a grant winner, a volunteer artist, or an artist in residence. We allow plenty of time for work on personal projects and art throughout the day, and plan many weekend trips and day trips to natural sights, beaches, hikes, and tours in the area. These day trips are always optional and the schedule is flexible here at the house.
What is included in the residency program?
Again, what is included depends on whether you are a grant winner, a volunteer artist, or an artist in residence. The details are broken down and listed below, but will also be given in more specific detail after your application to the residency is approved.
-there are different bedroom accomodations available, including the deluxe suite, a private room, or shared bedroom, details of each are listed below:
* Deluxe Suite includes a king bed, attached private bathroom, and a private studio (21’x14’) with a secluded garden area and a private entrance.
* Private rooms have a matrimonial bed, attached private bathroom, desk and chair
* Shared bedroom has 2 XL bunk beds (with pillow top mattresses), large bathroom
with Jacuzzi, sleeps 1-4 people
Included Accomodations for Artist's in Residence
* Sheets and towels ARE included
* Toiletries not included however residency will have these items for sale: natural soap, shampoo, conditioner, aloe lotion, bamboo toothbrushes / straws and natural bug repellant.
*Fully Vegetarian breakfast and dinners during the week, full paying artists will be responsible for their own lunches and weekened meals, but will have the oppurtunity to take a trip to the grocery store at least once a week for their food / drink needs. There is also a resturaunt within walkin distance of the residency house.
* Shuttle service from the airport (SJO) or local hotels on the 1st, 15th and last day of the month.
* Free WIFI
* Bed linens and towels laundered and room cleaned weekly
* Washing machine available for personal use ($2 per load including soap) and line dry
* We offer a variety of seasonal excursions (2-3 times a week) such as beach days and local tours for an additional cost. Prices fluctuate depending on a number of factors including but not limited to the number of artists on a given trip, distance and length of time etc. The average price can be anywhere from $10-85 per person per trip.
* Main Studio (20’x 22’) with up to 4 spaces available, natural light, large wooden doors with view to backyard gardens
* Studio spaces available on covered veranda overlooking jungle
* Work Equipment: power tools; drills, electric saws, Dremel, hammers, wrenches, screw drivers, machetes, easels, 6ft. x 2.5 ft. work tables, and comfortable chairs
Equipment and supplies (for all):
* It is recommended you bring all your own art supplies, If this isn’t a possibility, supplies can be ordered within Costa Rica from Art Depot in San Jose and shipped to our local post office.
Included in the Residency for Grant Winners and Volunteer Artists:
* Shared bedroom has 2 XL bunk beds (with pillow top mattresses), large bathroom
with Jacuzzi, sleeps 1-4 people
* Sheets and towels ARE included
* Toiletries not included however residency will have these items for sale: natural soap, shampoo, conditioner, aloe lotion, bamboo toothbrushes / straws and natural bug repellant.
* Shuttle service from the airport (SJO) or local hotels on the 1st, 15th and last day of the month.
* Free WIFI
* Bed linens and towels laundered and room cleaned weekly
* Washing machine available for personal use ($2 per load including soap) and line dry
* We offer a variety of seasonal excursions (2-3 times a week) such as beach days and local tours for an additional cost. Prices fluctuate depending on a number of factors including but not limited to the number of artists on a given trip, distance and length of time etc. The average price can be anywhere from $10-85 per person per trip.
* Main Studio (20’x 22’) with up to 4 spaces available, natural light, large wooden doors with view to backyard gardens
* Studio spaces available on covered veranda overlooking jungle
* Work Equipment: power tools; drills, electric saws, Dremel, hammers, wrenches, screw drivers, machetes, easels, 6ft. x 2.5 ft. work tables, and comfortable chairs
*Fully Vegetarian meals included breakfast and dinner seven days a week
What food is included in the residency?
Again, the included food in the residency depends on your status as a grant winner, a volunteer artist, or artist in residency. More details are listed below but will also be broken down in more detail once you're accepted into the residency as well.
Artists in Residence
- Self-serve continental breakfast Monday thru Friday from 7:30-8:30am. Includes a combination of the following: eggs, beans, rice, bread, butter, fruit, granola, oatmeal, plantains, potatoes, yogurt, coffee, tea and sugar, prepared food and ingredients are set out and you can make yourself a plate for that moment or later in the day.
- Prepared gourmet vegetarian dinner served Monday thru Friday between 5-6pm
- Lunches, snack and meals on weekends not included
- Bins in kitchen and refrigerator for artist’s private food
- All food to be kept in kitchen either in shared fridge or personal bin
- Access to fully equipped kitchen with cold press Breville juicer, crock pots, rice maker, Vitamix, food processor, and coffee makers
- Weekly trip to the local bakery/fruit and veggie stands/grocery store
- Organic produce delivery truck weekly
Mauser EcoHouse Trading Post/ For sale area:
coffee, cooking oils/ vinegars, rice/beans, specific spices, peanut butter, chocolate, etc.
Volunteer Artists
- All food generally included is shared among the volunteers.
- Volunteer artists will be responsible for preparing their own meals, with the exception of the continental breakfast and weeday gormet vegetarian dinner.
- Specialty items not included (such as vegan alternatives, nuts, and other expensive products)
- All food to be kept downstairs either in shared fridge or personal bin
- Access to fully equipped kitchen with cold press Breville juicer, crock pots, rice maker, Vitamix, food processor, and coffee makers
What is your specific address of the residency house for customs?
Mauser EcoHouse Artist Residency
What is the house itself like?
The house is on 1.5 acres of land with a large garden and greenhouse, we have lots of open space between us and our neighbors in the St.Micheals Sustainable Community. This area is committed to the environment, permaculture, and sustainability. The house itself is a 6,000 sq. ft spanish villa and consists of five bedrooms, (one deluxe suite, three single rooms, and one shared bunk room, all with their own individual bathrooms,) a wrap-around veranda, a main shared studio (20’x 22’) with up to 4 spaces available, natural light, large wooden doors with view to backyard gardens, some individualized studio spaces available on covered veranda overlooking the jungle and in private rooms, and a personal private studio for the artist in the deluxe suite (21’x14’), with a secluded garden area and a private entrance. There is a large shared kitchen and dining area in the center of the residency house, and there are multiple spaces for relaxation and alone time including hammocks on the veranda and a couch in the main living area. Your specific accomodations will be broken down in more detail once your application is accepted and we know which private or shared room you will be occupying.
What are the day trips like at the Residency?
We are partnered with Santina Tours and Transportation. They offer a variety of excursions such as beach days, yoga classes, and local tours for an additional cost. Prices fluctuate depending on a number of factors including but not limited to the number of artists on a given trip, distance and length of time etc. The average price can be anywhere from $10-85 per person per trip. Some these trips include local waterfalls, monkey mangrove tour, rainmaker waterfall and suspension bridge, beach days, Manuel Antonio National Park, the Gold and Jade museums, and more.
What transportation is included in the Residency Program?
Airport pick up / drop off is only included to and from the airport on the 1st of the month, the 15th of the month, and the last day of the month. 8am-6pm arrival times for included pick-up.
If you have to schedule your flight outside of these dates and time frames, you will be responsible for making your own way to the residency house,
However, for these instances, we do offer a shuttle service organized and sent by the residency to pick you up for a fee of $125. There are also taxi services, public transportation, and rental cars if that is your preferred method of arriving.
If you come in a day early you can stay the night at Selina, a hotel we are partnered with, which is a short bus or uber ride away from SJO. We have a discount code in place with the hotel and upon acceptance you will recieve the code if you choose to use it.
Can I buy art supplies in Costa Rica?
* It is recommended you bring all your own art supplies, If this isn’t a possibility, supplies can be ordered within Costa Rica from Art Depot in San Jose and shipped to our local post office.
What is a suggested packing list for my stay?
How much money should I bring / exchange?
Although there is ATM access in Jaco for Debit Cards, it is not always possible to go to the ATM - It is suggested that if you want to participate in our day trips, occasionally go out to eat, and have money for souvenirs / specialty items, $100 in cash for each week of your stay will generally cover it.
Can I use my phone in Costa Rica?
The Residency house has solid and strong wifi signal, but to make calls, use data, and use your phone in general outside of the house, a costa rican sim card is reccomended. To purchase a Costa Rican Sim Card, it is reccomended that you buy one at the airport after arriving. They will speak english at the kiosk, and you will need to request that the sim card you purchase is not only for phone calls and text messages, but also data usage. They will help you decide what kind of sim card and how much to load onto the sim card based on the duartion of your stay. It is also reccomended that you have the tech install the SIM card there at the kiosk, and attempt to make a call before leaving, to ensure that it works. This is much cheaper than turning on roaming data or paying for an international plan through most phone companies. If you are not planning on using your phone outside of the residency house a SIM card is not required.
What is the basic house etiquette?
-This is a professional work environment, and an independant residency experience. Music played aloud should be kept at an appropriate volume, and no music should be played in shared studio spaces or after 8pm unless it is agreed on by all residents
Is the water at the house safe to drink?
yes, the tap water in the house is safe to consume and is of drinking water quality standards. Bringing a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated is always reccomended.
What is the climate/weather like in Costa Rica?
The climate in Costa Rica is tropical and humid, Midday tempuratures can reach up to 80-95 degrees farenheit, but the temperature rarely drops below 70 degrees, even at nighttime. The dry season is November - April, and the rainy season is May - October. Please take a look at our suggested packing question in this FAQ section if you want more information on suggested clothing / accomodations to pack based on the weather.
What is the COVID protocol for travel/ in the house?
Traveling to/from Costa Rica:
There are new and ever-changing COVID policies and requirements to travel in and out of Costa Rica.
These requirements will be listed clearly and will be up to date at this link:
-https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements
All additional necessary links can be found within this webpage, including options for COVID travel insurance, the health pass, and visa information.
COVID Test Information
Currently, there is a requirement to receive a negative COVID test to return
to the United States after your stay here.
There is a rapid COVID test available at the San Jose airport, and you should arrive at least three hours early to the airport on the day of your return flight. Click on the following link, select SJO as your airport of departure, and follow the additional steps to set up your COVID one hour antigen test appointment for three hours before your flight boards.
Mask Policies and Social Distancing in Costa Rica
For most outdoor activities, like visiting the beach, going to waterfalls, and hiking, a mask is not expected or required, however - any restaurant, indoor check-in, shopping, or public taxi outing will require a facial covering. Make sure you bring at least one comfortable face mask for any of these circumstances!
COVID protocol in the house
-Vaccination is not required to join us
-we are in a rural environment with lots of open air and space between us and our neighbors
-the private rooms and even shared room provide plenty of space for social distancing if you so choose, and day trips that will expose you to many people are always optional -it is your choice whether or not to leave the residency house at any time
-Although there has been no instances yet, in the event that a resident gets sick, they will be immediately transported to a hotel for quarantine which will be covered under the COVID travel insurance you purchased through the first link on this page
-any special requests or concerns about our COVID protocols can be directly addressed with Heather through WhatsApp before arriving to the residency house
Is traveling to Costa Rica Safe?
"the U.S. Department of State ranks Costa Rica a level #1 safe country for travel. A level #1 is exercise normal precautions- lowest advisory level for safety and security risk"
What hotels do we reccomend around the airport?
Sometimes the artist will arrive a day early before our pick up date from the airport. No Problem! We reccomend several hotels for artist to stay at until we are able to pick them on on the designated day. (The first or the 15th of the month)