What is the Mauser EcoHouse Artist Residency (the MEAR)?

A magical place where artists from all over the world come to work on their personal projects; for a minimum of a month. We accept all kinds of focus areas and mediums: Visual art, installation art, fiber and textile arts, performance art, writing, and more.

 

Where are we located?

We are located in the foothills on the central pacific side of Costa Rica; In between Jaco and Quepos. The drive from the Airport in Alajuela (SJO) is approx. 2.5 hours. We are up a hilly dirt road 10km away from the closest town, named Parrita. **It is important to remind you that we are secluded up in the jungle with only one restaurant (40min) within walking distance. Weekly tours are included in the residency. 

 

How can I apply for the Residency?

Our application document is linked on the apply page.

 

What is the residency program like?

The day to day at our residency program looks different for everyone, depending on your personal projects, work and downtime activities. Artists in the Residency the days are yours to navigate. Day trips to natural sights, beaches, hikes, and tours are included.

 

What bedroom accommodations are available? 

* 1 Deluxe Suite includes a king bed, attached private bathroom, and a private studio (21’x14’) with a secluded garden area and a private entrance.

* 2 Private rooms have a double/full bed, attached private bathroom, desk and chair

* 1 Shared bedroom has 2 TwinXL bunk beds (with pillow top mattresses), and a large bathroom with Jacuzzi tub, sleeps 1-4 artists

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What are the studio spaces like?

* 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.

 

What is included in the residency program?

*Vegetarian breakfast and dinners during the week, artists will be responsible for their own lunches and weekend meals. Artists will be able to stock up on food as there are weekly delivery services and a stop a the grocery store (on a tour day). There is also a restaurant within walking distance (1/2 hour) of the residency.

* Shuttle service from the airport (SJO) on the 1st and last day of the month.

*1-2 weekly excursions.Check our the amazing  Day trips

* Free WIFI

* Bed linens and towels laundered and room cleaned weekly.

* Washing machine available for personal use

* 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: work tables, and comfortable chairs

* Sheets and towels ARE included.​

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Can I ship in our out of Costa Rica?

*Shipping to/from Costa Rica abroad is discouraged highly

 

What food is included in the residency?

Vegetarian breakfast and dinner Monday thru Friday.

 

What is your specific address of the residency house for customs?

Mauser EcoHouse Artist Residency:

300 m este del Cementerio de Chires

Puntarenas Province, Parrita 60901

Costa Rica

 

What is the house itself like?

*The house itself is a 6,000 sq. ft Spanish style, on 1.5 acres of land with a greenhouse, chickens and large garden areas. It has five bedrooms, (one deluxe suite, two single rooms, one shared bunk room, and the onsite office. All have individual bathrooms. The wrap-around veranda is a great lookout into the jungle and can be used as a communal, yet individual studio space. The main shared studio (20’x 22’) has space for 4 seated individuals to work or for dancers to collaborate; It has natural light, large wooden barn doors with view to backyard and the cute doings of the chickens. The private rooms have desks and chairs in for a secluded work space. The Deluxe Suite has a (21’x14’) personal private studio, and a garden sitting area with 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.

 

What day trips are included at the Residency?

1-2 trips weekly to Manual Antonio National Park, Rain Maker Waterfall, Sunrise Breakfast at Mirador Donde Andres and Beach Day and Art Walk at Esterillos Oeste Beach.  

 

What transportation is included in the Residency Program?

*Shuttle on the 1st of the month from the airport (SJO) to the residency at 1pm sharp

*On the last day of the month, the shuttle leaves the residency at 6am for drop off at SJO around 9am.

 

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. *https://www.artdepotcr.net/Default.asp is the website of the art depot in Costa Rica that you can buy supplies from, some supplies you need may not be carried or available so please keep their product availability in mind when deciding what to bring.

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What is a suggested packing list for my stay?

*clothing for warm climates (shorts and tank tops or T-shirts-natural light weight fabrics)

*long pants and sleeves to prevent sunburn or bug bites (if this is your preference)

*no sweaters or sweatpants or winter clothing is necessary

*Sunscreen and bug spray, toiletries 

*sun hat, sandals, swimsuit, tennis or hiking shoes 

*reusable water bottle

 

How much money should I bring / exchange?

$150 in cash for each week of your stay will generally cover it, exchange to Colones at the airport

 

Can I use my phone in Costa Rica?

*The Residency house has solid and strong wifi signal, but the phone signal is weak so using 

Apps is recommended. If you want to use your phone when you are not connected to wifi and international is not covered on your phone plan, it is suggested to buy a SIM card at the airport. 

 

What is the basic house etiquette?

*We create professional/independent work environments, for max of 8 residents at one time, with a communal home experience.

Open and constructive communication is key and expected.

-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.

*Bringing noise canceling headphones can be nice for shared spaces

*-When making your meals, or snacks/smoothies, your dishes must be done within the hour of creating them, as to keep away fruit flies and not leave work for the other residents.

-Generally keeping your studio space straight and clean, and cleaning up after yourself in shared rooms and spaces is important etiquette in the house

Be respectful and aware of others personal boundaries and requests!

 

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.

 

What is the climate/weather like in Costa Rica?

*The climate in Costa Rica is tropical and humid, Mid-day temperatures can reach up to 80-95 degrees Fahrenheit, but the temperature rarely drops below 70 degrees, even at nighttime. The dry season is November - April, and the rainy season is May - October.

 

 

What hotels do we recommend around the airport?

*Margarita's Guesthouse-Close to the airport Welcoming, warm, local family house vibe, family style meal options for breakfast and dinner, friendly and wonderful service.

http://margaritaguesthouse.blogspot.com/

 

*Adventure Inn-a boutique hotel that offers: breakfast, a pool with jacuzzi, and an airport shuttle. It is also walking distance from several restaurants. 

 

Hotel 1915- only a 5 minute drive from the airport, this beautiful hotel sits on property dating back to 1915. It offers a tranquil and calm environment with lots of shops and restaurants nearby.