What I'm thinking about today is VSC's thoughtful and intentional approach to the work of hosting — centered on creating an ecosystem for the experience that generates a natural and supportive rhythm for the residency.

That's a lot of words…and just a start at expressing something that we have long referred to as the 'intangible' work of creating this inspiring space that can support creativity of many stripes. So, I thought I'd ask around a bit. Find out what colleagues from across the organization see.

To do my unofficial poll, I asked the following question of our Summer 2025 intern, Wynne Dromey; Kitchen Manager, Lori Biamonte; and Institutional Giving Manager, Candace Truso:

"From your perspective, what do you think makes the experience of being at VSC feel unique or different for the residents, especially in ways that aren't part of our formal programming?"

Wynne shared:

"As a current MBA student (with less than one month of experience as the summer intern on the team), I am already amazed by how VSC acts and stays true to their values of recognizing and celebrating identity, intentionality, and impact. …Every meal, piece of furniture, and conversation that exists on campus feels like a beautifully and thoughtfully constructed creative act that curates the space where everyone feels like they are not just recognized, but that they belong."

Lori had a slightly different take:

"I feel like this setting is a huge initial draw… however the relationships, the connections, the unique community built from being surrounded by people who understand what it means to live as a creator. Belonging. I can hear it in the way the conversations change from the beginning to the end of sessions. The threads that facilitate these connections… residents build bonds because they are safe, and have direct access to the larger, ongoing community that exists before and after their session is over… a thread to a future return visit."

Candace offered a reflection sparked by a recent weekend of road trips through Vermont, New York, and Quebec. Between long stretches of highway, her playlist rotated back again and again to Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car." And each time, she found herself thinking about VSC.

Candace Truso, Institutional Giving Manger

"When Chapman sings, 'I had a feeling that I belonged. I had a feeling I could be someone,' it reminds me of so many thank-you letters, testimonials, and dining hall conversations with residents. People who, sometimes after a decade, finally called themselves an artist or writer for the first time. People who got unstuck, had an 'aha' moment, or found a life-changing friendship. It's hard to put those feelings into words, but it means so much when you hear it in a song. VSC gives people that same opportunity — to belong, to believe in yourself, to change."

Each of these reflections touches on something both profound and beautifully simple: belonging is at the heart of it all.

While VSC offers a beautiful landscape, thoughtful programming, and a rhythm that nurtures creative flow, it's the sense of being truly seen, supported, and connected that makes the experience unforgettable. Wynne speaks to the intentionality behind every detail. Lori captures the magic of connection and the spark of community that grows session by session. And Candace brings in the emotional impact of VSC as a place where transformation takes root, often in quiet but lasting ways.

The real gift of VSC is that it becomes more than just a place to create. It becomes a place to belong. And that sense allows the imagination to flourish, relationships to deepen, and the creative spirit to become limitless.

Belonging. The magic ingredient of VSC's residency program.

more notes from the red mill here:

https://vermontstudiocenter.org/notesfromtheredmill