You are invited to visit asIF studio and work at the intersection of art + science + environment, in a verdant retreat environment.
Open for visits March – November. Now taking inquiries for the 2025 season. Email sciencecandance@gmail.com for info.
nature
The area around asIF studio boasts abundant forest, wetland, and river habitats, as well as old field and maintained meadow sites. Located in Petersham, Massachusetts, asIF is surrounded by acres of conservation land, and is adjacent to Brooks Woodland Preserve and Harvard Forest’s Slab City tract. Petersham is situated in the heavily forested, well-conserved Quabbin Reservoir region, an Important Bird Area (IBA). This Harvard Forest Flora is a treasure trove of information about our local botany.
science
Here is a sampling of science supplies and other science tools available for your visit:
Microscopy: Nikon AZ-100 microscope, magnification 8x to 320x, with Jenoptik Gryphax camera and software for video/photo, z-stack, scale, etc. This unique microscope functions at its lower range as a dissecting scope, and at its upper range it approaches the capability of a compound scope.
Lenses: Various hand lenses, loupes, optivisors, etc for magnification. Additional small portable dissecting microscope with video/ photo capture.
Slides: Hundreds of prepared botany slides, as well as blank slides and cover slips.
Collecting Gear: Herbarium presses, insect pinning tools, Petri dishes, vials, nets, and various other tools for collecting specimens.
Field Guides and Maps: Large collection of field guides, trail maps, and science books.
Here is a sampling of art supplies available for your visit:
Drawing & Painting: Work table, easels, oil paints, watercolor, color pencil, graphite pencils, Micron pens and other drawing materials, carbon dust supplies, some printmaking supplies. Watercolor paper, drawing paper, other papers. Claybord, canvas stretchers, various fabrics for supports, gesso, Gamsol, brushes, and other supplies. A projector is available for large scale tracing.
Collage: biological materials, found objects, scrap papers, etc. ModgePodge, matte medium, various glues & other media.
Photo & Video: Sony D500 camera optimized for insect photography (flash sync at 1/250 second), with 28-105mm zoom lens, 105mm macro lens. Nikon AZ100 microscope with Jenoptik Gryphax camera for micrographs (see science section).
Fiber: Various yarns, strings, fabrics. Schacht rigid heddle flip loom, weaving tools, embroidery hoops, floss & supplies, sewing kit, threads, etc. Enamel bowls and pots for dye work.
Sculpture: Outdoor barn space and sheds (electricity but no heat/AC), hand tools for assemblage and other sculpture processes.
You will have access to three art-science studios:
a 2D studio with a work table and drawing & painting supplies
a small fiber studio with yarn, fabric, loom, and sewing supplies
a science room with microscope, field guides, herbarium presses, collecting gear, etc.
The house has one shared bathroom and a shared kitchen. You will also have access to a patio with table and chairs, a barn outdoor work space, and a spacious yard leading down to a wetland / beaver pond in back (north end of Brooks Woodland Preserve). For out of town guests who need to stay overnight, accommodations are humble but tidy.
The town of Petersham, Massachusetts is a charming New England hamlet surrounded by conservation land. Harvard Forest is located 4 miles north of asIF studio. The Country Store is only a short walk up the hill, with basic groceries, breakfast and lunch, and take-out dinners.
Visitors from Boston area, or those traveling via Amtrak or plane to Boston, can take the MBTA Fitchburg Line to Wachusett. (Study the timetables closely — not all trains go all the way to Wachusett!) If arranged in advance, I can pick up and drop off at Wachusett if needed.
The Country Store is a local hangout with great coffee, breakfast, lunch, and groceries.
To inquire about dates and availability, to discuss your art-science goals and interests, or to set up a short day visit, please write Nancy at sciencecandance@gmail.com.
