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Creative genius will again inhabit the former Eugene O’Neill estate in the west hills of Danville as Artist Days at Tao House takes place this week, sponsored by the Eugene O’Neill Foundation and the National Park Service. The program allows artists the opportunity to work for an extended period of time, from April 8-10.
“If you have never been up to the Eugene O’Neill place, you should think about going,” said Karla Schreffler, owner of The Art Lab in the Livery. “It is amazing, the view is breathtaking, and you will not be sorry you went.”
The former O’Neill grounds border Las Trampas Regional Wilderness with spectacular views of the San Ramon Valley, Las Tampas Ridge and Mount Diablo. After winning the Nobel medal, playwright Eugene O’Neill used his prize money to build Tao House because the location so inspired him. It is now a National Historic Site.
Artists must “pack for the day,” bringing, for example, easels and umbrella, water, food, sun protection, extra clothing. Artists who want to paint with oil paints or other “messy” media are advised to bring a tarp.
Wet and messy materials are forbidden in the house, but dry, clean media such as pencil and paper have been permitted and permission is at the discretion of the Park Service staff.
“There are several places you can plug into 110 Volts,” said artist Bill Carmel, the board member of the Eugene O’Neill Foundation in charge of the program. “They are the old barn, the visitors center (right outside is a patio area with tables and chairs), and my favorite, the pool area (which has picnic tables). Bring a 20-foot extension chord that has two prongs or an adaptor.”
“There are ways to accommodate almost any creative endeavor up there, except overnight,” Carmel added.
For reservations, call 820-1818, and leave your name and contact information. Artists will meet at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley at 8:45 a.m. each morning from Thursday, April 8, through Saturday, April 10. They will depart the Tao House at 2:45 p.m. each afternoon. No special arrangements can be made to leave early. The cost is $5 per day.
Artists are asked to pack compactly so they and their gear will fit into one bus. There are bathrooms and water on site.
There will be an exhibit of the works of the Artists at Tao House.
