About the Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program
History
Nimrod Hall is the sort of beautiful, rambling house that only time can build. Originally built in 1783, the main house consisted of little more than a two story log cabin, and legend has that it was built as a stagecoach stop. Run for over one hundred years as a summer resort for people from all over the country, Nimrod Hall has a hotel register dating back to the turn of the century. Nimrod (which stands for Great Hunter) is remembered fondly by hundreds of men and women as the site of the summer camps they attended as children, Camps Nimrod for Boys & Girls, that operated from the 1930's to the 1980's. Nimrod Hall's current owners, Frankie Wood Apistolas and Jim Apistolas, inherited the Hall from her parents and have given it the love and attention Nimrod demands every summer for the past 20 years.
Nimrod Hall is actually a euphemism for seven buildings that are built around a common inner yard. The Main house, which houses the dining hall and kitchen, is surrounded by five cottages that are used by guests and one building, affectionately referred to as the old post office, which is used for gatherings, card games and rainy day critiques for artists. The cottages are built as you'd imagine a turn of the century summer resort with private bedrooms and shared bathrooms, and big, wide-roofed porches overlooking the Allegheny Mountains, or the plush, shaded yard. The Apistolases faithfully renovate as time and money allow, retaining the beauty and dignity of Nimrod Hall.
Artists
Nimrod Hall is the perfect haven for the visual artist. Having been site of an artist workshop for the past 14 years, Nimrod Hall has proved itself to be an inspiring and uplifting experience for all who have attended. The Arts Program for the visual artist is four weeks geared toward people who are not looking for formal instruction, but who want the time, in a stress-free environment, to create art among peers and resident artists. Each week will offer an artist-in-residence who is a professional in his or her medium, who will be available for one-on-one consultations as well as lead group critiques. See the attached insert for this year's artists-in-residence. The Arts Program is in the spirit of an art colony, offering colony-like accommodations and serenity in one week sessions. Each artist will have a private room in one of the cottages and this room will double as a studio. Painting is allowed almost anywhere, and porches seem to be the most inspiring studio space! The rooms are not set up with lighting, so it's wise to bring clamp lights, etc.
Writers
Having the time and opportunity to write is something no author takes for granted. The Arts Program for writers is adapted from the colony format for peace and serenity without interruption. Each writer will have a private room in one of the cottages to use as their writing studio, and will not be disturbed from their work. The cottage rooms are outfitted for computers (but not modems) and usually offer a workspace in front of a window for optimum inspiration! Three weeks are devoted to writers. There are visiting writers as well as writers-in-residence, depending on the year (see insert), who hold group critiques and discussions each day. Writers are encouraged to read one another's works and critique the writings, but also to work on their own projects. The air is informal, though serious, and writers are encouraged to work hard during the day and play hard at night!
What To Bring and What's Provided
In the summertime, Nimrod weather is generally mild, but a portable fan for the warmer days is definitely something to bring. All cottages are equipped with standard lamps, but if you work indoors, a clamp lamp or other portable lighting is helpful. Easels are not provided. Very casual clothes are standard, with a bathing suit for trips to the river. Don't forget to throw in a sweater in case the evenings are cool. Other necessary articles are a flashlight, bug-spray and any toiletries. Summertime staples such as sunscreen and hats are also good to have. All linens and towels for the cottages are provided, but a beach towel is a good idea for the river. An ice chest can be used to chill beverages in your cabin. An ice machine is available. There is no need to bring tables or chairs to work on as there are plenty of both all around. The exception to this would be a very sturdy table for printmaking. There is one telephone in the main house off the dining hall. You are welcome to use the phone at any time. When possible, it's better to call out instead of receiving calls. Nimrod Hall is a magical place, but it's luxury is not found in creature comforts, but rather in serenity and character.
All work and no play?
Nimrod Hall is located on the Cowpasture River, site of many "tube" trips and a happy hour swimming policy! Canoeing is another recreation for unwinding after a hard day of creating, and walking and hiking trails are plentiful. Readings, slide shows, and lectures can be held depending on the artist or writer-in-residence, and are always announced at breakfast for that evening. Most evenings will find artists or writers gathered on a porch watching the sunset and talking.
Meals
All meals for the artist and writer weeks are provided. The food at Nimrod Hall is legendary. All the food is homemade, with most vegetables coming from the garden at Nimrod Hall. Meals are signified by the ringing of the bell, and are held the same time every day. Vegetarians can be accommodated.
How to get there
Nimrod Hall is located in Bath County, Virginia, approximately 2.5 hours northwest from Richmond, Virginia and 3.5 hours southwest from Washington D.C. Directions from your city will be included in your confirmation letter.
