For years I’ve wanted to go to Dorland Mountain Arts Colony in the hills above Temecula, California. I finally got to go this summer, and I was thrilled. Unlike other colonies I’ve gone to and thoroughly enjoyed, this one is on the West Coast and only an hour from where I live. And only an hour or so from the San Diego Airport if you want to fly in from somewhere else and take a shuttle. I had (and still have!) visions of being able to run up there every time they have a cancellation since they’re so close. Some of my East Coast and Southern friends can do that with colonies near them. BTW, Dorland is accepting applications now. I’m just about to turn mine in.

The place was every bit as beautiful as I hoped it would be. It’s remote and isolated, yet close to the town of Temecula. The people who run the place are talented artists themselves and fun to talk to if you feel like talking to anyone. Jill Roberts, the colony manager, is especially warm and helpful. The painter Robert Willis has been the Artist in Residency for something like 19 years, and if you talk to anyone who’s ever been there, his name comes up quickly. Janice Cipriani, a painter and his wife, is a good artistic soul, too. I had my own lovely “cabin” sitting on a hill and looking through canyons and mountains and over the lights of the Temecula Valley. I say “cabin” in quotes because I live in a cottage in San Diego and it was almost as big. Lovely large rocker on the front porch to write on. I had a very productive time while I was there, but unfortunately came down with pneumonia and had to leave after a week. Dorland was kind enough to give me a rain check for the rest of my time, and I hope to go back at the beginning of June.

In the meantime, I’m writing an article about Dorland that I hope to finish soon. It’s about the place’s origins, people who’ve gone there in the past, and the BIG FIRE. Will post when finished.