Djerassi Tours
For more than 25 years, artists and writers have drawn inspiration from the spectacular 580-acre Djerassi property near Woodside, with its magnificent views of coastal San Mateo County. A conservation easement, purchased by POST in 1999, protects the splendor of the Djerassi property by preventing development and redwood harvesting. Thanks to POST donors, this once-private place is now open to the public through a series of hikes. Funding from POST's purchase also created an endowment fund for the Djerassi artist-in-residence program.
DJERASSI RESIDENT ARTISTS PROGRAM ANNOUNCES
2010 WALK IN THE WILD – ANNUAL SCULPTURE TOURS
The Djerassi Resident Artists Program’s highly popular “Walk in the Wild” annual sculpture tours are set to begin in March 2010! Located in the redwood-forested Santa Cruz Mountains, the Djerassi Program will make the private 580-acre facility in Woodside available to the public on a limited basis from mid-April through October. Preserved in perpetuity through a conservation easement with the Peninsula Open Space Trust, the pristine beauty of the natural landscape and the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean are spectacular. The walking tours also include a selection of the more than 40 site-specific sculptures created by resident artists on the property over the last 28 years.
The Program offers the public access through two types of guided tours:
5 Director’s Tours (General Public: $50 per person, Djerassi Program Members: $40), led by Executive Director Dennis O’Leary
12 Two-Mile Tours (free of charge), led by Program staff
Advance reservations are required for both types of tour. All tours begin promptly at 10am.
Those attending the Director’s Tours should bring a bag lunch for a rest stop at the picnic grounds. This leisurely tour typically lasts about 4 1/2 hours, covers approximately 3 miles, and visits more than 25 sculptures, including the architectural installation, Estaciones des Luz (“Stations of Light”) by Seattle artist Mark Reeves. The Director’s tours offer a look into the Artists’ Barn – the primary studio building for the performing and visual artists – in-depth conversation and personal insights into the artworks as well as the Program’s inner workings and history. The lunch break provides a relaxing respite and opportunity to converse with other participants and enjoy the natural surrounding near Harrington Creek. No pets are allowed.
The Two-Mile Tours last approximately 2 1/2 hours and include approximately 15 sculptures. No picnic facilities are available for the two-mile tours and the Artists’ Barn is not included. All guests should bring drinking water and wear multiple layers of clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Both tours are strenuous as the trails consist of both steep uphill and downhill hiking, totaling approximately 300 feet of elevation. Registered guests will receive additional instructions and a map to the property in advance of their scheduled tour. No pets are allowed.
Reservations for Djerassi Program Members for all Director’s Tours and Two-Mile Tours 1-6 can be made starting March 3, 2010. Reservations for Two-Mile Tours 7-12 may be made starting June 2, 2010. Members may purchase Director’s Tour tickets at $40 and reserve up to four places for the Two Mile Tour. For tour reservations or more information, call (650) 747-1250. Available tour dates and more information are also posted at www.djerassi.org.