"Being in communion with the natural world, its flora and fauna, for me has become an ideal state of existence, and an antidote to an ever-faster turning, and more demanding world"

Finding Stillness: An Artist's Immersion in Costa Rica's Rainforest

At Monte Azul, the artist explored the intricacies of the ever-present forest, which from her studio she could view the exuberance first hand. On her many daily walks, Dillbohner let her senses guide her on our trails through an astounding variety of microclimates and ecological zones, each with its own flora, fauna, scents, sounds, colors and textures.

7 days ago4 min read

Monte Azul, where contemporary art meets traditional craftsmanship

For over two decades, we've woven ourselves into the living fabric of Chirripó Valley. Monte Azul isn't just a place—it's a community of creators, farmers, researchers, and dreamers who call this extraordinary landscape home.

Aug 152 min read

La Cholla Jackson receives Monte Azul Fellowship Award

My three-week stay as an artist in residence at Monte Azul was a transformative experience, filled with magic, mystery, and love. I am deeply grateful to Carlos Rojas Jara, Randy Langendorfer, and Henry Jackson for the generous Award.

Aug 22 min read

Robert Gamblin and Catherine Kumlin Donate Financial Aid

Thanks to the generosity of Robert Gamblin and Catherine Kumlin, Monte Azul Center for the Arts is excited to offer five (5) $1,000 financial aid awards for qualified artists working on paper

Jul 222 min read

Announcing the 2026 Inaugural Borowska Artist Fellowship Recipient

Borowska Artist Fellowship, an exceptional residency that invites an artist to engage with our surrounding rainforest through the lense of Forest Therapy, rooted in the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-yoku. This residency will therefore be a deliberate exploration of how mindful engagement with nature can inform and transform the creative practice.

May 193 min read

Monte Azul is Thrilled to Announce the Six Recipients of the Iguana Azul Fellowship Awards for Writers 2026

Photography: Roberto D'Ambrosio Suarez The Iguana Azul Charitable Trust Full Fellowship Award for Writers is made possible by the generous support of the Iguana Azul Chartible Trust, a private trust dedicated to supporting the arts Designed for writers in need of dedicated time and space to focus on their craft, this residency award provides a serene and inspiring sanctuary along a pristine riverfront. Immersed in the natural beauty of Monte Azul’s private rainforest reserve

Feb 43 min read

An artistic manifestation of community, collaboration, and one artist’s vision, Henry Jackson

Under the Canopy

A Living Metaphor of Resilience and Care

Dec 8, 20255 min read

Manuel Mendive, Barco negrero, 2012, serigraph,18 x 24 in / 46 x 61 cm, Collection of Adlai L. Pappy, MD

Before the Americas: Art as Resistance, Memory, and Truth

Presenting Cascadas del Chirripó

Sep 6, 20252 min read

With Gratitude to Andrés Cañas: Where Art and Community Thrive

Presenting Cascadas del Chirripó

Jul 22, 20252 min read

Support freedom of expression while experiencing the magic of the Costa Rica rainforest

Presenting Cascadas del Chirripó

Jun 26, 20252 min read

Studios of Monte Azul Center for the Arts

Escape. Create. Thrive.

Monte Azul Center for the Arts is thrilled to offer four Full Fellowship Awards for Writers at our breathtaking Costa Rica private nature reserve in Costa Rica

Jun 21, 20251 min read