Idyllwild
Idyllwild, CA
Idyllwild, CA
Unfold 02
Our second artist residency - currently in process
Location
Idyllwild, CA
ORIGINAL BUILD
1966
Status
Currently Unfolding
A cabin retreat embedded in nature. Where play is potent.
Built in the 1960s and known to its original owner as the “Sky Yacht,” the cabin used to be a gathering space for visitors from around the world. It is situated on the edge of the desert yet sits within the San Jacinto Mountains. With Lily Rock nestled nearby and Strawberry Creek flowing below, our Idyllwild Edition is surrounded by a quiet, storybook terrain. We were drawn to the circular fireplace that anchors the heart of the home and its floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a panoramic view of what’s beyond — a beautiful opportunity for a future artist-in-residence to dream and reset. We want to celebrate this architectural gem and augment its original elements without overlooking its true intent to others––invitation.
Land Acknowledgment: This project rests on the traditional village sites of the Pivil uwenetem Meytémak (Cahuilla) tribes. Learn more about Native Land.
Currently in the “Unfold”-ing process.
UNFOLD Idyllwild is in process. For now, we’ve made a few updates: we restored the deck and house’s systems to make it habitable for co-design charrettes. We are currently forming a regionally based Guild to shape the home’s next chapter, with the intention of opening our doors to artist(s)-in-residence in 2027.
Through this collective process, new contributions will be brought into the A-frame, with works inspired by the home’s history and surroundings. With the UNFOLD Guild’s expertise, the cabin will be prepared to welcome its artist-in-residence in the coming seasons, renewing its long-held role as host. To better understand the philosophy guiding this work, visit our Ethos page to learn more about our purpose and principles.
Our Ethos
The Artist Residency at UNFOLD Idyllwild
Our Artist Residency at UNFOLD Idyllwild is currently being designed to provide the space, time and resources to encourage artists to deeply explore regenerative processes and materials in their creative practice starting in 2027. This residency will be focused on the forest ecosystem and indigenous arts and education, in collaboration with our community partner, the Native American Arts Center at Idyllwild Arts.
Learn more