LIFE IS ART

An Oceanfront Residency in Costa Rica

OPEN CALL: September - December 2026

This is an Artist-run multidisciplinary Residency for women at any stage of their creative practice.

The Residency is self funded and self directed.

Exclusively offered to 2 Residents.

The Residency provides a curated container for 2, 3 or 4 weeks in a private, oceanfront location in Playa Negra, Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Resident Artist @pepallama will be onsite to guide and inspire you to Curate a Life that is a Work of Art, but you will use your time and space here as you wish.

There is no expectation or pressure to produce finished work during your stay.

The invitation is to slow down, to connect to the ocean and the natural world surrounding it, be inspired by a tropical paradise outside of your usual environment, and explore your creativity however you choose. You are the Artist of Your Life: Life is Art.

THE LIFE IS ART RESIDENCE

Located in a gated community, this oceanfront Residence with direct beach access has two levels with many areas to relax and create, with covered open air patios, hammocks, oversized tables and couches.

This is what Curating a Life that is a Work of Art is all about: slowing down and tuning into nature and the ocean in the tropics. It is the perfect location to disconnect from the hustle + bustle, and there is abundant wildlife here. This large property is very private, it combines authentic Costa Rican charm and a tropical atmosphere.

The communal areas are family-style and huge, which allows both individual and collaborative creative work. The indoor studio space downstairs has a huge work table and open air porches. The Residence also comes complete with huge shared living spaces, washer /dryer, convenient bathrooms and a large kitchen. There is Fiber Optic WIFI, and the entire home has A/C.

The private pool area is equipped with lounge chairs & towels, giving you the option to unwind in the sun or in the shade provided by the tropical garden, and there is an outdoor shower.

There are 2 private bedrooms on the second level of the Residence. The master suite has an ensuite bathroom and the private room has a large detached bathroom.

A car is recommended as this is a rural area, and it is also your best option for arrival and departure from LIR Liberia Airport.

Meals are not provided. Residents are responsible for their food. There are numerous restaurants to eat at, and there are stores to buy groceries nearby.

Travel expenses, including airfare to and from Costa Rica, travel insurance and ground transportation are not included.

Please be mindful of the fact that you will be on the beach in a remote, tropical location in a developing country. Please do your own independent research about the area and the climate, and be honest with yourself about your needs/expectations before applying.

Art supply stores are limited, so bringing your own materials is recommended.

Please be self aware and understand co-living and co-creating. There will be plenty of time and space for individual/solo creative exploration, but you will be sharing the space with other Residents (including myself). I encourage collaboration, communication and respectful connection with them.

Partners, children, or pets are not invited.

This is a drug and alcohol-free Residency.

INVESTMENT

2 Weeks - 14 days, 13 Nights

  • Private Suite with Ensuite Bathroom: $5,500
  • Private Room with Private Bathroom: $5,000

3 Weeks - 21 days, 20 Nights

  • Private Suite with Ensuite Bathroom: $6.500
  • Private Room with Private Bathroom: $6,000

4 Weeks - 28 days, 27 Nights

  • Private Suite with Ensuite Bathroom: $7,500
  • Private Room with Private Bathroom: $7,000

A 25% installment is due upon acceptance.

The remaining 75% balance is due two months before the start of the program.

Payments are non-refundable and residency dates cannot be transferred.

application

  • Step 1: Apply
    Fill out the application form below.

  • Step 2: Selection
    I personally review each application to curate and create the optimal Residency experience for everyone.

  • Step 3: Meet + Greet (30 Mins)
    A video call to introduce ourselves and answer any questions you have about the Residency.

  • Step 4: Confirmation + Payment
    Once accepted, you will confirm and pay for the Residency in 2 installments. Payments are non-refundable.

This Residency was created as a result of the personal and professional life of Artist @pepallama, who has spent the past 25 years traveling and creating around the world.

The Life is Art Residency is an intentionally curated invitation to embody my creative philosophy: Curate a Life That is a Work of Art.

It's the belief that You are the Artist of your Life, and that Life is Art.

The location is a tropical Costa Rican paradise named Playa Negra, the place I've called home for the past 15 years, and the place that has inspired my life and work more than anywhere else on earth.