haven for nurturing the creative process, through instruction, example, and community [...] Ox-Bow is of and about art and nurturing of the artist. Since its inception, one common thread runs through it; a place apart, open to the senses with the artistic freedom and permission to pursue ideas in the open landscape of wind, sand, sky, and water." The primary founding artists of The Saugatuck Summer School of Painting, Frederick Fursman and Walter Marshall Clute were inspired by their work in and research into European art school traditions and sought to model their school after places like the Smith Academy and Academe Julian. They wanted to create a space where artistic learning happened in the classroom, studio, concours (critique), as well as in nature, soirées, and as a part of the experience of living in an artists' community. School and residency Ox-Bow School of Art & Artists' Residency offers year-round programming and classes for a range of artistic interests and levels of expertise. The majority of the classes take place during the summer months (June–August), and are one to two weeks in length. The Leroy Neiman Fellowship Program offers 12 students from around the country to have the opportunity to spend the entire summer at Ox-Bow. They are provided with studio space, access to facilities, visiting artists and classes. Artist and writer residencies are also offered during the summer and fall for participants to work in the studios and engage with a community of artists. Former executive director of Ox-Bow Jason Kalajainen remarked in a recent interview that the student body is consistently diverse. Primarily this diversity is evident in regards to degree-seeking and non-degree seeking participants, and in the range of ages and professional experience. He stated, "We have professional artists, SAIC graduates and undergraduates, and avocational students all in the same studio. This makes for a dynamic environment and serves everyone quite well. Classes are small--usually eight to 14 students-which ensures that the instructor can meet each individual's needs. We really encourage exploration in other media, as well [...] Throwing someone into a totally new arena is quite common at Ox-Bow." And in terms of the range of media supported and classes offered, he stated, "If there's an idea for a course or project, our goal is to support the artist in making it. If it's feasible, we try our best to help make it happen." Ox-Bow House