ÀNI Art Academies Announces 2026 Erik’s Ranch Artist Retreat Scholarship Recipients

ÀNI Art Academies is proud to continue its meaningful collaboration with Erik’s Ranch & Retreats through the 2026 Erik’s Ranch Artist Retreat Scholarship. This unique opportunity brings together art, nature, and community engagement in one of the most inspiring landscapes in the United States.

The 2026 retreat will take place from March 30 through April 5 at Erik’s Ranch Montana, located in the stunning Paradise Valley near Livingston, Montana. Nestled within a breathtaking natural environment, the ranch provides an ideal setting for focused artistic development and personal reflection.

This year’s scholarship recipients are:

• Angel Young (ÀNI Art Academies Dominicana)
• Patricia Alonzo Diaz (ÀNI Art Academies Dominicana)
• Steven Griffin (ÀNI Art Academies Waichulis)

These artists were selected for their dedication to their craft and their ability to engage deeply with the values at the core of this experience.

A Unique Collaboration Rooted in Purpose

The partnership between ÀNI Art Academies and Erik’s Ranch & Retreats grew out of a shared commitment to creativity, education, and social impact. Both organizations were featured on the Netflix series The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals, highlighting spaces that merge meaningful experiences with community-driven missions.

Erik’s Ranch itself is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating meaningful living and working opportunities for young adults on the autism spectrum. Operating as both a residential community and a destination retreat, the ranch fosters independence, confidence, and connection through hospitality, outdoor experiences, and creative engagement.

The Artist Experience

During their time at the ranch, ÀNI artists will engage in a dynamic and immersive experience that extends beyond traditional studio practice. The retreat is designed to provide:

• Focused, uninterrupted time for artistic creation
• Immersion in Montana’s natural landscape
• Opportunities to connect with and learn from the Erik’s Ranch community
• Participation in daily ranch life and activities
• Space for reflection on the relationship between art, service, and human connection

Artists are encouraged to explore both independent and observational work while remaining open to the influence of their surroundings and the people they encounter. The environment fosters not only creative growth but also a deeper awareness of how art can intersect with empathy, purpose, and shared human experience.

Shared Values

This retreat reflects the strong alignment between ÀNI Art Academies and Erik’s Ranch & Retreats. Both organizations are guided by principles that emphasize:

• Education through experience
• Personal and artistic development
• Inclusion and mutual respect
• The creation of meaningful opportunities through creativity

More than a residency, the Erik’s Ranch Artist Retreat is an opportunity to engage with a community built on compassion and purpose, offering artists a broader perspective on the role their work can play in the world.

As Angel Young, Patricia Alonzo Diaz, and Steven Griffin prepare for this journey, ÀNI Art Academies looks forward to the creative growth and meaningful experiences that will emerge from their time at Erik’s Ranch.