TAFT-NICHOLSON CENTER
FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HUMANITIES EDUCATION
CENTENNIAL VALLEY , MONTANA
“The Centennial Valley is a place of inspiration and restoration. It is home to the Trumpeter swan, brought back from the brink of extinction, and the headwaters of the Red Rocks Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. The valley’s expansive views create expansive minds – a perspective that benefits any student, including those I teach here in the Ecology of Residency course, part of the University of Utah’s ground-breaking Environmental Humanities gr aduate progr am.” – Terry Tempest Williams
About the Center As an official extension of the University of Utah campus, the Taft-Nicholson Center aims to bridge the arts and humanities with the sciences to increase environmental literacy, boost environmental awareness, and inspire personal connection to nature. Students, teachers, artists, and scientists participate in the diverse educational programming the center offers—sharing their take on the natural world and preparing themselves to impact change in positive and meaningful ways. In addition to boasting a stunning campus in the Centennial Valley, the Center is located adjacent to the Red Rock Lakes Wildlife Refuge. Often called the most beautiful national wildlife refuge in the United States, it is home to the majestic trumpeter swan and contains beautiful lakes, streams, uplands, and savannah-like grasslands for endless hours of exploration and bird/wildlife watching. From the Refuge, the Centennial Mountains rise to the Continental Divide and the headwaters of the Missouri River––all accessible by hiking trails.
A Place of Learning The Taft-Nicholson Center can be described as a center for connectivity. It was established as a place of learning, reflection, and exploration. As such, it is home to a wide range of for-credit University courses and symposia, sponsored by the University of Utah, Weber State University, University of Montana, and others. It is a field station for evaluation of the environment and the impact it has on our culture, our lifestyle and our values. The Center also hosts a series of experiential innovative community workshops that are open to the public. These include artist programs (photography, painting, writing), the Reimagine Western Landscapes symposium, an annual Centennial Valley Arts Celebration, and other community courses that include the Eco-Spirituality Workshop, which attracts participants from across the country. In addition to programs that support the Center’s educational mission, facilities are also available for a wide range of private events, including leadership and corporate retreats.
Residencies And Internships The Center hosts several unique and powerful residency/internship opportunities. These include academic internships for University students, as well as the prestigious Artist-In-Residence program. The Artist-In-Residence program was established to provide opportunities for artists who work in a wide variety of media to be inspired, and to inspire. The program includes fellowships and support stipends, residence in the Carter Family Artist in Residence Cabin, and use of the Francis Zimbeaux Art Center. Artists are selected annually through a competitive application process.
The Campus The Center’s facilities are located in the fully restored ghost town of Lakeview, Montana. Accommodations include charming guest cabins, a student dormitory, conference and classroom facilities, and a dining hall. For special events, guests can reserve the outdoor performance area complete with a stage, seating area, and fire pit. Guests can also reserve the delightful Cantina, a cozy café which boasts a view overlooking a beautiful pond and waterfall.
Group Meetings The Center provides several beautiful and functional meeting options for groups. These include large indoor gathering spaces, smaller meeting rooms, and an outdoor meeting space—all with beautiful vistas of the Centennial Valley.
The Francis Zimbeaux Art Center features a beautiful indoor art studio with large windows, expansive views, and a wonderful outdoor porch area. Artists are housed in the Carter Family Artist-in-Residence cabin, a lovely converted barn adjacent to the Zimbeaux Art Center.
Lima
Lakeview
Montana Idaho
Take Exit 0 from I-15 to Monida and merge onto Valley Road (unpaved) going East. Drive for 27 miles to reach Lakeview. I-15
Idaho Falls
Wyoming
Art Space
I-15