Food as Art: The Cookbook Inspired by an Artists’ Retreat

Ucross cookbook cover. | Photo: Martirene Alcántara, Courtesy of Ucross

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when things were exceptionally quiet at the Ucross Artists’ Retreat in Ucross, Wyoming, the seed of inspiration for a cookbook began to sprout and take shape. Ucross Director of External Relations, Caitlin Addlesperger, explains, “Our superb chef, Cindy Brooks, had been asked for recipes from many of our Artists in Residence. Her goal was to create a cookbook that has a connection to our story, and the retreat landscape.” 

Situated in northeast Wyoming at the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, Ucross Artists’ Retreat was established by Raymond Plank in 1981 and opened in 1983. The mission of the Ucross Foundation is to foster the creative spirit of deeply committed artists and groups by providing uninterrupted time, studio space, living accommodations, and the experience of the majestic High Plains while serving as a responsible steward of its historic 20,000-acre ranch.

Chef Cindy Brooks. | Photo: Lance Roth, Courtesy of Ucross

The residency program at Ucross includes visual artists, writers, composers, choreographers, interdisciplinary artists, performance artists, and collaborative teams. Residencies range from two to six weeks in length. Each year, 115 artists complete a residency. 

“Artists in Residence number no more than 10 at a time,” says Addlesperger. “Working in their studio during the day makes each evening meal feel like a dinner party for 10 with extraordinary food and wonderful company.” Evenings are a time of fellowship and celebration, and the delicious food is a crucial part of that unique collaborative bonding. 

Ucross Soup Bouillabaisse. | Photo: Martirene Alcántara, Courtesy of Ucross

Ucross Lunch Frittata Bacon Cheddar Tomato Lettuce Sandwich. | Photo: Martirene Alcántara, Courtesy of Ucross

Chef Brooks, a visual artist in her own right, partnered with Ucross alumna and writer, Cree LeFavour, to make the book reflective of those very special evening meals. THE UCROSS COOKBOOK: Cooking for Artists on a Wyoming Ranch features 76 recipes, over 60 images photographed by alumna, Martirene Alcántara, and passages by 10 acclaimed artist-alumna. “The nourishment the chef provides is aligned with the artistic, emotional, and physical nourishment of the residency experience,” the Ucross Foundation notes. “It is specifically linked to place, land, and location.” 

The retreat is also home to the Ucross Art Gallery, hosting three exhibitions each year. The gallery is free to visit and open to the public year-round. The cookbook is available for purchase on site, at the Ucross website, and at several independent bookstores in the Rocky Mountain region. 100 percent of the proceeds from cookbook sales support the Ucross residency programs, helping to continue the tradition of providing artists with the space to innovate and create.

Ucross Main Veg Mushroom Pasta. | Photo: Martirene Alcántara, Courtesy of Ucross