The Djerassi Resident Artists Program is located on land once home to logging operations and cattle ranches. In the early 1960s, Dr. Carl Djerassi, Stanford Professor of Chemistry and a passionate patron of the arts, purchased the property. Known as “the father of the pill” for his groundbreaking work in developing oral contraceptives, Djerassi initially intended to raise cattle on the land, naming it SMIP Ranch (Sic Manebimus In Pace). Tragedy struck in 1978 when his daughter, Pamela, a poet and painter, died by suicide at 28. Inspired by the artistic patronage of the Medicis, Carl sought to honor her legacy by creating a program to support artists.

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In 1979, the first artist-in-residence, Tamara Rikman, began a year-long residency. By 1983, the program had expanded to include co-ed residencies, and its facilities grew to accommodate more artists, with the addition of The Middlebrook Studios in 2012. Today, the Program hosts 11-12 artists at a time for month-long residencies, fostering creativity in writers, visual artists, filmmakers, composers, and choreographers. It has provided over 2,300 residencies to artists from 54 countries and all 50 states. The annual summer session, Scientific Delirium Madness, further broadens its scope by bringing together scientists and artists to explore interdisciplinary ideas.

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A pivotal moment came in 1999 when Carl Djerassi donated the property to establish the organization as an independent nonprofit. Alongside its dedication to nourishing artists, the Program embraced environmental stewardship, creating a conservation easement with Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) to protect the land in perpetuity. Guided hikes, summer Open House/Open Studios, and the Artful Harvest benefit allow the public to experience the property’s natural beauty and the art it inspires.

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Carl Djerassi passed away in 2015, but his vision endures. The Program thrives as a sanctuary for creativity, supported by contributions from individuals and foundations. Its unique blend of artistic heritage, stunning landscapes, and community spirit continues to inspire artists and visitors alike, affirming its legacy as a place of profound creativity and renewal.