Welcome to My Artist Residency in Downtown Austin!
I’m thrilled to kick off this blog series with some exciting news—I’ve recently begun my very first artist residency right here in the vibrant heart of downtown Austin, Texas! As this journey unfolds, I want to bring you along for the ride, sharing weekly glimpses behind the scenes and diving deep into my creative process.
What is an Artist Residency?
Perhaps you’re wondering, “What exactly is an artist residency?” Simply put, it’s a sanctuary for creativity. Artist residencies allow creators like myself to step away from daily routines, immerse in new environments, and collaborate with other artists. It’s a time boxed retreat—lasting anywhere from a few weeks to a year—dedicated entirely to artistic exploration and growth.
Why I Applied for the DASA Residency
I chose the Downtown Austin Space Activation (DASA) Artist Residency Program for several compelling reasons. This program, spearheaded by the Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation and Tribeza, is dedicated to transforming underutilized urban spaces into flourishing artistic hubs that promote community involvement & cultural exchange. Here, I have access to a funded, dedicated studio space, resources, and opportunities for professional growth and networking. Being selected as one of eight artists selected for this inaugural program is an incredible honor.
The collaborative setup of the residency particularly appealed to me—throughout the year, artists pair up for each session, allowing us to expand our artistic boundaries together. This structure promises not only mutual inspiration but also a chance to forge lasting connections within the art community.
But the appeal of the DASA residency goes beyond logistics and resources. Since moving to Austin a year ago, I’ve become increasingly attached to its vibrant character and it’s quickly become home. This residency is a unique opportunity to dive deeper into the city that has captured my heart, creating paintings that incorporate the downtown streetscapes and Texas wildflowers. This program is not just a career development opportunity—it’s a personal journey that resonates with my love for Austin and my desire to capture and celebrate its stories through my art.
My Goals for the Residency
In the coming month, I plan to create a mini-collection of large-scale paintings that reflect and narrate Austin’s unique landscape. Pushing my creative limits, I aim to work on larger canvases than ever before—sizes like 36×36”, 36×48”, and a triptych measuring 48×72”. This creative challenge will involve exploring local culture and history, infusing my pieces with the rich stories I uncover. The residency will culminate in an exhibition on February 28, followed by a brown-bag artist talk on March 5, 2025, where I’ll share the insights and outcomes of this enriching experience.
Meet Megan Hildebrandt: My Fellow Resident
I’m not alone in this artistic adventure. Megan Hildebrandt, an incredible artist and educator, will be my co-resident in the space. She’s working on a poignant series of portraits of Downtown Austin’s Ambassadors, capturing the vibrant life and diversity of our city.
Check out Megan’s work on Instagram and learn more about her here.
Learn more about the residency and my cohort here.
Thank you for joining me on this exciting new chapter. I look forward to sharing more updates and insights as I explore, create, and grow through this residency. Stay tuned for more stories and artistic explorations from the heart of Austin!
P.S. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the evening of Friday, Feb 28th, 2025, for the opening of our duo exhibition, followed by an brown-bag artist talk the following week.
