Since early this year, I’ve had the privilege of being the Artist in Residence at the Community Creative Center in Fayetteville, AR. This opportunity came unexpectedly, but at precisely the right time, as I was preparing for two major solo exhibitions. I was invited to step into the residency for a six-month term after the position opened up, and it’s been an incredibly timely and transformative chapter in my artistic journey.
This was my first experience in an official artist residency, and it couldn’t have been a better fit. Half of my practice has traditionally been rooted in painting and printmaking, but over the past year, I’ve been yearning to expand more intentionally into ceramic installation. The residency provided exactly what I needed: dedicated studio space, technical resources, and an environment that nurtures exploration.
The timing aligned perfectly with the creation of De Pata y Sazón, a large-scale installation that is currently on view at Arts On Main in Van Buren, AR. This body of work featuring ceramics, textiles, hammocks, and wood elements was primarily developed and completed during my time at CCC. The installation will also be exhibited as part of my residency, with a reception on Thursday, July 11th from 5–8 p.m. at the McCoy Gallery, inside the Community Creative Center.
Some highlights and takeaways from my residency so far:
✔️ I was able to acquire essential tools and materials through residency support, which allowed me to bring my vision to life on a much larger scale.
✔️ I collaborated with the University of Arkansas ceramics program, where I worked on plaster mold-making processes, an important technical component of my recent work.
✔️ Through thoughtful conversations and mentorship with CCC’s Executive Director, I gained clarity about my path as an artist. These talks helped me weigh the possibilities between production pottery and conceptual installation work, while also introducing me to national opportunities and residencies to consider moving forward.
✔️ Managing the gallery has given me hands-on insight into the art market, seasonal trends, visitor engagement, and the potential for income through product development.
✔️ I also began sketching out new lines of functional pottery that carry my aesthetic in more accessible forms, pieces I plan to release online and in local galleries soon.
Looking ahead, I’m preparing applications for several opportunities:
✔️ Post-Baccalaureate Program in Ceramics at the University of Arkansas (2026-2027)
✔️ Exchange Fund Residency through The Medium (Springdale, 2026) ✔️ National residency programs for Spring/Summer 2026 ✔️ New exhibitions through juried shows, art fairs, and gallery partnershipsI’m also continuing to deepen my wheel throwing and mold-making skills, working toward a new body of mixed-media ceramic work that merges function and form.
To learn more about the Artist-in-Residence program at CCC—and keep an eye on future artists that will come through this inspiring space visit: communitycreativecenter.org/about-us/artist-in-residence/
Thanks to the CCC team for welcoming me into this creative community and providing me with the support and structure to bring my vision to life.