|
A community-run visual arts residency from its inception in 1986, Studios Midwest has been administrated by the Galesburg Civic Art Center for the past six years. During its tenure, the program has fostered the independent visions of artists from across the United States, and globe, as they have shared their talents and work with the Galesburg and surrounding communities. This year Studios Midwest will host a single artist, Jeff Schmuki, during the residency which runs from June 21st to August 15th.
Inviting one artist to the program is a change from previous years, a change made because, while we believe that it is important to continue the good work begun twenty-three years ago, we also believe that the moment is right both to review the past legacy of the residency and to plan its future.
In these uncertain times, when arts programs nationwide are facing funding issues even as more and more artists seek the creative prospects of residencies themselves, it makes sense to take a moment to be sure that Studios Midwest continues to attract the best artists, and the most support. Our hiatus this summer will allow the Galesburg Civic Art Center to plan the residency’s next steps carefully and imaginatively.
Since beginning, Studios Midwest has hosted 96 artists. To demonstrate the broad spectrum of art it has fostered, and the growth in its artists it has nurtured, the Galesburg Civic Art Center will host two residency-related exhibits this year. The first, “Back in the Studios: Residencies Revisited”, a collection of Studios Midwest artwork loaned from private collections, will be on exhibit at The Box Gallery, 306 E. Simmons Street, alongside the work of this summer’s resident artist, from July 31st to August 13th(subject to change, so keep looking for updates). Opening at the same time and running through the year, the Galesburg Civic Art Center web site will host an on-line show, “Studios Midwest Artists Now,” an exhibit of recent work by Studios Midwest artists. While taking in this virtual show, artists and visitors are also encouraged to visit the new Studios Midwest blog from the home page at http://www.galesburgarts.org to hear about the residency as it happens and what alumni are doing. (Alumni can send updates for the blog to info@galesburgarts.org.)
Studios Midwest 2009 programming is made possible with support from:
Illinois Arts Council
Dick Blick Art Materials
Hinchliff Pearson West
Mark Holmes and The Box Gallery
Tom Foley and Carla Markwart (Studios Midwest artist 1995)
Lisa and Bill Stephens |
|
|
