Paseo Arts Association opens call for two artist-in-residence programs

Past SPACE AIR Marissa Raglin greets visitors during a reception at her studio in the Skirvin Hilton.

Two great artist-in-residence opportunities have opened up through the Paseo Arts Association (PAA). The PAA has opened up the call for entries for both the venerable Skirvin Paseo Artist Creativity Exposition (SPACE) and the newly established Paseo Arts and Creativity Center (PACC) artist-in-residence position. 

The PACC first AIR and renowned local artist, Sam Charboneau, creating magic in the PACC’s photography studio.

When the PACC opened its doors last spring, it wasted no time in launching its artist-in-residence program by installing local photographer and digital artist Sam Charboneau as its first artist. This year the PAA invites all emerging and mid-career artists interested to apply to this open call for entries. All applicants must be at least 21 years of age, a current Oklahoma resident, and a current member of the PAA at the time of application. Year-long memberships can be purchased on the PAA website (thepaseo.org/join) and begin at as little as forty dollars. 

The PACC AIR has access to their own studio space in the PACC collective.

The artist selected for the artist-in-residence at the PACC will enjoy a free studio space, access to the PACC’s photo studio, and the opportunity to enrich our creative community with the possibility of teaching classes and workshops. The residency will begin July 1, 2021 and run through June 30, 2022. The deadline to apply is May 17, 2021 by 11 p.m. Artists interested in answering this call for entry can apply at thepaseo.org/paccair or or call 405-525-2688 for more information.

In 2020, due to COVID-19, with the safety of their artists and patrons at the center of their concern, the 2020-21 SPACE program was suspended. The PAA is happy to announce its return for the 2021-22 session. 

SKIRVIN PASEO ARTIST CREATIVITY EXPOSITION

The SPACE program was initiated as a partnership between the PAA and the Skirvin Hilton, a legendary supporter of the arts in OKC. Looking to create an environment that fosters new work from local artists as they engage the community, the Skirvin began working with the PAA in 2012 to bring about their now cherished artist-in-residence program. Since its inception, the artists who have served in this capacity have been a compelling cross-section of the creative community here in OKC. From violin makers to collage artists to encaustic painters, these artists have been engaging and dynamic.

This unique program places an artist in the middle of bustling downtown OKC. The chosen applicant will enjoy ample studio and gallery space with configurable lighting, a $500-per-month stipend, free covered parking, and complimentary meals in the hotel’s employee cafeteria.

“This is a fabulous opportunity for an emerging visual artist,” said Amanda Bleakley, Executive Director of the Paseo Arts Association. “The Skirvin Hilton Hotel is a beautiful historic hotel in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City with considerable pedestrian traffic and a continuous flow of hotel patrons.”

Due to COVID-19, the 2020-21 SPACE program was suspended and it will now reopen in 2021-22 as a 15-month residency for this year only. This residency runs from July 1, 2021, and will run through Sept 30, 2022. The deadline for this call is May 17 by 11 p.m.  Artists interesting in the SPACE artist-in-residence opportunity can visit thepaseo.org/applications or call 405-525-2688 for more information.