Residency- Avivo ArtWorks- Jes Reyes- 4 Hrs
Last Thursday I went to the studio at noon. Once I arrived, Jes and I packed members work to be exhibited in a show. They needed to be protected during transportation, so we wrapped them with sturdy butcher paper. It was exciting to see finished work of members who I had recently met. I also encountered some new names and was hopeful to meet them in the future. After I was done, I was introduced to another volunteer at the ArtWorks studio who had just visited Greece. We spoke about her trip as well as her personal art practice. Later we sorted through the magazine racks, getting rid of unnecessary ones, and made room for the ones stacked on top of the racks. I learned that she too enjoyed the vintage magazines and we both agreed that they were the most enchanting of the bunch.
I spent most of the day reading written works by one of the familiar members who was thrilled to share their stories. I also got a chance to read some of Christi's graphic novel that is soon to be published. Christi works at the ArtWorks studio as the Peer Support Specialist. Every Thursday she holds a casual comics class open to members. I was unable to partake this time, but am excited to join them next Thursday.
Later in the day, Christi and I worked on some collages. All the members in the studio were busy working on personal projects. As usual, I went to them to see what they were working on. If asked about colors or concepts, I did my best to answer in response to my own experience as a painter. I am starting to gather some common interests and conversations in regards to art that go on in the studio. Each day at ArtWorks has further informed me how I might hold my lesson in the future. I am becoming eager to lead a lesson, but am also consciously readjusting the methods I should use. I think so far, the greatest experience I've encountered is discovering what drives these artist to push through obstacles and create profound work.