In June, I spent a month as an Artist in Residence at Nemacolin Resort, an experience that offered time to step outside of my usual studio environment and reflect on my practice in a new setting.
This was my first artist residency, which made it an important milestone in my career. Many residency programs look for prior residency experience when reviewing applications, so participating in this program felt like a meaningful step forward—both professionally and personally.
My goal for the residency was to continue work on my ongoing divine feminine surreal painting series, which explores themes of feminine power and mythic storytelling. While I had originally planned to incorporate printmaking into this residency, the current studio setup led me to focus entirely on painting.
The structure of this residency was very different from what I had previously imagined. Unlike more traditional, secluded residencies, this program was highly public-facing. The front wall of the studio wwas glass walls and doors, and the studio is open to resort guests five days a week. Artists were expected to work on-site during set hours, wearing professional attire along with resort identification.
While this format kept me consistently engaged in daily work, it also presented challenges. Creating while being observed required a different kind of focus and adaptability. Although it wasn’t a particularly quiet or restful environment, it offered valuable insight into working publicly and engaging with a broad audience outside of galleries and museums. Thanks to this experience, I have grown much more comfortable live painting at different public art events, which also greatly increases engagement with passersby – an instant conversation starter!
Outside of the studio, I made an effort to explore both the resort grounds and the surrounding area. I spent time sketching outdoors, observing the landscape, and drawing inspiration from the natural environment. I also explored the interior spaces of the Chateau and the Lodge, where the carefully curated decor, architecture, and atmosphere offered a different source of visual inspiration. I also participated in a guided tour of Nemacolin’s outdoor sculpture collection, which provided perspective on how art functions within a luxury and hospitality setting. On days off, I visited nearby parks, explored waterfalls, and spent time swimming—small moments of reset that helped balance the intensity of the public-facing studio schedule.
During the residency, I focused primarily on painting, using the time to experiment freely in my sketchbook and revisit ideas I had been wanting to explore. While I didn’t complete as much work as I initially hoped, I nearly finished two new paintings and laid the groundwork for future pieces. The experience reinforced that productivity during a residency doesn’t always look like nonstop output—sometimes it’s experimentation, reflection, and problem-solving.
The residency provided housing on the resort and included a small stipend, which made it possible for me to participate and dedicate the month to my practice. While this residency may not have been a perfect creative fit for me personally, it provided exposure to new audiences, valuable professional experience, and clarity about the types of residencies I hope to pursue in the future.
Overall, the experience reinforced how impactful residencies can be in an artist’s career. Stepping away from routine, encountering new environments, and engaging with unfamiliar audiences all contribute to growth. Moving forward, I hope to participate in at least one residency per year, as I see them as an important investment in both my work and my business.
More About the AIR Program at Nemacolin
Nestled in the scenic Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, Nemacolin is a luxury resort known for its world-class accommodations, immersive experiences, and dedication to supporting the arts. This artist in residence opportunity came to me through artist Claire Hardy—a long time artist in residence at Nemacolin- whose introduction to the resort and key art staff helped pave the way for me to take part.
Each month, Nemacolin welcomes two artists into its Artist in Residence program, offering them studio space and time to focus on their creative practice while engaging with guests. I share the studio this June with Meredith Edmondson, a talented glass artist and jewelry maker whose vibrant work complements the space beautifully.
Visitors to Nemacolin Resort are welcome to stop by the Artist in Residence studio five days a week to chat, see what artists are working on, and learn more about their practices. Artists also occassionaly do live painting pop-ups in the Nemacolin Gallery or Chateau lobby, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their processes in action.