ART

Artists-in-Residence

The Arts in Residence at First Church

One Year Artist In Residency

We believe that access to free creative space is essential for building and sustaining a resilient culture. Our Residency program is designed to combat the displacement and erasure that accompany gentrification in the South Side of Chicago.

Artists-in-Residence are given access to a studio space free of charge with 24/7 access. They also may use shared space for rehearsals, performances, and exhibitions.

This residency is for artists and curators who are personally and creatively rooted in the South Side of Chicago. This includes artists who grew up in the South Side, have lived here for a lengthy amount of time, who are deeply engaged and involved in the South Side, and those whose creative practices are rooted in the artistic modalities of the South Side.

There is no restriction on media or disciplines.

The residency term is one year and may be renewed.


Mini Artist Residency

We also host mini-residencies for artists with short-term space needs, particularly those seeking rehearsal space for music, dance, theatre, and other performing arts. You can fill out this interest form or reach out to our Arts Czar (Max Li) if you have any questions.

Meet our Artists-in-Residence

  • Max Li

    Tintype photography, digital photo, sculpture multimedia

  • Fantasía A. Graham

    Painting, drawing

  • Robert Earl Paige

    Textile design, painting, collage, and sculpture

  • Kahari Blackburn

    Murals, collage, painting, digital art

  • Ameera Lys Pernebsati

    Indigo dyeing, fabric and textile design

  • Messejah Washington

    Messejah Washington

    Painting

  • Aamir Mitchell

    Fashion design, drawing, music, writing

  • Dozzy Ibekwe

    Culinary Arts

  • Scott Vincent Campbell (Past)

    Assemblage, collage, sculpture, curation

  • Alexx Temeña (Past)

    Liturgical design, somatic arts