Thomasin Parnes (ACG ’11) is one of several local artists selected for this year’s 40th Street Artist-in-Residency program. The 40th Street Artist-in-Residence Program awards West Philadelphia artists 1 year of free studio space at 40th and Chestnut Sts. In exchange, each artist shares their talents with the West Philadelphia community by leading workshops, teaching classes, exhibiting in the area, etc. Founded by artist Edward M. Epstein in 2003, the program addresses the need for studio space in West Philadelphia, assists artists with career development, and makes the 40th Street area a nexus for visual arts.
Resident artists are granted a studio space at either 4007 Chestnut or 4013 Chestnut Street for a period of one year, beginning on August 25, 2012 and ending August 15, 2013. They will be encouraged to use that time to develop their own creative work. In exchange, they will be asked to share their talents with West Philadelphia through a minimum of 40 hours of outreach work over the course of the year. Examples of this include a public installation or a workshop or class. Support will be provided to help develop the projects effectively. In addition, the artists in residence will have opportunities to work together to plan group exhibitions, both of their own work and of their outreach work. Monthly meetings (or more when necessary) will help facilitate this work as well as create opportunities for artists to share ideas and create a true community. In addition to working with fellow residents, a student intern and a professional facilitator help to coordinate efforts, including outreach, gallery activities, publicity, maintenance, etc. Visit 40th Street AIR’s site for more information.
