ALAMOSA – Visual and performing artists seek ways to expand their talents and inspire their creativity. The Adams State University Art, Theatre and Music Departments initiated an Artist in Residency program this fall to present visual and performing artists with an opportunity to complete projects, start collaborations, or spark new ideas.

“For years, the visual and performing art departments on campus have wanted to create an artist in residency program,” said Claire van der Plas, head of the Art Department.

Adams State’s Rare AIR will host seven artists from August through December, 2018 including Les Caison III, painter, from August 29 through September 26; Kenneth D. Friedrich, musician, composer, from September 10 through 22; Anthony Vasquez, visual artist, from September 29 through October 6; TL (Toni) Ridgway-Woodall, visual artist, from October 7 through October 28; Franklin J. Stroble, musician, composer, from October 15 through November 3; Lily Kuonen, visual artist, from November 16 through November 30; and Briay Conditt, musician, composer, from November 25 through December 18.

The residencies will include a pop-up art show or public talk, workshop, performance, or other community engagement. The first artist, Caison will exhibit his work in the Hatfield Art Gallery for an entire month.

The Adams State Rare AIR program will provide an apartment on Faculty Drive for the artist during their stay. All transportation, supplies, and meals will be the responsibility of the artist. “However art, theatre, and music faculty have agreed to provide a home-cooked meal for the artist once a week,” van der Plas said. In addition to the accommodation, the visual artists will have access to a large studio in the Art Building and access to all workshops. The musicians will be provided access to the music facilities.

An Adams State student will have the experience of working with the residents as an assistant, if needed. “Being in such an isolated place it is hard for students to get to see a wide range of artists and performances,” van der Plas added. “Rare AIR lets us bring a diverse range artists, musicians and theatre professionals from all over the nation and in many disciplines, including ones not represented among ASU faculty. The idea of bringing to world to us when we can’t go out into the world is potentially an alternative idea to lead with. It is really a win-win - the artists get time and support to focus and the students get to see fresh faces and approaches. The internship is also a great student opportunity that could be made a little more of - resume building, networking, getting to see more of what being a professional artist involves.”

Dates for performances, talks, workshops, and exhibits dates will be established and published as the semester progresses. “A residency provides an artist time to escape their normal routine and responsibilities and give one-hundred percent focus to their work,” van der Plas said. “We are thrilled to have the program start this fall.”

There are several artists scheduled for the spring semester. For more information, contact the Art Department at 719-587-7823.

Caption: Pictured, a painting, Seeing Stars in the Darkness by Les Caison III, who will be the first artist to participate in the Adams State University Rare AIR program./Courtesy photo