Spokane has a reputation as a place that young people must leave to find creative and economic opportunities. What could we do to keep Spokane from losing its young creatives and foster economic development in the arts sector in Spokane? The first few years after fine arts students graduate from university can be very hard because they lose their school studio space and everyday guidance. This can result in a loss of momentum and confidence which can take time to recover from. An artist residency at The Hive® offers a landing space for graduates to learn how to incorporate their creative practice into their post-graduate life. By removing barriers and making space conducive to creativity, emerging artists and recent graduates can really dive into an idea, not waste time on set-up and clean-up and work without distractions. In exchange for the residency, the artist gives back three public programs, creating high quality free arts education in the community.

The Hive’s EWU Emerging Artist Program is enthusiastically supported by both EWU and SPL. EWU provides a faculty mentor who meets with the artists monthly and SPL’s Arts Education Specialist also mentors the artists. She fosters connections between the different studios and encourages learning from older artists. The studios themselves foster creativity since they were designed specifically for art-making. They are separately vented to the outside, have floor drains, plywood walls, shop sinks and large drafting tables. For the second year of the program EWU will provide the two participants with a stipend for supplies to further reduce barriers to creativity. During the first year of the program, we found that the public program part was challenging for the EWU Artists and more mentoring was done to assist with their growth in that area. We held smaller practice classes with their peers to increase comfort level. This year they will also shadow another artist during their workshops.

Sharing a studio at The Hive®, recent EWU BFA graduates Noelle Bowden and Luu Melon were the first to be chosen for this unique program because of their exceptional applications, letters of recommendation, and creativity. “This residency gives me the space and time to expand myself as an emerging artist but also to fearlessly think, explore, and do,” said Bowden. “The environment, other artists, and the community create a wonderful learning and creative atmosphere.” Melon reflects on how this residency is helping her become more open to sharing her art with others. “This residency is a great experience for me as someone who is typically very closed off when it comes to their art practice. The environment is very beneficial to my thought process and is helping me discover my own way of doing things.”

Not only do the emerging artists get dedicated studio space during their residency, their work will be showcased during Emerging Artists Month at the Central Library in September.

Additional Materials:

• KXLY News: "The Hive invites the public to see the work of artists-in-residence at First Friday Artwalk"