SPAR(K)
The Social Practice Artists’ Residency (Keene), SPAR(K) is designed to bring accomplished social practice artists to Keene to work with and within the community to create experiences for engaged participation, reflection and the making of art. Craig Stockwell originated the plan and has served since as Director.
The Residency began in 2022 with Resident Artist Roz Crews. https://rozcrews.info/#/rozinkeene/
In 2023-24 the Resident Artist was Katie Bachler. The SPAR(K) artist (Katie Bachler), along with MFS’s art therapist, Kate Russo, has undertaken a process with a group of young MFS clients to develop a working relationship and to undertake projects and processes that will both involve their understanding of the site and to make artwork that tells a story about that understanding. The various works have been installed in the Children’s Program waiting room, which is a light-filled atrium. The artwork expresses hope and health and should help to create a warm, caring, and safe atmosphere for young clients.
In 2024 the Resident Artist was Olivia DelGandio. https://www.novaarts.org/residency
Art New England, January/February 2023, by April Claggett