Fountain House Gallery periodically organizes “Open Studio” evenings at Fountain House Studio in Long Island City. The most recent Studio visit took place on Tuesday, July 30 and was attended by Fountain House Gallery artists and staff, Fountain House members, and friends, who were ferried to the Studio in the cool comfort of a spacious van.

Resident Artist Gary Peabody

This evening celebrated the work of eight Artists in Residence who made art diligently at the Studio in recent months and whose residencies were drawing to a close: Miguel Colón, Shelia Horne, Gary Peabody, Aracelis Rivera, Angela Rogers, Rene Santiago, Jasmine Soto, and Don’ae Tate. 

Resident Artist Roger Jones

As visitors entered Fountain House Studio, located in Long Island City’s landmark Silks building, they were greeted by shafts of early-evening summer sunlight which lent a golden glow to the numerous artworks arrayed on walls, easels, and tables. The art on display represented various mediums. Included in the mix were a mannequin sporting Jasmine Soto’s fashion designs and a selection of baseball caps hand-painted by Roger Jones. 

Resident Artist Jasmine Soto

The Artists in Residence in attendance were eager to discuss their work with visitors. Artists and visitors chatted while enjoying a variety of treats provided by the Wellness Unit.

Residencies are assigned via an application process focused on defined project goals. Resident Artists are assisted in meeting these goals by Fountain House Gallery Director Ariel Willmott, Gallery Manager Amanda Suárez, Studio Coordinator Karen Gormandy, and Richard Courage, who serves as Peer Support Specialist for the Studio. On occasion, Artists in Residence may continue their residencies into the next term.

Resident Artist Angela Rogers

Established in 2017, Fountain House Studio provides member-artists with the resources, training, inspiration, and support they need to succeed in the highly competitive art world. Artists in Residence are assigned dedicated workspaces during the term of residency, and the Studio also offers drop-in hours during which all Gallery artists and Fountain House members are welcome to use the space for artmaking, with art supplies provided free of charge. Members of the Fountain House community who are interested in exploring the opportunity of making art at the Studio can contact Amanda Suárez for details: asuarez@fountainhouse.org, or 212.262.2756. 

Resident Artist Aracelis Rivera

Incoming Artists in Residence are just beginning their terms, which will continue into November. The Studio will serve as the site for construction of several installations to be showcased at the Mad About Art auction and benefit event on November 21. 

The next Open Studio visit is scheduled for October. Stay tuned.