The Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2017-2018 award of a yearlong rent-free studio space in DUMBO, Brooklyn. 17 visual artists were selected from over 1,300 applicants by an initial review with four past studio artists: Valerie Hegarty (’04), Sarah Peters (’07), Debra Priestly (’13), Blane De St. Croix (’14), followed by a final selection with jury members Sanford Biggers, Matthew Deleget, Deborah Kass, Nathlie Provosty (’09), and Jean Shin.
The recipients for 2017 are Laura Bernstein, Anna Betbeze, Todd Bienvenu, Derek Fordjour, Angela Fraleigh, Hong Seon Jang, Osamu Kobayashi, Doron Langberg, Sharon Louden, Bridget Mullen, Narcissister, Jose Rodriguez, Brie Ruais, Martha Tuttle, Brandi Twilley, Penelope Umbrico, and Jaimie Warren. The residency period will last from September 2017 through August 2018, with an open studios weekend to be scheduled for spring 2018.
“For Twenty Six years the Sharpe-Walentas Space Program has provided studios to emerging and established artists. We believe workable studio space and community is fundamental to the creative process,” said Jane Walentas, Executive Director. “We are excited to welcome 17 outstanding artists this September to our beautiful DUMBO studio spaces and are looking forward to seeing how their work progresses throughout the year.”
The Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program is the new face of the Marie Walsh Sharpe Art Foundation Space Program, developed for artists, by artists in 1991. In 2014, the program was renamed the Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program to honor the legacy of Marie Walsh Sharpe and reflect the new sponsorship and commitment of the Walentas Family Foundation. Since its founding 26 years ago, over 400 artists have received rent-free studio space through the program.
