Artists-In-Residence Program
For over 30 years Arrowmont has welcomed Artists-in-Residence (AIRs) to campus for an 11-month, self-directed residency. This unique program provides 5 early-career artists the time, space and support needed to create new work, while actively participating in our robust community of artists, students and staff.
Resident experiences are tailored to the individual’s goals and desired outcomes, with guaranteed exposure and professional development opportunities including – 3 gallery exhibitions, open-studio talks and demonstration, instruction experience through our ArtReach program, and funded networking resources.
We interviewed one of our current AIRs, Grant Turner, to learn more about him and what his experience has been during his residency here at Arrowmont. Continue reading to learn more about Grant!
Q&A
Tell us a little bit more about yourself! Your life/work prior to arriving at Arrowmont and any interesting facts we should know about you!
Hello I am Grant Turner : ) a current AIR at Arrowmont and an artist from Wapakoneta, Ohio. I work mainly with metals and enamels. Prior to this residency I was coaching middle school track and field, specifically shot put and discus.
What drew you to the Artists-in-Residence Program at Arrowmont?
I was drawn to the Arrowmont residence program through the memories I have as a child and staying at my grandmother’s condo and visiting Gatlinburg. Those familial memories felt strong and caring around here, giving me the courage to apply.
What is something that you have learned about yourself during your residency here?
Something that I have learned about me during this residency is that I can’t be as independent as I once thought I was capable of being. Just like every person on Earth, I need a community.
Tell us a bit about your work process and how it has changed since you have been at Arrowmont.
My process involves taking my digital sketches and transforming them into enameled pieces. While at Arrowmont, I was able to continue to expand and explore my practice by creating larger scale wall mounted enamels.
Can you share any specifics about your work for the closing AIR exhibition in May? Everyone loves a teaser!
Mind your business. The kettle will whistle when it’s ready. : )
What has been the most valuable thing you’ve learned in your residency (so far)?
I think the most valuable thing I’ve learned in my residency here so far is to enjoy your own breath while you have it. : )
As an Arrowmont Artist-In-Residence, you have had the opportunity to participate in our youth outreach program, ArtReach, as an instructor. Would you share your experience working with that program and how your work as an artist influenced the workshop you taught? Did you learn anything from the kids who participated?
The program was fantastic to work with! It reminded me of a similar program I was very fortunate to interact with during my middle school years that introduced me to string instruments like violins and upright basses. Having this memory ignite within me was so warm and made connecting to the program even more magical. The class I taught was a small scale enameling class, we made little ornaments for our students’ houses for the holidays. This class was most of the students’ first time being exposed to a metals studio and the art of enameling. I think one thing I relearned from my students was just the joy of introducing oneself to a new space and remembering what it’s like to begin again from square one. Being surrounded by their energy and creativity was exhilarating and reignited my own passion within craft once again.
What advice would you give to a future Artist-in-Residence?
Advice I would give to a future AIR would be to have fun with the work studies and to go swimming in the river as much as you can! Enjoy this atmosphere and all that it has to offer! Especially its nature!
Fun Fact: I lost a pair of my glasses in the Little Pigeon River allowing me to see in the river forever 🙂
