The Artist-in-Residence Program was conceived by
businessman and artist Donald B. Anderson in the 1960s. His
vision was to enhance the cultural environment of Roswell and
southeastern New Mexico by bringing artists of national
importance to live and work in the tranquility of the high
plains. Mr. Anderson approached the museum with an offer of a
unique partnership which would result in establishing one of the
most outstanding residency programs in the country.
With Mr. Anderson's patronage, the Roswell
Museum and Art Center assumed full administrative responsibility
for the fledgling program designed to provide studio artists with
a "Gift of Time" to focus on their work with an
absolute minimum of distraction. Over the next 25 years the
Program developed into a fully operational facility accommodating
five artists year round and providing them ample living spaces,
studios, and monthly stipends for periods of six to twelve
months. In 1992 administrative responsibility for the program was
transferred to the Roswell Museum and Art Center Foundation.
The "Gift of Time" was also uniquely
conceived as a family program. All living facilities are
separate, fully furnished two or three bedroom houses. Artists
accompanied by family dependents receive appropriately larger
stipend benefits. Where a spouse is also an artist, provision for
additional studio space may be possible with adequate advance
notice. The diverse backgrounds and aesthetic interests of the
residents inevitably lead to exciting and unexpected exchanges,
and to lasting friendships.
Recognized nationally for its generous
provisions, the "Gift of Time" is offered without
obligation; there is no requirement to teach, lecture, donate
work, or exhibit, though exhibitions are frequently offered by
the Museum to resident artists. The "Gift of Time" is
an opportunity for artists to explore ideas in depth, to take
risks, and even to fail. While many artists do produce large
bodies of work under the grant, the creative growth of the
individual artist is the most significant product of the
residency experience.
Artists are selected during scheduled
competitions approximately six months in advance of openings.
Awards are made based entirely upon the outstanding quality of
the artist's work and the "statement of intent."
Eligibility is limited to artists working in drawing, painting,
photography, printmaking, sculpture, and other fine art media.
Grants are not made in the disciplines of performance art or
production crafts.
To date over 130 artists have participated in
the program, coming from the United States, Europe, Australia,
and Asia. Past participants include such noted and diverse
artists as Stuart Arends, Robert Colescott, Rita DeWitt, Luis
Jimenez, Diane Marsh, Rudy Pozzatti, Milton Resnick, and Alison
Saar.
While the Roswell Museum and Art Center has
traditionally found the residency program to be an excellent
source of contemporary art for inclusion in the permanent
collection, the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art has made the
residency program the core and focus of its collection. Located
at 409 E. College -- the site of the Museum's Foundation offices
and Mr. Anderson's business offices -- the Anderson Museum houses
and displays the most extensive collection of art works by former
artists in residence.
Artists interested in the residency program
should send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: GRANT
APPLICATION REQUEST, Artist in Residence Program, Roswell Museum
and Art Center Foundation, 409 East College Avenue, Roswell, New
Mexico 88201.
Anyone interested in providing support for the
Artist in Residence Program should contact the Roswell Museum and
Art Center Foundation at the above address, or by calling (505)
623-5600 or FAXing (505) 623-5603.
For more information about the Roswell
Artist-in-Residence Program contact: Stephen Fleming,
RAIR Program Director, 1404 West Berrendo, Roswell, NM 88201 or
phone: (505) 622 6037 or e-mail at: (roswellair@aol.com)
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property of the Roswell Museum and Art Center and may not be
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