Gallery Fellow: Back to Basics

Description

Gallery Fellowship Description

Back to Basics, led by Artist-in-Residence James Marshall (Dalek), emphasizes freedom through limitation. By working with simple materials, artists are encouraged to let go of perfectionism, embrace intuition, and explore automatic and instinctive mark-making as pathways to new ideas. Through this process, participants will engage with drawing and painting as direct extensions of thought and emotion. The program begins with traditional tools pencils, pens, and markers, and progresses to painting, screen printing, and digital illustration using Illustrator.

In addition to individual exploration, the program will include collaborative group projects designed to foster community, experimentation, and creative risk-taking. These larger works will challenge participants to engage outside their usual styles and comfort zones, building a shared sense of discovery and dialogue. Ultimately, this residency seeks to remind artists that within the simplest tools lie infinite possibilities—and that in returning to the basics, we rediscover what it truly means to create.

Key Learning Goals

• Develop confidence and control using traditional media such as markers, ink, and pencil, focusing on expressive mark-making and composition without correction.
• Explore transitions between materials to understand how different tools influence style, emotion, and process.
• Encourage self-discovery and the development of a personal artistic voice through experimentation and reflection.
• Foster freedom and fluidity in the creative process, emphasizing intuition and exploration over perfection.
• Build community and collaboration through shared large-scale drawing exercises and group dialogue.
• Deepen understanding of artistic approaches by studying and discussing diverse artists and visual examples.
• Support participants in identifying and expanding on what truly matters in their creative work.

ArtWorks' Your Name Here Gallery Fellowship Program is a transformative, free educational experience designed for young artists ages 16-24 to expand their creative horizons through hands-on mentorship with accomplished Artists-in-Residence. Through personalized guidance, professional development, and collaborative opportunities, the program fosters artistic growth in an inclusive and supportive environment. Participants gain valuable gallery experience, experiment with new techniques, and showcase their work in a group exhibition with the opportunity to sell their pieces, retaining 75% of any sales. This unique fellowship empowers emerging artists to connect with the community and step confidently into the professional art world.  

Requirements

Gallery Fellowship Requirements

• Gallery Fellows must be 16 - 24 years old.
• Gallery Fellows must commit to attending all scheduled studio sessions and professional development sessions.
• Gallery Fellows must participate in the installation and curation of the group exhibition.
• Gallery Fellows must participate in the Gallery Opening. 
• Gallery Fellows must participate in the deinstallation and closing of the group exhibition.

Gallery Fellowship Schedule  

Mandatory Studio Sessions: January 15 – March 5, 2026 (Tuesdays/Thursdays, 4-7pm)*

* Except for the very first week, when class will occur on: Thursday (January 15) and Friday (January 16) from 4-7pm

Following weeks: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-7

Mandatory Installation & PD Sessions: March 16 – March 26, 2026

Exhibition Duration: March 27 – May 6, 2026 | 6 weeks 

Mandatory Opening: Friday, March 27, 2026 | 5-7pm 

Mandatory De-Install: Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 4-7pm  

Application Requirements

The application deadline is December 8 by 9am. Be sure to upload images of your artwork using the additional materials button on the application. If you have issues with uploading through the additional materials button, please email your artwork portfolio to grace@artworkscincinnati.org. The samples of your artwork are the most important element of your application!