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MMA Artist-In-Residence Program


The Maria Mitchell Association's Artist-In-Residence Program spans Spring to late Fall and is hosted at the MMA’s 33 Washington Street waterfront space.

Each artist will present a public offering to the community, an art opening, show, and works for sale with all the proceeds going to each respective artist. All artists will be in residency locally for the tenure of their show. 


2024 Artists-In-Residence

Henry Michaelis
August 8 - October 15
Photography


Henry Michaelis, a passionate aerial photographer and cinematographer, will share his latest project "Aerial Abstraction" as Artist-In-Residence at the Maria Mitchell Association. This collection of photographs showcases his fascination with the natural world, captured from a unique aerial perspective. From the glacial rivers of Alaska to the potassium mines of Utah to the watercolor sand shoals of Nantucket Sound, Michaelis' images invite us to see the world in a new light.

 

With a keen eye for detail and a love for the unknown, Michaelis uses his drone to explore the intricacies of the landscape, revealing hidden patterns and textures that often go unnoticed. His work is a testament to the beauty and complexity of the world around us, and a reminder of the importance of slowing down to appreciate its simple wonders. Through "Aerial Abstraction," Michaelis hopes to inspire a sense of curiosity and awe in his viewers, and to share his own sense of wonder at the world's wild stories.


Join us for Henry Michaelis' Art Opening on Thursday, August 8th at 33 Washington Street.  


In addition to Michaelis’ opening reception, gallery open hours will be held on Thursdays from 5 - 7pm through September 26.


Please check our website calendar for up-to-date hours at: https://www.mariamitchell.org/calendar

Charity Grace Mofsen
May 31 - August 5
Astrophotography


Charity Grace Mofsen captures the island of Nantucket in all its glory – in light and at night. With a particular affinity for astrophotography, she believes there is always light, if you have eyes to see it. From fine art landscapes to intimate weddings, fun portrait sessions, and creative product photography, Mofsen finds joy sharing her love of Nantucket with the hope that others will also cherish the island’s natural beauty. Returning as an Artist-in-Residence for the Maria Mitchell Association, her work speaks to [wo]man’s connection to the cosmos. Describing her style as meditative, Mofsen highlights the beauty of the island’s contrasts – the solitude of the off-season and the joy of summer, the colors of the light and the wisdom of the night. This year’s show will expand to include new work from off-island locations blessed with dark skies.


In addition to Mofsen’s opening reception on Friday, May 31st, gallery open hours will be held from 5:30pm – 7:30pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday starting May 31st and ending August 4 at 33 Washington Street (subject to changes). Please check our website calendar for up-to-date hours at: https://www.mariamitchell.org/calendar


Join us for Charity Grace's Art Opening on Friday, May 31st at 5:30PM at

33 Washington Street.

DeBlois Milledge

Musician-in-Residence
June 15 - July 15


DeBlois, the multi-faceted American singer-songwriter, lives between the vibrant landscapes of Miami, Florida, and Nosara, Costa Rica. With a voice that echoes the hues of hope and joy, she weaves melodies that navigate the intricacies of life's sorrows and wonders. Beyond her musical prowess, DeBlois extends her healing touch as a compassionate death doula and RN, recognizing the profound power of music as medicine.


On July 9th, she graces the lawn for our joyful family picnic, and her enriching workshops invite participants to explore songwriting, delve into music theory, and engage in profound discussions about embracing life in the face of mortality. Join DeBlois on a journey of melody and introspection, where every note resonates with the essence of being alive.


DeBlois is looking forward to sharing music and so much more with our community on Nantucket at 33 Washington Street. For more information, please e-mail: info@mariamitchell.org.


Past Artists-In-Residence

Tucker Finerty
July 13 - August 13
Photography,  Videography


Tucker Finerty is a photographer and videographer presenting a collection of vignettes chronicling the people and stories of coastal communities in the face of climate change. Having found a passion for storytelling through living abroad has been a guiding thread throughout his work. Stories of unique characters, endangered or fading arts, and harsh landscapes are areas where he enjoys bringing the camera the most. He is trying to shed a light on places that might otherwise be lost behind the falling curtains of time. His summers are spent on Nantucket working to capture images and characters within its coast and coastal communities. As a location with multiple iterations of a people who pull their livelihood from the surrounding waters, it has proven to be a place of immense wealth when looking for a good story.


Join us for Tucker's Art Opening on Thursday, July 13th at 5:30PM at 33 Washington Street.

Dr. Rich Blundell's
"The Art of Oika"
June 15 - July 12
Mixed Media


The Art of Oika is a group show curated by the MMA’s Scientist-in-Residence, Dr. Rich Blundell. Oika refers to the intelligence of nature as felt by humans. Working in collaboration and the habitats of Nantucket, each artist in this exhibition embodies the deep ecological principles of Oika in their own unique manner. The show includes:

  • Rita LeDuc works in painting, drawing, collage, and photography. Her visual research on Nantucket tracks the changes in character of the color gray as it traverses from downtown Nantucket and out into the wooded areas and moors, and investigates what can be unearthed in the ecosystem’s “gray areas.” Her workshop at the MMA will compliment an Oika for Artists course, offering ways to directly engage and co-create with place.

  • Dakota Clearwater LaCroix works in sound, video, storytelling, and installation. He is focused on rediscovering “Poetics of Place.” While in residency, he is rethinking and relating to the nature, history, and culture of Nantucket. His MMA workshop will focus on exploring radical listening and the “Energetics of Place through Poetics of Sounds.”

  • Dena Haden works in installation and fiber art to embody the ebb and flow of life cycles and the residue they leave in passing. Through the intentional act of collecting, growing, and building organic materials, she creates moments in time to honor nature. Haden’s Nantucket workshop will share her practice to connect through native materials and notice a shared state of awareness.

  • Robert Peters is a Mashpee Wampanoag artist, writer, fire keeper, and keeper of indigenous oral traditions. His body of work reflects life and nature from an indigenous perspective. He believes that in the telling of our stories through art, words, and actions, we take back a measure of power that people have given away. Robert has used his art, ideas, and writings to help combat addiction among indigenous people. He introduced the use of the traditional stomp dance to be performed at powwows in dedication to the families impacted by addiction. Peters is organizing a stomp dance on Nantucket that invites public participation in the healing process.


Join us for the "Art of Oika" Art Opening on Thursday, June 15th at 5:30PM at 33 Washington Street.

Henry Michaelis
May 28 - June 11
Photography


Henry Michaelis is a self-taught photographer, cinematographer, and a FAA licensed drone pilot. He specializes in drone, surf, and water photography. His body of work while in residency at the Maria Mitchell Association continues his focus on, and chronicle of, Nantucket and Cape Cod marine life. He is an alumnus of the Maria Mitchell Association’s award-winning Discovery Camp. 


Join us for Henry's Art Opening on Sunday, May 28th at 5:30PM at 33 Washington Street.

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