Through photography, writing and mixed-media, the first AMA Artist-in-Residence will explore the historical, cultural and social contexts of Texas high school homecoming mums
Arlington, TX (July 1, 2019) – The Arlington Museum of Art announced today its 2019 Artist-in-Residence, the first of its kind for the museum and the City of Arlington. The first exhibition associated with the Artist-in-Residency, which will focus on a uniquely Texas tradition, opens October 1 and runs through November 10, 2019.
Designed to support individual artists while engaging the public in creative discourse and learning, the AMA Artist-in-Residency provides an unencumbered opportunity for a North Texas-based artist to focus on innovative artistic expression while benefiting from the resources of the museum. In turn, each Artist-in-Residence will produce and exhibit new work in a solo show at the museum; host open studios, workshops, and/or public lectures; and engage in related community outreach activities.
Chris Hightower, chairman of the AMA Board of Directors and acting curator for museum and the Artist-in-Residency, believes that attracting artists to Arlington will further accelerate the creative and economic prosperity enjoyed by the district in recent years. He sees the museum’s first Artist-in-Residence appointment as a next step in building a full-fledged Residency program.
“Over the last few years, the Arlington Museum of Art has been a leader in driving placemaking, community engagement, and cultural tourism through visual art,” said Hightower. “After overseeing the City of Arlington’s successful ‘Star of Texas’ public art initiative, we’ve seen art become a defining priority for our City and particularly in downtown Arlington. The museum is building on that success by providing platforms for more Texas-based artists to exhibit their work alongside that of world-renowned artists, like our upcoming Keith Haring exhibition. An Artist-in-Residency is one such platform that can also serve as a beacon for even more talent, energy and investment.”
The selection of each Artist-in-Residence is based on artistic merit as demonstrated by the artist’s recent body of work, concepts presented in a residency proposal, perceived growth potential of the artist, and the potential for community engagement.
The six-month term of the Artist-in-Residence, Amy J. Schultz, begins on July 1 and runs through December 31, 2019.
As an artist, writer and award-winning photographer, Schultz, owner of unplain jane studio, regularly shows her photography at juried gallery exhibitions and art festivals. Her photographs have been widely collected, and she was one of the two dozen artists chosen to create pieces for the ‘Star of Texas’ initiative. Schultz also works with clients on a variety of commissioned and commercial projects.
“In my work, I strive to challenge the preconceived focal point, whatever that might be,” explains Schultz, “What’s underneath, behind, inside, or even missing from the subject matter is, to me, always more complex and compelling than what’s on the surface. It takes curiosity, tenacity and time to de-tangle a story and get to its universal truths. This Artist-in-Residency will give me this time. I can’t overstate how grateful I am to the Arlington Museum of Art for this opportunity.”
Schultz has selected a subject matter that is ubiquitously Texan: the long-standing tradition of exchanging mums and garters at high school homecomings. Under the working title of “MUMENTOUS: The Upsizing of a Texas Tradition,” she plans to explore driving forces behind the practice, including its history, traditions, fan culture, social media, critics, the DIY movement, and women.
“We’re delighted to be working with Amy as our Artist-in-Residence,” said Hightower. “Not only does she bring a unique artistic perspective but she has tremendous energy and a real passion for Arlington.”
About the Arlington Museum of Art
As a champion for creativity and economic vibrancy, the Arlington Museum of Art successfully blends world-class art exhibitions, locally-curated exhibits, enrichment programs for all ages, and outreach activities that engage artists and inspire the community. The Museum is also a driver of creativity within the Arlington Cultural District, a designation granted by the State of Texas.
For more information
For more information about the Arlington Museum of Art, visit arlingtonmuseum.org or follow @ArlingtonArt on Facebook and @arlingtonmuseum on Twitter. For more information about Schultz’s project, visit unplainjanestudio.com or follow @txhocomum on Facebook and Instagram.
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