Wrapping Up Round One of the Art Star Residency

We are thrilled to share that the first round of the Art Star Residency Program has officially come to a close. This pilot program was created to give young artists a supportive environment to grow, experiment, and strengthen their creative practices. As we transition into the next cycle, we’re celebrating the progress of our first group of residents and reflecting on what this opportunity has meant to them.

Our 1st Group of Artists in Residence: Cloudy Rosas, Maritza Flores, Eclipse Hin, Nevaeh Lee, Daryan Kong & Sorieya Mao.

From the beginning, artists shared how much the program’s structure and community support helped them stay committed to their work. One resident reflected, “Yes, I was supported by the community a lot. Everyone was more than happy to help with any question. Of course, I was pushed and inspired.” Another explained, “We were held up to Refuge’s expectations, and that helped me push myself harder. I feel like in a different situation I might have failed, but here we had a strong support system with constructive criticism that improved my skills and techniques.”

The critique sessions became a central part of the residency, encouraging accountability and honest dialogue about each artist’s practice. Residents appreciated the chance to share their work and receive feedback. “I love getting feedback on my work because I want to know what people think and how I can make it better,” one artist shared. Others noted how the critiques mirrored a college-level environment, pushing them to reflect more deeply on their artistic choices. While some wished for more technical critique depending on their medium, the overall feedback emphasized that critiques were both motivating and effective.

We are proud to see how much this first group of residents grew during their time in the program. Their experiences and voices are helping us shape the next round of the residency to be even stronger. Most importantly, their reflections confirm that the Art Star Residency has already begun to meet its goal: building a space where young artists feel supported, challenged, and free to grow.

The end of this first cycle marks an exciting new beginning. We can’t wait to welcome the next group of Art Star Residents and continue fostering a community where young artists can thrive!