It’s hard to believe that last year, I was on stage as the third Artist in Residence at TEDx ConcordiaU Portland, presenting my talk and artwork.

This year’s Artist in Residence (left) is painter and storyteller, Jolie Guillebeau. Earlier this year she completed a massive project where she made 1000 paintings over a four-year period as she convinced herself she was truly an artist. Then, she did it again only this time she made another 1000 paintings in a four-month period for TEDx. Jolie presented her piece, Millenium, and talk “Death by the Opposite of 1000 Cuts.”

I was really pleased to introduce Jolie and talk about the TEDx ConcordiaU Portland Artist in Residence program. TEDx ConcordiaUPortland is the first TEDx to create an Artist in Residence program and each year, the program has grown stronger.
This year we have several exciting announcements to make:

• First, TEDx ConcordiaU Portland now grants the artist $1500 towards the purchase of materials for the project and is actively seeking patrons to sponsor the program.
• Second, the exiting Artist in Residence now acts as mentor to the incoming Artist in Residence providing guidance, support, community and continuity throughout the year.
• And third, this used to be an invitation only process but as of Saturday, there is now an open call to all artists in the Portland area who wish to apply for the 2015 Artist In Residence. Applications are due June 13, 2014.

Photo credits: Tera Wages of Armosa Studios.