Writespace Artist Residency Program
Each year, we invite Houston artists to display their artwork in our Writer's Studio at Sabine Street Studios #125. The Writespace artist-in-residence program supports a local artist by displaying their work in the Writespace studio for a period of 6-12 months. Our editors provide mentorship to artists on developing their artist statements and biographies, the option to participate in studio exhibitions, as well as the opportunity to present a workshop at Writespace.
Artists of all practices are welcome to apply, but artwork must be installed by the artist and suitable to the studio wall space. (For example, no freestanding sculpture but wall-hung sculpture is acceptable.) Please note, we are a working writer's center, which means that there will be people in our studio on a regular basis. There are tables in the space, which means that very large pieces may not be a good fit.
The current wall space includes three walls:
Entry Wall: 12x9'
Back Wall: 17x9'
Side Wall: 16x9
This program has no application fee.
This program's application period is 11/15/24-1/1/25.
The 2025 residency begins February 1, 2025 and runs until the end of 2025.
Artists of all practices are welcome to apply, but artwork must be installed by the artist and suitable to the studio wall space. (For example, no freestanding sculpture but wall-hung sculpture is acceptable.) Please note, we are a working writer's center, which means that there will be people in our studio on a regular basis. There are tables in the space, which means that very large pieces may not be a good fit.
The current wall space includes three walls:
Entry Wall: 12x9'
Back Wall: 17x9'
Side Wall: 16x9
This program has no application fee.
This program's application period is 11/15/24-1/1/25.
The 2025 residency begins February 1, 2025 and runs until the end of 2025.
Meet our 2024 Artist-in-Residence!
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About the Artist
Rayneisha Wroten was born in Alief, Texas in 1996. Her work has appeared in the Colorado Summer Art Fair. Wroten has exhibited in a solo exhibition at Epoch in Austin, TX. Her numerous group exhibitions include “BLUE” at Art Car Museum, Houston, TX, and “A Year in Review” at Mindful Art Exhibit. In 2022, Wroten received a scholarship from the Glassell School of Art at the MFAH Houston for works on canvas and featured in Canvas Rebel Magazine. Rayneisha Wroten lives in Austin, Texas. As an emerging artist, I am grateful and delighted to have the opportunity to take residency with Writespace. I am eager to create more artwork that embodies my passion and vision to evoke emotion from my viewers. The artist residency will help me elevate and refine my art skills. I look forward to gaining more experience through the mentorship, studio space, and the opportunity to host an art event. All things considered, having the ability to create in the studio will help me reach my ultimate artistic goal of creating influential and inspirational art. Follow Rayneisha on Instagram |
Artist Interview
Writespace volunteer Nwakaego Ugwuanyi interviews Rayneisha Wroten.
Can you discuss your artistic background and tell us a bit of how you developed
your style?
I became a professional visual artist in 2020. Ultimately I am self taught with a 2022 semester scholarship to The Glassell School of Art in Houston, Tx. I have no true art style as I enjoy exploring different subjects and showcasing detailed skill in my artwork.
What is your medium of choice? (if there’s multiple) Do you have a favorite?
I use both oil and acrylic-based mediums. I prefer oil paint when creating portraits and realistic works. When creating abstract art I use acrylic paint.
There’s a lot of diversity in your subjects; of the works displayed at the studio some are geometric, some profiles of black women, and some are more abstract and textured; do you have an overarching theme or inspiration? Either for these pieces or your works at large?
My inspiration stems from subjects that evoke emotion. I've chosen to create a variety of works to showcase my skill and ability to be versatile.
Why do you create art? What is it about painting that enthralls you?
I create art to connect with my viewers through expressing emotions and different periods of my life. Creating for me is a peaceful process that was once stressful. The process, thought of the finished piece, and how my viewers will feel about my artworks is what enthralls me.
Are you from Houston? Does where you grew up influence your art in any way?
I am from Houston Texas, my current art is not influenced by where I grew up however some of my future pieces will depict the beauty and hardship of Houston.
You’re in this space for a year; how has it been so far? What does the perfect year look like and how does it cumulate?
The opportunity to have a residency with Writespace and the use of the studio has been a blessing. Each time I have worked at the studio I've progressed with my works. A perfect year would include weekly visits to the studio, event hostings, networking and further mentoring.
Writespace volunteer Nwakaego Ugwuanyi interviews Rayneisha Wroten.
Can you discuss your artistic background and tell us a bit of how you developed
your style?
I became a professional visual artist in 2020. Ultimately I am self taught with a 2022 semester scholarship to The Glassell School of Art in Houston, Tx. I have no true art style as I enjoy exploring different subjects and showcasing detailed skill in my artwork.
What is your medium of choice? (if there’s multiple) Do you have a favorite?
I use both oil and acrylic-based mediums. I prefer oil paint when creating portraits and realistic works. When creating abstract art I use acrylic paint.
There’s a lot of diversity in your subjects; of the works displayed at the studio some are geometric, some profiles of black women, and some are more abstract and textured; do you have an overarching theme or inspiration? Either for these pieces or your works at large?
My inspiration stems from subjects that evoke emotion. I've chosen to create a variety of works to showcase my skill and ability to be versatile.
Why do you create art? What is it about painting that enthralls you?
I create art to connect with my viewers through expressing emotions and different periods of my life. Creating for me is a peaceful process that was once stressful. The process, thought of the finished piece, and how my viewers will feel about my artworks is what enthralls me.
Are you from Houston? Does where you grew up influence your art in any way?
I am from Houston Texas, my current art is not influenced by where I grew up however some of my future pieces will depict the beauty and hardship of Houston.
You’re in this space for a year; how has it been so far? What does the perfect year look like and how does it cumulate?
The opportunity to have a residency with Writespace and the use of the studio has been a blessing. Each time I have worked at the studio I've progressed with my works. A perfect year would include weekly visits to the studio, event hostings, networking and further mentoring.