Overlapping Art and Science with Artists-in-Residents Michael Stickrod and Erin Kirwin

Denison Art Space in Newark presents new Artists-in-Residents, Michael Stickrod and Erin Kirwin. During their four month residency, the Licking County natives will be working on an installation called The Hive, which will incorporate materials from the woods and wild areas of Licking County. This project will additionally function as a tea bar with a focus on fostering connection between Denison, the surrounding community, and nature. Like the installation itself, the teas will be made from local materials.

Visitors of the project are encouraged to focus on nature and the woods of the area through auditory or written recording of dreams and memories associated the woods. Stickrod and Kirwin will cumulate the project in a final video piece, including footage of those who wish to share their dreams combined with natural scenery of the area.

Sheilah ReStack, Chair of the Studio Art Department at Denison, says of the project, “I am really looking forward to see how the space is transformed, and also how it acts to engage with community, what kinds of teas and conversations occur, and how the whole idea of the Hive evolves over time. So often with art making, things are in a constant state of evolution and response. I love that this project gives us the opportunity to see this very process unfold in real time.”

Stickrod and Kirwin will additionally collaborate with Denison students in the Music, Studio Art, Creative Writing, Theatre, Biology, and Environmental Studies departments to encourage interdisciplinary dialogue and create installations at the Denison Art Space in Newark. Staff from Denison’s Wellness center will also be included in these processes.

ReStack emphasizes the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Having working artists is key for students to observe, and interact with. It gives a sense of what this career looks like, and also the different forms a practice can take. This is a wonderful example for students to observe unfolding, get inspired by, learn from, and potentially incorporate into their own practices or ideas.”

The Denison Art Space in Newark is open Tuesday through Friday, 10am-2pm.

Special Events:

• Open tea hours: Saturdays, November 2nd, 9th, and 16th from 1-4pm.
• The common hour luncheon: December 12th from 12-1pm 
• Closing reception: January 24th from 5-7pm.