Our Artist Residency
Our competitive international residency program, one of the first of its kind in Colorado, provides artists with the time, space, and support to create new work, explore new mediums, and share their creations with the community. Each Resident Artist's practice and the work produced during their residency addresses social justice issues, welcoming any creative discipline. During their residency, artists have full access to PlatteForum’s studio space and are required to lead workshops with ArtLab interns and other youth-serving groups, culminating in exhibitions and/or performances in collaboration with the youth.
Apply today to join our Artist Residency in 2025-2026! Deadline is March 14th
Meet our Current Resident Artist, Lucy Holtsnider
Letterpress Printer, Collage Artist, and Graphic Designer | Resident until February 28th
Lucy Holtsnider makes collages out of letterpress prints and other materials at Zarapes Studios in Denver. Her work often features vibrant, abstract subject matter with references to environmental degradation.
During her residency the focus of her work and the interns will be answering one question: "What could Suncor Be?". Suncor is a massive oil refinery in Commerce City that is notorious for polluting surrounding neighborhoods. Lucy and the interns will spend seven weeks dreaming up ways the site of the refinery could be used differently in a future where fossil fuels have been phased out; affordable housing, open space, bikeable roads, etc. Two visiting presenters will join ArtLab to share information about the science of the refinery and the history of activism around it. The interns will also take a field trip to see Suncor firsthand and then contrast it with the largely undisturbed prairie at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. Lucy is bringing a small etching press with her to the ArtLab space so the interns will have a chance to practice a variety of printmaking techniques during the residency.
Opening Reception: February 28th from 6pm to 8pm at our A.I.R. Annex Gallery
Our commitment to supporting artists.
We provide all resident artists with housing support when needed, as well as multiple stipends to cover materials, pre-planning, weekly teaching, and opportunities such as a podcast or artist talk.
“I’ve been around residencies my whole career, and I’ve never seen one as supportive and engaging as PlatteForum’s.”
- Ilan Gutin, PlatteForum’s Curator and Engagement Director
“The residency really challenged me to push my work in new directions because it was a great experimental platform that really opened up some new possibilities in the way that I work.”
Tricia Waddell, Winter 2024 Resident Artist
Reserved for the best.
Our program is highly competitive, with over 100 applicants each year from across the country and internationally. With only 4 spots awarded annually, this opportunity is reserved for artists showing passion for their craft, and inspiring change in their communities.
“I was able to work with teens for the first time and experience their creativity. The opportunity to put on a show at the end of their residency was really an incredible thing to work towards. I mean, I think what was most surprising or kind of new for me being at this residency was having so much focus.”
Lexy Ho-Tai, Summer 2024 Resident Artist
