“Art is inherently generous. It’s inherently about seeing the world in multiple perspectives,” said Hollie Davis. “That’s how I came up with the name for the Connect Residency.”
The art community thrives in Chicago—from the Art Institute to the local galleries at Pilsen and other neighborhoods. The Connect Residency taps into the art world by providing a platform for artists to further dive into their projects and share the necessary insights for refining their work. South Side artist Hollie Davis is the founder of the Connect Residency, which she launched in 2022. (The deadline for applications for the 2024 residency is February 13.) Born and raised in Beverly, Davis’ home and upbringing influence her art. Her desire to be an inspiration and leave a legacy like Margaret Taylor-Burroughs, Nina Simone or Elizabeth Catlett is one of the reasons why the virtual international program is here today.
“This experience was so energizing for me as an artist. I’m already benefiting from the knowledge and relationships gained throughout this opportunity.”
– T. Stewart, a former participant of the residency
The Connect Residency’s fourth cohort kicks off this May at the Dragonfly Gallery. The residency is in partnership with St. Xavier University and will reserve five spots for current students or recent graduates of the university in the hopes of helping young artists as they are starting out their careers.
“They’re at this tenuous stage in their life where they’re figuring out their footing and learning how they can sustain themselves as artists,” Davis added.
Davis understands this feeling first hand: she has gone through ups and downs throughout her career. We all have those “babystep” moments before entering our field of work where we experience self-doubt. Davis second-guessed herself after another student critiqued her work at Denison University, telling her that the pieces would never sell. But these types of setbacks served as a roadmap for her career, leading her to where she is today. She wants to guide other artists like her who may be in need of a supportive community.
“I find such inspiration from the residency,” said Davis. “It’s about listening to what people have to say, trying to find the beauty within it and depicting it through artwork.”
The Connect Residency offers participants a series of five virtual meetings moderated by Davis and her team. Throughout the four-week-long program, guest speakers will share their experiences and insight. Past guest speakers have included Gary Higgins (Artist, Associate Curator Industrious Studios NYC NY), Gerald Griffin (Founder, Bordeau-Griffin Design Center), Daren Todd (Artist and Curator, The Downstairs Gallery Portland, Oregon, and more. Participants must commit to two hours per week and will also have the opportunity to showcase their work in live exhibits at the Dragonfly Gallery.
“It’s great to get to participate in a program whose purpose is to foster creativity and build careers and friendships.”
– Rachel Ahava Rosenfeld Dlatt, a former participant of the residency
Past cohorts have taught Davis how to lead while also teaching her how to navigate her next steps as an artist. "As a leader, it’s important to always be learning and to always be serving.” During the second cohort, Davis launched a fellowship program composed of past residency participants, curators and other artists. Every fellow is able to curate a space at the Beverly Arts Center for up to a month with Davis providing assistance and promotion.
“I want to introduce the cohorts to a network and have them connect with artists, industry pros, and art spaces,” said Davis. “I want them to have the resources to be able to create and to continue being artists.”
Davis founded the residency in 2022 when she connected with a woman at a coffee shop in Beverly who owned a wellness center and art space. Encouraged to have an art show, Davis decided to share this opportunity with other artists in a similar position as she was.
“It was an honor to participate in the second cohort of the Connect Residency. It is an experience I will never forget.”
–Alesandra Caroline, a former participant of the residency
After placing an application with the Chicago Coalition of Artists for a call for entry, Davis tapped into her network to find other artists who could serve as guest speakers for the program. Participants cohorts include artists based in Chicago, Nigeria, France, Turkey and Brazil. She would love to take the residency to another country.
“I feel like artists go further in their careers if they have a community of people that they can reach out to,” Davis said.
If you or anyone you know is interested in applying to the residency, visit here. Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, February 13. You can also view the press release here.