Local artist and UCF grad awarded ‘Artist in Residence’ at Orlando apartment complex

ORLANDO, Fla. — A rental property group has named Orlando-based figurative painter and illustrator Sheherazade Thenard to its “Artist in Residence” program.

The program, now in its second year, provides no-cost housing and studio space for up to one year for selected artists

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

In return, artists selected for the program organize on-site art events and educational programs, including classes for children and adults, for residents who live in the same community.

“American Landmark provides innovative, practical pathways for the arts to thrive, and for creators to regenerate themselves and their communities,” stated Artist in Residence co-founder Rachel Lubeck. “We match professional artists with available quality housing, and co-host unique on-site amenities for rental apartment residents.”

Read: New supper club set to bring a whole new dining experience to downtown Orlando

Thenard’s residency began in December at Central Station on Orange, an apartment community managed by American Landmark Apartments in downtown Orlando.

Her residency will run for approximately 11 months.

One of Thenard’s first projects involved a 10-by-18 foot mural using wall paint, markers, and spray paint to create a whimsical blend of pink, yellow, and white flowers on a pastel green background.

“I am so grateful to have been selected as this year’s Orlando artist for American Landmark’s Artist Residency Program,” said Thenard. “As I close the chapter on graduate school, this program offers a series of unique opportunities, including being able to give back to the local community through arts workshops that I will lead. It’s truly an inspiring head start in every way.”

Thenard graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2018 with a BFA degree and held a year-long artist residency at the Maitland Art and History Center’s Artist in Action program upon graduation.

The 26-year-old recently returned to UCF for a master’s degree in fine arts.

Thenard said she paints to try to make sense of “the fragility of our world, the passing of time and the shared experiences of light, color and space.”

Since its start in 2020, the program has provided other artist with new career opportunities.

“This residency has given me the opportunity to expand on my existing practice, refining skills and creating more ambitious work. Also, I’ve been able to develop and test out a new portfolio of classes focusing on sustainable art activities within the community,” said 2021 Artist in Residence Rose Dunseth.

“This opportunity could not have come at a better time. The ability to focus on my work, while feeling so comfortable in my living and work spaces, has freed me to grow and develop in ways I never thought possible,” said Austin “Slim” Gee, mural artist in residence at Parc at Welsey Chapel in Wesley Chapel, Florida.

Read: Universal Orlando announces Mardi Gras concert lineup, more details

To apply for the 2022 American Landmark Artist in Residence program near you, CLICK HERE.

Read: See the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival concert lineup

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2022 Cox Media Group