about this program
Ignite Studio features a professional maker/artist to help patrons connect with different creative processes. Drop-in during open studio hours, sign up for a class, or participate in an ongoing collaborative project during these maker residencies. The Maker-in-Residence Program is funded with support from the Friends of the Library.
Rue Sparks
meet
Artist, poet, animator, author, designer, professor—Rue Sparks has worn a lot of labels, but the one thing they’ve always aspired to be is simply a storyteller. Rue received a BFA in Illustration and Digital Media from Kendall College of Art & Design, then spent over a decade working in fast-paced digital advertising agencies creating designs for Fortune 500 companies. Today, their work is more personal, but they take no less care in its creation. They create poetry, stories, novels, zines, and artwork that tread where trauma and healing align and advocate for creators to have the tools to create and distribute their own work.
see
Please visit our events calendar for more info.
visit
Please visit our events calendar for more info.
CONTEMPORARY IMPRESSIONIST PAINTER
meet
Artist, poet, animator, author, designer, professor—Rue Sparks has worn a lot of labels, but the one thing they’ve always aspired to be is simply a storyteller. Rue received a BFA in Illustration and Digital Media from Kendall College of Art & Design, then spent over a decade working in fast-paced digital advertising agencies creating designs for Fortune 500 companies. Today, their work is more personal, but they take no less care in its creation. They create poetry, stories, novels, zines, and artwork that tread where trauma and healing align and advocate for creators to have the tools to create and distribute their own work.
Rue’s work
become a maker
professional maker
Ignite Studio seeks applications for our professional maker-in-residence twice yearly. A professional maker serves a 16-week term of residency, receives a stipend (funded by the Friends of the Library), a modest budget for supplies, and access to a 1600 sq. ft. residency studio devoted specifically to their craft. In return, Ignite staff asks each resident to offer 96 hours of experiences to Ignite patrons over the course of the residency through open studio hours, classes, workshops, and other experiences.
How can I apply to become Ignite Studio’s Maker-in-Residence?
Applications for our 2024 Maker-in-Residence program are open! The application deadline is Oct. 22, 2023. Apply here.
How is a Maker-in-Residence selected?
The Maker-in-Residence is selected through a jury process. Jury members include HEPL staff, representatives of organizations with whom Ignite often collaborates, members of the Friends of the Library, and past Makers-in-Residence.
What does Ignite Studio look for in a Maker-in-Residence?
An ideal Maker-in-Residence has an interest in inviting people into their creative process and experience teaching at some level. We look for an artist with various content expertise including but not limited to 2D art and 3D visual art, performing arts, multidisciplinary arts, science and engineering, and craft.
How does a Maker-in-Residence schedule get set?
Once selected, the Maker-in-Residence works with the Arts Engagement Program Coordinator to determine a schedule and variety of experiences for Ignite Studio patrons.