“The residency brought together a very diverse group of strangers who were questioning the notion of artistry. Through support and respect this group shed layers and transformed into a sibling-hood of magic workers; collaborating, taking up space with confidence and pride becoming the interwoven community of Artists with a capital A, a rising fever of stingrays.”

Zeina Morad, artist and educator, Cairo, Egypt

“I feel deeply moved and inspired by everything we experienced in the Residency. It helped me to release many self-demands and I feel much lighter and stronger to continue on this path. The loving energy that was created inside the group was a blessing and allows us to continue resisting in this crazy world.”

Mariana Romero, artista visual, Ciudad de México

“thank you for the time. the space. the energy. for allowing this important work to unfold. to bloom. to blossom. to be. in all our magnificent forms. to be mirrors in our blocks as well as our creations, to allow what wants to come through, to come through, unapologetically. to choose differently than what we've been told. we dance to the beat of our own drums. we laugh. we create. we listen. we listen to the messages our body tells us. we listen to the messages of the trees. we listen to the messages of our ancestors. we listen to each other. we comfort. we stretch. we panic. we are creatures of cycles, ancient as this earth. we flow in and out like the tides. We grow in the spring and cocoon in the fall. we collaborate. we tend to the gardens in our minds. we move when we feel called. we create beautiful ugliness. we are fierce, strong, and wise. we will be the change we wish to see in the world. thank you dear stingrays, for being who you are.”

Haley Watson, visual artist, Kansas City, MO

“I felt really loved, cared for, and validated. I do feel like I grew in my perception of myself as an artist- in understanding my process, obstacles/blockers and understanding that I'm not alone in this. You created and nourished a sanctuary space for us and took us along a journey to unblock obstacles and find inspiration, all while responding to so many unpredictably beautiful moments that happen in spaces that are safe and let people be their authentic selves. Thank you.”

Tiffany Chan, artist and educator, Los Angeles, CA

“I am truly grateful and I have never had the opportunity to spend such dedicated time to exploring my creativity, connecting with those across the U.S. and around the world, and being in such a warm space. This made me feel truly connected to those around my age, made me feel closer to calling myself an artist, and just overall was a really comforting, uplifting and inspiring experience!”

Amber McDowell, musician / poet / author, Seattle, WA