The Hive® Artist-In-Residence Program

“Working in the artist studio space has enabled me to focus on my goal of increased visibility of Plateau art, architecture, and built environments of local tribes.” – Shawn Brigman, Ph.D.

Become an Artist-in-Residence at the Hive®

In addition to public meeting space, four studios are reserved for an application-based artist residency program. These spaces provide dedicated creative space for artists to explore ideas and projects. Artists choose the length of their residency, from one to six months. In exchange for the space, Artists-In-Residence provide community programming.

Applications for artist residencies are currently closed. Check back again in the Spring of 2027!

    MEET THE ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE

     and STUDIO A: The Inland Northwest Modern Quilt Guild (INMOD) will be at The Hive March and April 2026.

    • Inland Northwest Modern Quilt Guild (INMOD) was founded to support, encourage, and inspire the growth and development of modern quilting through art, education, and community. INMOD’s Sew Day is once a month, usually on the third Saturday, from 10am – 4pm. They meet at the WSU/Spokane County Extension Office. We also meet every 1st Tuesday of the month on Zoom for Sip & Stitch. Their work will be on display May 30 – August 22 at The Jundt Gallery & Museum on the Gonzaga University campus.

    STUDIO B: Sarah Louise Windisch will be at the Hive March – May 2026

    • Sarah Windisch works is a printmaker who primarily works with relief printing techniques. She also incorporates collage into her work. She is the creator of the Library’s new marmot screaming READ artwork which you can see on t-shirts, bookmarks and billboards around town.

    STUDIO C: Christa Mattocks and Linea Jantz will be at the Hive through May 2026.

    STUDIO D: Genie Maples and Isabelle Eastman are sharing a studio but working separately. They will both be in residence through September, 2026.

    • Genie Maples works primarily in paint, stitchery, and pen and ink. Her current body of work is titled What Passes for Play. Her work was featured as part of the library’s recent marketing campaign and you can get a library card with her art on it!
    • Isabelle Eastman is a fiction writer, currently focused on a draft of her novel. She notes that, “My personal craft experience often informs my characters’ hobbies, and vice versa; in my novel, there are characters who pursue quilting, woodturning, and square dance! I hope to take a multidisciplinary approach to my novel by making a quilt.”

    PAST ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE

    Since The Hive® opened in August 2021, over 50 artists have benefitted from the space and community fostered at this award-winning facility. 

    interact with the hive

    Artists-In-Residence have 24/7 access to their studios, but the public may only access the space by appointment or during times when we host programs. There are no traditional library services here. Check The Hive®’s location page for details about hours, meeting room reservations, and events.

    Interested in an informal tour? Stop by during Open Studio times—most Wednesdays from 4–6pm.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    Any individual, team, or group who considers themselves an artist, crafter, musician, maker, writer, artisan, etc. First preference will be for artists in the greater Spokane area. Artists must be 18 years of age or older. Additional exceptions apply.

    • Open studio hours (10-20 hours per month, arranged in advance to allow for promotion)
    • Use the studio at least 20 hours per week
    • 1-3 public programs (depending on the residency length). These could be classes, lectures or other. Library staff can help design the programs
    • Participation in an exhibit of their works at the Central (or other) Library during or following the residency
    • Respect for the space and other residents of the building; adherence to the customer and presenter code of conduct. Completion of a WA State background check.

    • High quality studio space
    • Publicity
    • Opportunities to exhibit work in Spokane Public Library locations
    • Networking opportunities
    • Assistance in planning programs
    • Community connection

    Yes. It would be preferable if you were collaborating in some manner, but we are flexible. Your application must be submitted as a team.

    It's up to you. The application asks if you're willing to share and if so we will pair you with another creative. You can also specify solo or apply with another person if there's someone you would like to share a studio with. Requesting a solo studio does not diminish your chances of being selected.

    Yes. The same rules for programs and open hours apply. Members of the group would have to determine amongst themselves who would be on site during these events and required staffing times.

    No. The studios are not live-in residencies.

    There are four studios available at The Hive®.

    It’s up to you. You can pick between a minimum of one and a maximum of six months.

    No one will access the studio when you are not present with the exception of The Hive® manager and custodial staff. There is also a security guard on site at most times.

    Yes. Please discuss with The Hive® Manager if you feel we need an additional rider for anything in particular.

    No, since the walls are plywood they should be okay as-is. If you are planning significant hanging structures, please discuss with The Hive manager. You will be expected to leave the space free from debris at the close of your residency (garbage/recycling receptacles will be provided).

    Artists should wait to reapply until three years have passed since the end of their previous residency. Priority will be given to artists who have not yet the opportunity. Exceptions are at the discretion of Library management.

    Artist residencies are unpaid.

    The studios are very well equipped with, at minimum: concrete floors, a floor drain, sink, counter, mini-fridge, lots of outlets, good lighting, solid walls for hanging work, separate venting from the rest of the building, heat/AC and WiFi. Additionally, 24/7 access (as needed) and free parking is provided. There is access to a kitchenette with a shared refrigerator and microwave. Each studio has a large butcher block table on wheels with stools and a space for typing.

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