Lorena Cruz Santiago and Chelsea A. Flowers share their origin stories as emerging artists, discussing the organizational side of their studio practices. These artists will share their experiences with exhibitions, residencies, and studio visits outside of educational institutions. Following a presentation of their work, they will discuss how organizing a studio helps improve their practice and work. This webinar is aimed to help artists of all mediums and levels by networking and sharing ways to boost their careers. Their talk will be followed by an interactive question and answer session.

Based in Detroit, Chelsea A. Flowers is an artist who holds an MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art (2017), and a BFA from Denison University with a concentration in Black Studies (2013). Her practice explores subversion to popular culture and how “otherness” is created through social and cultural critique of her environment. She explores these ideas through comedic troupes, physical play, nostalgic memorabilia, and participatory performance. More can be found on her website.

Lorena Cruz Santiago is a Mexican-American artist from Northern California. She received her BFA in Photography from Sonoma State University in 2016 and her MFA in Photography from Cranbrook Academy of Art in 2019. Through an interdisciplinary practice that spans photography, video, and painting, she investigates post-colonial theory and decolonization. More can be found on her website.

This talk is part of The Sculpture Center’s Negotiating the Art World Series, a set of talks aimed specifically for underrepresented artists. Funding for this program is provided by Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, the Ohio Arts Council and the George Gund Foundation.