The iconic Ocean House, the award-winning Forbes triple five-star resort in Watch Hill, Rhode Island has announced the selection of eight notable artists for its 2018-2019 Artisan in Residence Program.
Ocean House created this new Artisan in Residence Program to celebrate the arts, foster creativity and offer hands-on education for guests of all ages. The Artisan in Residence Program features some of the best talent in country. Artists will offer workshops and presentations for a weeklong series of events, hosted in the School House Cottage, which was originally built in 1852 and beautifully restored in 2013.
“Ocean House’s Artisan in Residence program is an exciting way to support and showcase the arts while giving guests of all ages a unique memory of our destination,” said Daniel Hostettler, President and Group Managing Director of Ocean House Management Collection. “Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the creative process and build a personal connection with artists they may not ordinarily have met.”
Eight artists were selected for this program based on their unique artistry and technique, and their ability to create interesting educational sessions for guests. Artists and dates include:
- David Zapatka, Photographer and Book Author – September 6-10 David Zapatka is well known for his stunning nighttime photography of lighthouses. He will host presentations and hold a hands-on workshops including a nighttime shoot of the iconic Watch Hill Lighthouse.
- Serena Bates, Award-Winning Sculptor – October 4-8 Serena Bates specializes in sea birds and other marine life, and she is known as a story teller working in clay, bronze and stone. Guests are invited to join Ms. Bates for insight on how she creates these stunning pieces of art. She will also offer hands-on workshops, teaching people of all ages how to make their own masterpiece.
- Hayley Perry, Notable Rug Hooking Artist – November 8-12 Hayley Perry is a master hooking artist at a time when this art is reaching an all-time high in popularity, especially for rugs and pillows. In November, Ms. Perry will teach help guests of all ages make their own creation and showcase trends in this craft.
- Trish Classe Gianakis, Raku Potter – November 29 – December 3 Trish Classe Gianakis is an expert in Raku, a unique glazing and firing process which creates dramatic color and textures in ceramic pottery. Guests and attendees can watch and assist in the Raku firing process, and learn how to apply glazes on their own pieces of pottery to take home and enjoy.
- Jillian Barber, Ceramic Sculptor – January 10-14 During the Martin Luther King Weekend in January, Jillian Barberwill showcase her work and teach guests how to make their own whimsical ceramic mask or sea creatures to take home.
- Susan Rosano, Mosaic Artist – February 14-18 Susan Rosano designs images, and cuts and applies colorful stained glass by hand to create works of art to hang or wear. During the extended President’s Day Weekend, she will hold workshops for people of all ages to learn how to make their own mosaic masterpiece.
- Meredith Miller, Photographer – March 14-18 With a degree from Yale School of Art, Meredith Miller is an expert on how to capture special moments, people and places. During her time at Ocean House, she will teach attendees the practical art of how to use their smart phone to create moving photographs, capturing special moments that will last a lifetime.
- Michael Gabrielle, Macramé Master– April 11-15 Macramé is the art of knotting rope in detailed patterns to create three dimensional sculptural designs. This art form was practiced by sailors on long journeys at sea. Artist Michael Gabrielle will showcase some of his best works and will lead hands-on workshops, allowing guests to make their own creations.
The Artisan in Residence program is part of Ocean House Management Collection’s larger commitment to the community and the arts. Over the last eight years, thousands of guests and community members have enjoyed art and programming at the Ocean House and its sister property Weekapaug Inn.
Inspired by the generosity of Ocean House Management Collection Founders Charles and Deborah Royce and their passion for the arts, Ocean House programs include complimentary “Up Close and Personal” educational events, summer weekend artist receptions, seasonal exhibits and galleries, art classes, sponsorship of the now annual “Fresh Off the Easel” event in Watch Hill, and permanent collections of more than 250 works from the 19th century through the 1990s.
About Ocean House
The Ocean House, one of New England’s last grand hotels, re-opened its doors in June 2010 after a $140 million rebuild and restoration. The 149-year-old property, originally built just after the Civil War, is perched high on the bluffs in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Guests enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean, Montauk and Block Island from the resort’s 49 guestrooms and 18 signature suites. Farm-to-table casual and fine dining, the 12,000-square-foot OH! Spa and more than 10,000 square feet of event space make the Ocean House ideal for mid-week business retreats, close-to-home family vacations, weekend luxury escapes and destination weddings. Ocean House is part of Ocean House Management Collection, and is a member of Relais & Châteaux, an exclusive collection of more than 500 of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants in 60 countries that has set the standard for excellence in hospitality. This stately property is the only AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Triple Five-Star rated resort in Rhode Island, for accommodations, dining and the award-winning spa.