artist in residence summer program
playing through art
explore curiosity & art in this 4-week program with weekly themes led by local professional working artists
drop-in programs are included with regular museum admission
no pre-registration required, just stop by & start creating!
Abby Cushway
Abby Cushway is a lifelong artist and ceramicist whose relationship with clay began with childhood experimentation and evolved into a powerful medium for social change. Based in Michigan, Abby serves as a teaching artist at the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT), working with youth grade 6 -12. She has also worked with Cook Arts Center as a ceramics instructor for youth grade K - 5. Her dedication to community service is perhaps best exemplified by her creation of "Clay for the VA," a volunteer-led learning initiative designed specifically to support Michigan veterans through the tactile and therapeutic process of pottery.
A staunch feminist, Abby views her craft as a form of functional activism. She creates wheel-thrown and hand-built wares that challenge the status quo, transforming everyday objects into catalysts for conversation and advocacy. Heavily inspired by the work of Roberto Lugo, she strives to bridge the gap between traditional craft and contemporary social justice, ensuring that her art is both accessible and deeply impactful. Through her teaching and her studio practice, Abby continues to explore how the ancient art of ceramics can be used to empower marginalized voices and build a more equitable community.
June drop-in schedule​
Wednesday, June 10: 11am-1pm
Michigan Nature Impressions: Clay & Nature​
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Saturday, June 20: 11am-1pm
Michigan Nature Impressions: Clay & Nature
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Wednesday, June 24: 11am-1pm
Mini Pottery Wheel Drop-In
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Saturday, June 27: 11am-1pm
Mini Pottery Wheel Drop-In​
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Dorelle Henri
Dorelle Henri is a multidisciplinary artist and creative strategist whose work explores creativity as a vehicle for connection, memory, and cultural imagination. Through bold color, abstract form, and layered symbolism, he transforms familiar visual references into emotionally vibrant experiences that invite curiosity, reflection, and participation.
Rooted in fine art, design, and storytelling, Henri’s practice centers on the idea that creativity can function as infrastructure, shaping how people gather, engage, and belong. Working across painting, public activations, and immersive experiences, his work activates space and fosters connection through culture, community, and shared experience.
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Peace It Together: Character Lab is a hands-on collaborative art experience where children and families create original characters using shapes, color, collage, and storytelling. Guided by artist Dorelle Henri, participants will explore how simple visual pieces can express personality, emotion, and imagination. Each child will have the opportunity to create one piece to take home and one piece to contribute to a growing museum installation. Over the course of the residency, these individual contributions will be pieced together into a shared character world that celebrates creativity, community, and belonging.
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July drop-in schedule
Friday, July 3: 11AM-3PM
Friday, July 10: 11AM-3PM
Friday, July 17: 11AM-3PM
Friday, July 31: 11AM-3PM
Sunday, July 29: 11AM-3PM
Brandon Copeland
Brandon Copeland is an artist born in Jackson, MI and moved to Grand Rapids to attend Grand Valley State University in 2003. Brandon has developed a career as a Hip-Hop/Jazz producer and artist, winning two WYCE Radio Jammie awards. Brandon was the first Artist in Residence at Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids hosting community events for the organization over a two year period. Brandon is a teaching artist and Program Coordinator at West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology, teaching both music production and 3D art + Animation.
Brandon Copeland’s art involves curating environments that challenge the perspective on how we consume and listen to music. He was the first Artist in Residence for the Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids where he hosted a weekly event series called The Thing To Do Thursday at the 106 Gallery. The events in that series included art workshops, musical performances, poetry and book readings, and community discussions. Brandon is also the owner of the vintage store/music venue Grammotones.
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August Schedule
tbd
This program is supported by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
