The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum Launches Artist-in-Residence Program Featuring Reynier Llanes
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (The AGB) at Florida Southern College has taken a significant step in enriching the cultural landscape of Lakeland, Florida, by launching its inaugural Artist-in-Residence Program. This exciting initiative features renowned artist Reynier Llanes, who will embark on a two-and-a-half-month residency starting this September through November 2026.
This residency is not just an opportunity for Llanes to create; it is part of a broader vision to integrate artistic practice with education and community engagement. Sponsored by CORE Wealth Advisors and the AGB Director's Circle, the program aims to provide a structured environment where Llanes can concentrate on his new series titled "Transcendentals" — a collection of large-scale portraits that explore profound themes related to identity, perception, and human connection.
In expressing his excitement about the residency, Llanes stated, "During this residency, I plan to develop my Transcendentals series, a body of large-scale portraits that explores the human face as a powerful vehicle for identity, perception, and connection. I am particularly interested in the impressions that arise from first encounters, as well as the biases and assumptions that can influence our interpretations of a person's face. My vision is to create a bridge between my studio practice, the museum, and the community. This means that the process of making art will be just as meaningful as the finished pieces."
Throughout his time at The AGB, Llanes will work directly on-site, allowing museum visitors a unique glimpse into his artistic process. This engagement is designed to be reciprocal; alongside creating his artwork, Llanes will collaborate with Florida Southern College students and faculty, facilitate open painting sessions, and lead various workshops tailored for museum members and the surrounding community. These collaborative experiences not only aim to inspire future generations of artists but also enhance the educational mission of The AGB as a teaching museum.
In announcing the program, Dr. Daryl Ward, the Executive Director of The AGB, noted, "The launch of our Artist-in-Residence Program marks an exciting new chapter for The AGB and expands opportunities for artists, students, and our larger community to connect through the creative process. We believe Reynier's presence and interaction with both artists and art enthusiasts will significantly contribute to the vibrancy of our local art scene." This vision is further echoed by Chuck Foss, President of The AGB Board of Governors, who emphasized the importance of providing artists with the time and space to create, highlighting the value such initiatives bring to students and the community.
Reynier Llanes, who was born in Cuba, is celebrated for his figurative works that delve into cultural themes, identity, and memory. His art has been showcased both nationally and internationally, and is part of various permanent collections across museums, institutions, and private holdings. Through the lens of his new series, Llanes aims to invite audiences into a dialogue about the spectrum of human experiences, pushing them to think critically about how we perceive and interpret one another.
The culmination of Llanes's residency is anticipated to produce an exhibition of the completed works in 2027. Additionally, attendees can look forward to a documentary film capturing both the creative process and the journey of this residency, along with a catalog that will accompany the exhibition.
As The AGB begins this new chapter, they are dedicated to fostering a dynamic environment for artistic exploration and community interaction. Future details regarding public programs, open painting sessions, workshops, and presentations linked to the Artist-in-Residence Program will be announced as the residency progresses, reinforcing The AGB's commitment to being a vibrant hub of artistic activity in the region.
For those interested in delving deeper into the art scene, The AGB invites everyone to join them in this remarkable journey with Reynier Llanes and experience the transformative power of art firsthand.
This residency is not just an opportunity for Llanes to create; it is part of a broader vision to integrate artistic practice with education and community engagement. Sponsored by CORE Wealth Advisors and the AGB Director's Circle, the program aims to provide a structured environment where Llanes can concentrate on his new series titled "Transcendentals" — a collection of large-scale portraits that explore profound themes related to identity, perception, and human connection.
In expressing his excitement about the residency, Llanes stated, "During this residency, I plan to develop my Transcendentals series, a body of large-scale portraits that explores the human face as a powerful vehicle for identity, perception, and connection. I am particularly interested in the impressions that arise from first encounters, as well as the biases and assumptions that can influence our interpretations of a person's face. My vision is to create a bridge between my studio practice, the museum, and the community. This means that the process of making art will be just as meaningful as the finished pieces."
Throughout his time at The AGB, Llanes will work directly on-site, allowing museum visitors a unique glimpse into his artistic process. This engagement is designed to be reciprocal; alongside creating his artwork, Llanes will collaborate with Florida Southern College students and faculty, facilitate open painting sessions, and lead various workshops tailored for museum members and the surrounding community. These collaborative experiences not only aim to inspire future generations of artists but also enhance the educational mission of The AGB as a teaching museum.
In announcing the program, Dr. Daryl Ward, the Executive Director of The AGB, noted, "The launch of our Artist-in-Residence Program marks an exciting new chapter for The AGB and expands opportunities for artists, students, and our larger community to connect through the creative process. We believe Reynier's presence and interaction with both artists and art enthusiasts will significantly contribute to the vibrancy of our local art scene." This vision is further echoed by Chuck Foss, President of The AGB Board of Governors, who emphasized the importance of providing artists with the time and space to create, highlighting the value such initiatives bring to students and the community.
Reynier Llanes, who was born in Cuba, is celebrated for his figurative works that delve into cultural themes, identity, and memory. His art has been showcased both nationally and internationally, and is part of various permanent collections across museums, institutions, and private holdings. Through the lens of his new series, Llanes aims to invite audiences into a dialogue about the spectrum of human experiences, pushing them to think critically about how we perceive and interpret one another.
The culmination of Llanes's residency is anticipated to produce an exhibition of the completed works in 2027. Additionally, attendees can look forward to a documentary film capturing both the creative process and the journey of this residency, along with a catalog that will accompany the exhibition.
As The AGB begins this new chapter, they are dedicated to fostering a dynamic environment for artistic exploration and community interaction. Future details regarding public programs, open painting sessions, workshops, and presentations linked to the Artist-in-Residence Program will be announced as the residency progresses, reinforcing The AGB's commitment to being a vibrant hub of artistic activity in the region.
For those interested in delving deeper into the art scene, The AGB invites everyone to join them in this remarkable journey with Reynier Llanes and experience the transformative power of art firsthand.
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