The Pfister Hotel Names Six Finalists for Next Artist in Residence
Home to more Victorian Art than any other hotel in the world, the historic Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee for the past three years has hosted a nationally recognized artist-in-residence program. A selection committee, consisting of members of the local art community, has announced the six finalists for the 2011—2012 term of the program. This year’s finalists are Pamela Anderson; Matt Duckett; Albin Erhart; Hal Koenig; Brandon Minga; and Timothy Westbrook.
“Each year of this program we are astounded by the amazing talent seen in the applicants,” says Joe Kurth, general manager of The Pfister Hotel. “With great consideration, the selection committee has chosen six outstanding artists who remain in the running. Now it’s time for the public to help us decide who will be moving into The Pfister come spring.”
Public Voting
Beginning mid-January 2012, members of the public will be able visit The Pfister’s Facebook page and website to vote for the artist they’d like to see as the next artist in residence. Votes also can be cast via Twitter. The selection committee will announce the next artist in residence mid-February.
Work by the six finalists will be displayed at Gallerie M, inside InterContinental Milwaukee, for January Gallery Night, Friday, Jan. 20, 2011, where the public will be able to vote via ballet box, in addition to the other methods.
The Pfister’s Artist-In-Residence Program
Entering its fourth year, The Pfister’s Artist-in-Residence program features a working art studio and gallery that is open to hotel guests and visitors. The program encourages the public to interact with the artist and witness the evolution of each piece first-hand. The artist chosen for the 2011—2012 term will move into the studio space in April 2012.
Over the past few years, The Pfister has received national attention for its Artist-in-Residence program. Since 2009, the hotel has been a member of the Alliance of Artist Communities, www.artistcommunities.org, an international association of artists’ communities and residencies featuring a diverse field of more than 1,000 programs worldwide. In 2011, The Pfister’s residency program was highlighted at the organization’s annual international conference.
The program’s current artist is Shelby Keefe (2010-2011), www.studioshelby.com. Past artists include Katie Musolff (2009-2010), www.katiemusolff.com; and Reginald Baylor (2008-2009), www.reginaldbaylor.com.
For more information on The Pfister’s Artist-In-Residence program, visit www.ThePfisterHotel.com/Artist-In-Residence. The Pfister can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thePfisterHotel and on Twitter @PfisterHotel.