CATALYST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM
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The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance is seeking local artists for the inaugural Artist-in-Residence program at CATALYST Arts & Maker Space in the Tucson Mall. The program provides flexible space for artists to create or demonstrate in an open studio environment with opportunities to engage the community through collaboration, workshops, and artist talks. The Artist-in-Residence will also serve as Catalyst ambassador, educating the public about SAACA and CATALYST Arts & Maker Space.
Criteria and Application Process The Artist-in-Residence program is open for application on a rolling basis. The applications will be reviewed at the end of month and will be evaluated based on the quality of work presented, community engagement approach, and career objectives. Every applicant will receive a response no later than 2 months after initial application. Length of residency This Catalyst AIR program is a flexible 1 – 2 month residency. *APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 ARE CLOSED. 2026 APPLICATIONS WILL RE-OPEN IN AUGUST OF 2025 |
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MEET THE may 2025 ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
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Lourdes Leiner
Poet Lourdes Leiner is a poet, educator, and community advocate based in Tucson, Arizona. With four published poetry collections to her name, Lourdes's work delves into themes of identity, belonging, and radical self-expression. Her writing is known for its lyrical intensity, blending personal reflection with universal insights that resonate deeply with readers across diverse backgrounds. Lourdes' poetry is featured in local bookstores across the southwest as well as Barnes and Noble. She is a passionate advocate for the power of words to create change. In addition to her work as a poet, Lourdes is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of writers through her teaching and mentorship. She leads workshops and readings that encourage self-expression and foster a love of poetry in the community. Rooted in the Sonoran Desert, Lourdes draws inspiration from the landscapes, cultures, and communities that surround her. She is an active participant in Tucson's vibrant literary and arts scene. She works to make the arts more accessible to underserved populations. When not writing or teaching, Lourdes researches the intersections of art, culture, and community within Tucson. https://www.feralghoulfriend.com/ EVENTS and WORKSHOPS Lourdes Leiner's Writer's Workshops Fridays in May (beginning May 9) 5-9pm Gothic Creatives Collective Gallery + Market Saturday, May 17 5-9pm |
past artist-in-residence
March/April 2025
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THE CINNAMON GIRLS
Tina Howard and Caroline Gardner Fiber Arts Our medium is fiber arts of every variety, and indeed, we consider ourselves fiber activists; by bringing the Community Craft Closet to SAACA, we wish to make textile-based arts visible, welcoming, inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of any socioeconomic or other barriers. Art is the purest form of resistance and the perfect agent for change. We are here because we would like to be a conduit for knowledge and interest in fiber arts, both as a pastime and a community-building mechanism. We want to gather, share, reflect, make, and most importantly in light of current events, mend. Our residency will be an exploration, a conversation with the community about ways we can create together and sustain each other; our language is the gentle interweaving of threads and fabric, and all Tucsonans are our intended audience! COMMUNITY CRAFT CLOSET Wednesdays & Saturdays 3:30pm – 6:30pm Drop in to gather free materials, donate supplies, or enjoy live demonstrations of weaving, spinning, knitting, crochet, felting, and visible mending. Whether you’re a seasoned fiber artist or just getting started, this is a space to learn, create, and connect with others in a welcoming environment. |
February 2025
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EDWINA (she/her)
Visual Artist I channel divine energy to craft metaphysical art works that serve as portals to explore the realms of spirituality, higher consciousness, and transformative growth. With nothing but a color palette and canvas in hand, I surrender to the flow of universal wisdom, allowing each stroke to manifest organically and breathe life into visions from the universe. My artwork bridges the gap between the physical and spiritual worlds, offering viewers a visual journey into the depths of consciousness. Through intricate sacred geometry and symbolic imagery, I invite the audience to explore universal truths, expand their awareness, and connect with the divine within themselves. MORE INFO: https://www.edwinatheartist.com/ CATALYST Events KUMBIAS & KREATE Saturday, February 15 | 1pm – 4pm Paint a Mexican themed painting while we dance to cumbia music! Enjoy delicious Mexican appetizers BLACK BEAUTY PARADE Saturday, February 21 | 4pm – 6pm Join Us for a Celebration of Strength, Style, and Sisterhood as we Parade through the Tucson Mall! This A Parade of Multi-Generational Black Women RESIDENCY CLOSING EVENT! Friday, March 7 | 4pm – 7pm |
January 2025
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BO SHIMMIN (he/him)
Opera Singer Lauded for his expressivity and wide use of vocal colors, Native (Pueblo of Acoma) tenor Bo Shimmin, resides in Tucson, Arizona and is known for his interpretation of new music and art song repertoires. In November of 2022, he made his Italian recital debut at the renowned Lyceum Club overlooking the Arno in Florence. Recent operatic roles include Scaramuccio (Ariadne auf Naxos), Telemaco (Il Ritorno d’Ulisse in Patria), Fiscal (Juana), Little Bat (Susannah) and Nate (Highway One, USA). He holds degrees from Arizona State University, the University of Michigan and DePauw University and has been featured as an artist at Barn Opera, Dell’Arte Opera Ensemble, Ad Astra Music Festival and Southern Illinois Music Festival, Hawaii Performing Arts Festival and Opera in the Ozarks. Bo is a two-time Fulbright grantee and is an English and Italian teacher. He is also a sought-after voice teacher and performer across the country. MORE INFO: https://www.facebook.com/bo.shimmin |
Oct/Nov/Dec 2024
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IBHRAHIM KHAZZAKA (he/him)
Visual Artist, Teaching Artist "I am a Lebanese born transnational artist who uses different techniques to form sculptures and installations with vivid colors to invite contemplation on notions of affection, sensuality, and belonging. After a career in psychology and education in Lebanon, Dubai, and Los Angeles, I moved to NYC in 2018, where I committed to developing my studio practice. I earned my MFA in ceramics from SUNY New Paltz in 2023. I currently teach Design and Art Appreciation at Pima Community College and call Tucson home. I believe that innovation thrives at the border of culture and that risking my comfort is necessary for my creative process. That's why I bring together different notions of design and cultural disintegration and reintegration. At the core of my practice lie social and interfaith dialogues, place-making, the nature of perception, material research, and my diverse cultural landscape. Engaging with a material such as clay, or collaborating with others, are opportunities for me to negotiate who i am." -Ibrahim MORE INFO: www.ibrahim-khazzaka.com/ |
September 2024
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SOUTHERN ARIZONA FILM SOCIETY
Film Southern Arizona Film Society is more than just a film society; it's a catalyst for cultural transformation, unification, and empowerment in Southern Arizona’s growing film community from Tucson to Nogales and beyond. We are a network of diverse local filmmakers dedicated to fostering a vibrant and sustainable film community that thrives on collaboration, inclusivity, and positive representation. Conceived by local filmmaking artists Francisco J Landin Jr, Oscar Rene Coronado, and Jazzy Benson, SoAZFilm maintains the philosophy that film is not just entertainment; it's culture. By nurturing and supporting filmmakers from all backgrounds working and creating in Southern Arizona, we ensure that the local film community remains accessible and valuable to all. SoAZFilm will hold a mentorship program with classes and workshops for filmmakers aspiring to elevate their creative efforts along with a filmmaker networking event and showcase to spotlight the beauty of Southern Arizona film. Furthermore, the Society has partnered with @Cyberf.ck and Arizona Underground Film Fest to produce their closing night event and will host rehearsals and prop building sessions open to the public. For more info visit www.soazfilm.org |
August 2024
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Sierra
Visual Artist Sierra is a visual artist specializing in "upcycling" discarded materials into statement art. As a late-diagnosed autistic woman, Sierra experiences textures in fabric and textiles intensely. Using these near-inexplicable body sensations as a guide, Sierra crafts tapestries, artwear, and soft sculptures. Inspired by the climate crisis, Pacific Garbage Patch, and waste from ultra-fast fashion; Sierra combines fiber art techniques she learned from her grandmother with modern plastic waste, such as grocery bags and polyester clothing to create these works of art. As part of her CATALYST artist residency, Sierra will be hosting a series of Crafting Circle drop-in workshops and a Fiber Arts mixer. Learn more about Sierra at https://www.instagram.com/Sierra.Mandala/ |
July 2024
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Ben Pawlowski
Visual Artist / Animator Ben can often be found exploring one of his many artistic interests, including stop-motion animation, drawing mazes, or dabbling with just about any strange materials he might get his hands on. Ben is an artist exploring many modes of making and the space in between each. Ben received his Masters in Art and Visual Culture Education right here in Tucson at the University of Arizona and got his B.S. in Art Education at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, near to where he grew up in Whitehall, PA. His Master’s thesis explored how artistic practices can be used to make connections between physical places and virtual spaces. Previously, Ben was an Art Teacher for students in K-12 schools in various places such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Mexico, and right here in Tucson at BASIS Schools. He was also a Peace Corps Volunteer in Thailand, working in schools to help local teachers modernize their approach to instruction. When he's not making art, he might be playing video games, exploring elsewhere in the southwest with his wife Madelyn, or relaxing on the couch with his pup, Helga. Upcoming CATALYST events All events from 1pm - 4pm July 6 - Crash Course on Creating with Cardboard July 13 - Getting Started with Stop-Motion Animation July 20 - Let's Make a Weird Activity Book Together July 27 - Human Art Challenge - Art Games |
June 2024
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Maestro Riko
Multi-disciplinary artist, innovator, musician, producer Maestro Riko is a multidisciplinary artist who operates at the intersection of art, wellness, and societal discourse. With over two decades of experience in music production, performance, and pioneering Wellness-Based Art, Riko seamlessly integrates his passion for sonic innovation with a profound commitment to mental well-being. During his time at CATALYST, the artist will be exploring the interconnectedness of music, technology, and mindfulness which includes the renowned "808s & Meditate: The Immersion." program that seamlessly merges multimedia, music therapy, and mindfulness meditation, providing participants with transformative sonic encounters. For Riko, every aspect of his work, from his sonic creations to his advocacy efforts, is an expression of artistry. He views his role as a curator of experiences and conversations, shaping spaces where creativity flourishes and transformative ideas take root. Through his holistic approach, Riko seeks to inspire others to embrace their own creative potential and contribute meaningfully to the collective tapestry of human experience. Learn More: https://iammaestrohq.com/ |
May 2024
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Emiland Kray
Visual Artist Emiland Kray, is a visual artist working primarily with book arts and game design to investigate the complexities and fallacies of memories and dreams by manipulating our attachment to nostalgic and familiar forms. He began his artistic career by living and working in Las Vegas, Nevada and received his BFA from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2020. That same year, he began his MFA at the University of Arizona, Tucson. He has participated in group shows nationally since 2016 and has had solo shows across Nevada and in Arizona. Since then, Kray continues to make art with a focus on community involvement and volunteer work and has graduated with his MFA in the Spring of 2023. You can find his artist books available in many permanent collections across the American Southwest and find his games free to play online. To learn more about Emiland, his artwork and various projects visit his linktree: https://linktr.ee/troctopus |
March 2024
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HAAS
Movement artist, curator, facilitator and writer We are excited to welcome March Artist-in-Residence, Haas, to CATALYST for a month of incredible programming through a series of workshops, performances and much more. Haas is a movement artist, curator, facilitator and writer who utilizes other mediums, such as film, in their work. They received a B.A. in Dance from Columbia College Chicago and a M.F.A. in Dance at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. After finishing graduate school, Haas built a tiny mobile house/stage and began a three-year art/work traveling experiment. From Chicago to Huntsville to Albuquerque to Tucson, Haas partnered with art centers, city agencies, universities and individuals, offering their house/stage as a free platform for discussions, workshops and performances. The Anger Project investigates the multiplicitous layers of anger and the ways it manifests in the body, researches deeply ingrained and policed societal conformities intended to suppress and control anger and works towards healing these wounds through private workshops and public events that include movement/body research, conversation and film. This process holds space for both private and public participation by working with participants who want to remain anonymous as well as those who want to be seen and heard. https://www.angerproject.org/ |
February 2024
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Team Studio Create
Photography Studio TEAM STUDIO CREATE (#StudioC) is a dynamic trio of photographers, each specializing in a unique niche and yet united by their unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. Katie Cooper, Patrick Mulligan, and Briana Rambo craft photographic experiences that transport viewers to another world. #StudioC recently opened a state-of-the-art photography studio on Speedway that provides ample room for a variety of photo shoots, from intimate portraits to elaborate setups. During their time at CATALYST, the photographers hosted Contrast Couture: A two-part event series that featured their signature ShootShow on February 10 and the inaugural Gallery Night in collaboration with The Solana Foundation on March 1. The team transformed CATALYST into a striking red and white set and invited local models and photographers to creatively interpret the space. The final photographs debuted at the Gallery Night on March 1. “Our aim is to create an immersive experience for visitors, allowing them to witness the magic unfold or even partake in the modeling process. But we don't want to stop there; we want to go above and beyond by educating our guests about photography and providing insights into the entire process—from conceptualization to execution—of a visionary photoshoot.”-#StudioC |
December 2023 - January 2024
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7Sound & Co
Multi-media Creative Agency 7sound & Co is an Innovative Creative Agency bringing Dreams to Reality. We are a Creative School, Production Studio, Streaming Station & an Online Shop for Artists of All Ages. "We will be bringing our studio operations into public view for behind-the-scenes access to our local production and creative agency. We will delight the public with some of our e-courses, taught live in the space, and be available to discuss production and studio activities from film and video production to music, illustration, and written creative products. We are excited to share our weekly rehearsals and performances of our evolving MysteryM Show, a magical, musical, mysterious adventure. https://www.7sound.co/ |
Oct/Nov 2023
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JAMEELA HILL
Visual Artist / Yoga Instructor Born and raised in Detroit, MI and now based in Tucson, Jameela Hill is a multi-faceted artist who centers the community in her work. She is a trained doula and yoga instructor and creatively combines artistic elements into her retreats and workshops. Jameela is constantly finding new ways to express herself through painting, writing, photography, and movement. Her Artist Residency at CATALYST will feature numerous collaborations will artists, musicians, wellness coaches and more! Including some regular programming during the weekends: "I am only just beginning to discover the talents I have been blessed with. I am so grateful for each opportunity I have been given and I hope to offer the same opportunities to others." -Meela www.jijivishaholistic.com/ |
September 2023
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ANA RINCON
Visual Artist Ana is an accomplished visual artist from Mexico City whose globetrotting from Austin, to Paris to San Francisco ultimately saw her land in Southern Arizona. Her expressive art tells stories through vibrant colors. Ana has owned and operated numerous galleries across the West, including Rinconart Studio and Gallery in Tubac, AZ. She has been commissioned to create include various decorative design projects, including murals and faux finishes in Arizona homes, and in 2009 was asked to create the cover art for the Verizon Yellow Book. The resulting painting titled “Tucson Glowing”was printed on over 500,000 copies! Ana is currently creating new art, promoting her online art store, working in her professional field, and enjoying time with her human and pet families. https://www.rinconart.com/ |
June/July 2023
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FRANK POWERS
Cartoonist / Entertainer Frank Powers is a silly man who is obsessed with helping families in the Tucson community. He is more animated than the cartoons he creates and Frank’s mission is to teach kids to utilize their creativity and embrace their individuality. Powers restored a 1969 VW Bus and created The Comic Bookmobile to travel to schools and events all over Tucson spreading his belief that pure honesty, hard work, and a Positive Mental Attitude lead to a better state of mental health in kids and kids of all ages (Adults!). When he isn’t wearing a cape, Powers is a wild-mannered reporter for KOLD NEWS 13’s Tucson Now segments. This, in addition to being the radio host of Lifestyle Tucson- the program where he speaks to the people behind Tucson’s 501c3 non profit organizations. Powers closes every Lifestyle Tucson episode by saying “Toot Toot Tucson, I love you the most.” and ya know, when ya add all this up, it just might be true. #TootTootTucson TheComicBookmobile.com |
MAY 2023
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CHRISTOPHER SCOTT
Filmmaker Christopher Scott is a seasoned film industry professional with nearly two decades of experience across various roles in Southern Arizona. He is passionate about telling and experiencing character-driven stories that capture the human spirit. Chris made his directorial debut with the award-winning film "Eddie Mummy: A Love Story," and since then, he has continued to leave his mark on the industry with his unique creative vision. As a writer, director, and producer of multiple short films, features, and a scripted podcast, Chris is known for his ability to craft engaging and thought-provoking narratives. Currently, he is working on the highly anticipated third season of the hit scripted podcast Tucson Heat, which promises to be an action-packed and thrilling ride. Chris is committed to giving back to his hometown by shining a spotlight on the often-overlooked aspects of the Tucson scene, all while championing diversity and inclusion in his storytelling. www.elephantscout.com/ |
MARCH 2023
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INGRID KELLER
Visual Art Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Ingrid discovered her love of art early in childhood. Exploring the desert, she was drawn to the intricacies and patterns of life. An exploration which inspired her to replicate those observations with drawing and painting. Today, her artwork is still deeply inspired by nature, but has also grown into an expression of the human experience with sentimental surrealism. Her studies in Biology and Art History come together to connect our place with nature, history and emotion, finding meaning through art. She hopes to provide a window to perceive life through a creative and curious perspective. www.ingridkeller.art/ |
FEBRUARY 2023
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CHAOS THEATER
Experimental Theater Chaos Theatre develops site specific, interactive theatrical experiences for communities who might not otherwise have access to this dynamic, imaginative, communal art form. We want anybody and everybody to be able to experience theatre, either as a maker or an observer. For the SAACA Catalyst Residency, our aim is to spark imaginative performative moments around the idea of LOVE in a place where love is sold on store shelves, especially during the month of February. |
JANUARY 2023
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MALCOLM NICOLL
Glass "My inspiration in creating art is not only to document my evolution as an artist but more importantly to attempt to make all aspects of life a work of art; to feel and activate our divine gift for creating and expanding beauty in an often times harsh and crude world. Not strictly in the virtual arts, but in all concepts and ideas." - Malcolm Nicoll |