Vashon Artist Residency, a new artist residency program on Vashon, has hired islander Heather Dwyer as its residency director.

Located on the waterfront of Quartermaster Harbor, the Residency offers artists the time and space to create, the opportunity to engage with other residents and the experience of living and working amidst the ecology and community of the island.

Dwyer will oversee the day-to-day operations of this new facility for artists. She has an extensive background as an arts administrator, curator, and activist. She has worked for regional organizations including 4Culture, Artist Trust, Jack Straw Cultural Center, Washington Lawyers for the Arts, and the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture. She holds a BFA from Cornish College of the Arts and an MFA from CalArts. She and her husband own a design/build company and live on Vashon Island.

Vashon Artist Residency was founded in 2021 in the midst of the pandemic by artist and Vashon resident, Cathy Sarkowsky.

Having benefited from artist residencies herself, Sarkowsky envisioned a retreat for artists working in various creative disciplines. She said she is thrilled to have Dwyer on board to run and develop the program as it moves into the future.

“Heather has an amazing skill set, vast experience working with artists, and a career devoted to supporting them,” Sarkowsky said.

Vashon Artist Residency initiated its first juried call for artists to apply during late summer of 2021. Nearly 100 artists from many disciplines, including writers, musicians, interdisciplinary artists and visual artists, applied from across the country and beyond.

The Residency can accommodate up to four artists per session and is offering 12 sessions in 2022. Artists are awarded nearly a month to visit and create on Vashon.

Dwyer will be working closely with Sarkowsky to develop the program, manage the facility and support artists during their stay. If artists are able to support the residency, they are asked to pay a sliding scale fee to offset the expenses of their stay.

In order to create a sustainable program at the Residency beyond this early phase, Sarkowsky and Dwyer will be soliciting donations, applying for grant support and fundraising.