2024 Artists-in-Residence

 

AMOC is proud to offer two Artist-in-Residence (AiR) tracks in 2024: New Works & Community Gallery Series.

Check out our 2024 AiR!

 

Spring AiR

SASHA MAYA ADA DAVIS | New Works

Final Offering: April 19 & 20

  • From South Cackalacky--also known as South Carolina, Sasha Maya Ada Davis made her theatrical debut at the age of 7 singing "Part of Your World" in the back seat of her mother's 2000 Mitsubishi as her grandfather got pulled over for speeding.

    Now, a Dallas based director, actor, and educator (SMU ’16, TCG: Alan Schneider Director Award Nominee ’22). Her recent directing credits include Two Gentlemen of Verona (Associate Director- Shakespeare Dallas), Natural Shocks (Echo Theatre), Aida (Lyric Stage), Cabaret (Arts Mission Oak Cliff x Lost Boys Presents), Pass Over (Second Thought Theatre) and many more.

    She coaches artists in preparation for their next steps and also serves as the co coordinator and lead teaching artist for the Dallas Region of the National Next Narrative Monologue Competition. The intersection of artistic technique and restorative practices is what guides her professional and personal approach to storytelling. Each of these things fill her bucket.

ERNEST SMITH | CGS

Final Offering: April 11-25

  • Ernest's relationship with art commenced with drawing, drawing inspiration from favorite Japanese manga artists during childhood. As Ernest transitioned into adulthood, a deepened interest in Japanese design and art emerged. This passion led Ernest to spend two years studying abroad in Japan on a scholarship, where senses flourished, and a determination to design clothing took root. Upon returning to the states, Ernest embarked on the journey of creating original designs by repurposing old clothing, teaching oneself pattern making, draping, and sewing over the years. Throughout this artistic evolution, Ernest actively engaged with the Dallas arts community, delving into performance art and collaborating with artist duo Elmgreen & Dragset as an artist performer for their debut "Dallas Diaries" exhibition at the Nasher Sculpture Center. More recently, Ernest contributed to creative direction and assistance for a well-received fall fashion show at the Arts Mission Oak Cliff. Looking ahead, Ernest envisions further solidifying a unique design perspective and developing a language that encompasses performance, sustainability, and form through clothing.

 

Summer AiR

AUSTIN DIAZ | New Works

Final Offering: July 19 & 20

  • Austin Diaz is a native of New Jersey. He received his BFA from NYU Tisch School of the Arts in 2011. Upon graduating, Austin joined Sidra Bell Dance NY for five seasons. In that time, he also co-founded MADBOOTS DANCE, alongside Jonathan Campbell. The duo went on to reach audiences nationally and internationally, mining topics of male identity. Some highlights include being awarded two Creative Development Residencies from Jacob’s Pillow, performing in New York City Center’s Fall For Dance , as well as the Joyce Theater’s first ever LGBTQ+ Pride week, being named one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch”, and lastly being invited, in the fall of 2019, as visiting artists to Harvard University.

ALIYAH CYDONIA SCOBEY | CGS

Final Offering: July 11-25

  • Aliyah Cydonia was born in 2002 in Dallas, TX. She is currently attending The University of North Texas to achieve her BFA in Studio Arts with a concentration in Painting and Drawing. As a supplement to her education, Cydonia mentors with figurative painter Riley Holloway. She also worked as a studio assistant for painter Anna Membrino and an assistant at Erin Cluley Gallery. Cydonia is currently working as a studio assistant for Ambreen Butt. Cydonia has exhibited works at Daisha Board Gallery, The MAC, 500X Gallery, SP/N Gallery at the University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas Contemporary, the gallery at Richland DCCCD Campus, Union Art Gallery at the University of North Texas, and Paul Voertman's Gallery. She lives and works in Denton, TX. In 2022, Cydonia was awarded The Clare Hart DeGolyer Memorial Funded by the Dallas Museum of Art. Cydonia, along with Hannah Baskin started a collective in 2021 called Anti Avant Garde Avant Garde. The collective has performed a performance piece, Cooperative Conundrum, at the Dallas Contemporary. In 2022, Cydonia traveled to Florence, Italy to attend a paint and drawing study abroad program. In 2023, Cydonia attended the New York Academy Arts undergraduate residency.

 

Winter AiR

DANA HARPER | New Works

Final Offering: December 1 & 2

  • Dana is guided by love as both an artist and individual. Reaching far beyond the confines of romantic love, the expressive songstress lives a life deeply rooted in true self love, love of community, and love of life itself. A Dallas-native, Harper’s music is about embracing and celebrating life’s universal experiences. Her tone and style boasts the polish of an artist who has meticulously studied her craft, while simultaneously reflecting a completely distinctive quality. She holds a strong sense of control over voice, allowing her to exercise a truly impressive range of vocal agility and expression. Harper released her first album in 2009 before moving to New York City for college, where she graced the stages of iconic venues including The Apollo Theater and Madison Square Garden. Harper’s career has garnered her great acclaim and many notable accomplishments, including being a Top 20 contestant on season 11 of NBC's hit tv show "The Voice,” as a member of Blake Shelton's Team. Dana recently released a single, “Daydreaming” that’s available now on all streaming platforms. With new music in the works Dana offers a glimpse into the newest chapter of her life, from exercising self love to navigating a career, and everything in between!

NOUR ALKHATIB | CGS

Final Offering: November 7-21

  • Nour Alkhatib, is an American-Palestinian interdisciplinary artist and clothing designer, weaving a rich tapestry of cultures and experiences. Rooted in Dallas, Texas. Alkhatib merges these worlds to craft a distinct artistic narrative within her brand ‘N/A’. With a penchant for unconventional expression, Alkhatib embraces natural fibers and bold silhouettes, resulting in garments that transcend mere clothing to become symbols of “armor” and “protection”.

    Drawing inspiration from the intricate threads of Palestinian heritage and the warmth of nostalgia, each piece radiates confidence, evoking the strength of a woman's image untainted by societal norms.

    Infusing each piece with a harmonious fusion of the traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, Alkhatib aims to build pieces independent from seasons and collections; a strongly characterized and recognizable piece. Things that are created with time and consideration. In Alkhatib's Dallas studio apartment, every plushie, garment, and embroidery emerges from dedicated hands, bearing witness to a process that values time and intention.

photos edited by Christoper Sonny Martinez

 

AiR Alumni