NEW BERLIN – This evening, the Sam & Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts is hosting an open studio in which they invite the public to meet the foundation's artists in residence and get an inside look at a professional working art space.

The Open Studio will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. tonight, Thursday, May 21 at the foundation, at 237 Bell Road, New Berlin, with Artists Talks at 6 p.m.

The evening is free to attend and open to all. The group of artists residents that are currently there includes, Mahsa R. Fard, Michael Hambouz, and Marie Thibeault. Fard and Hambouz, two artists with different styles, recently shared their unique histories.

Emma Golden, Executive Director of the Sam & Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts Inc., said, “The open studios offer the public a rare inside look into the world of artist residencies and contemporary artmaking. Our artists come from all over the world, bringing with them different perspectives, techniques, and ideas, and this event gives our community the opportunity to engage with that creativity firsthand.”

Mahsa R. Fard, primarily a painter, uses art to help process their emotions, understand their surroundings, and connect with the world around them. Fard, originally from Iran, applied to the Golden Foundation's residency for a meaningful experience and development opportunity; Golden is also one of their favorite brands for acrylic, oils, and mediums.

“Being surrounded by the landscape of upstate New York and having time to be close to nature was also very appealing to me,” said Fard who describes the atmosphere of New Berlin as warm and welcoming.

A major component of the foundation's residency is the artists opportunity to meet and work with material and applications specialists from Golden Artists Colors. These specialists will answer any questions about materials, reveal different techniques that can be used, and introduce them to new technology that can be used in their art. The foundation wants its residents to feel free to experiment in the studio while there.

Fard said, “One of the most valuable parts of the residency has been the freedom to experiment without pressure. Discovering new materials, testing color combinations, and having conversations with Golden art material experts and other artists and has been incredibly inspiring.”

Michael Hambouz a first-generation Palestinian-American artist who grew up in rural Michigan, describes being introduced to the material specialists on day one who helped them discover new ways to use materials more efficiently and cost-effectively.

“I have been an avid user and fan of Golden Artists Colors' paint for many years now, and the opportunity to learn more from the specialists behind the scenes creating the products and unlimited access to experiment beyond the thresholds of my typical budget constraints, well, felt like -and now feels like a truly magical painter's fantasy. Additionally, I have know several artists that have had incredible experiences as past residents, and helped verify that the magical fantasy was indeed very real,” said Hambouz.

Having lived in New York City for the past 27 years, Hambouz has found their time in New Berlin to be a much needed break from the concrete city landscape. They've enjoyed witnessing what's described as the rapid shift of colors with awakening of spring in the area. Hambouz while using paint to create art, deploys three-dimensional (3D) techniques in their latest series of geometric relief paintings and has made a variety of artworks from figurative to abstracted 3D and 2D painting and prints, to intricate layered cut paper works, sculpture, drawing and animation.

“I think it's really important to connect a human form and spirit with the work a viewer sees--whether you meet them in person, or spend time really thinking about the hand behind the brush strokes that you see. As a first-generation Palestinian American, like all first-generation citizens, our diaspora paths are labyrinthian, our travels and experiences on many levels relatable, however each quite very unique, and with that, so are our personalities and voices. I like to think that my work perfectly captures my experienced voice, sometimes heavy, deep and sorrowful, sometimes tongue-and-cheeky humorous, and sometimes it's of a cat, sometimes it's all of these intertwining in one composition, and sometimes, it's just a cat,” said Hambouz when asked what they'd like people to know about them and their work.

When asked what they'd like people to know about them and their work, Fard responded, “My work often grows from personal experiences, memory, and observation. I’m interested in creating paintings that feel atmospheric and emotionally open, where viewers can bring their own experiences into the work as well”

“This year’s residents each bring incredibly distinct practices and perspectives, which makes for a really dynamic session. What always stands out most is how generous artists are with one another during the residency — sharing ideas, techniques, and conversations across very different approaches to artmaking. Visitors will get to see not only individual works in progress, but also the energy and exchange that happens when artists live and work closely together for four weeks,” said Golden.

Golden explained that attendees at open studios can expect a different experience from walking through a traditional gallery. She relayed that they prepare for it by transforming active working studios into welcoming public spaces, “while still preserving the authenticity of the artists' environments.”

“You might see paint-covered tables, brushes soaking in water containers, sketches pinned to the wall, or paintings still drying on the floor. It feels personal — like stepping directly into the space where ideas are actively taking shape. There are three separate studios to explore and three artists to meet, and we’ll also host artist talks at 6pm,” said Golden.

Both Fard and Hambouz are looking forward to the open studio and connecting with attendees. When asked how does it make them feel when people view their artwork they each provided a reflective response.

“It’s fascinating. When you’re alone in the studio, the work exists very privately in your own world. Once people see it, they bring their own emotions, memories, and interpretations to it. For me, seeing how others receive the work is one of the most rewarding parts of sharing it,” said Fard.

“I feel fortunate to have grown up in a pre-internet/social media era, with the drive to create in a bit of a vacuum, doing it because I have to, and knowing that maybe there was a chance nobody might see it at all. So anytime someone spends time with my work, in person in particular, it's a real thrill to me. I think of each piece as a conversation starter/topic, and conversations are always more fulfilling with another person in the room (laughing),” said Hambouz.

The Sam & Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts, hosts multiple open studios throughout the year. Each time with a new set of residents, so if you miss the one tonight do not fret. Find the schedule of open studios at https://www.goldenfoundation.org/open-studios/ They've hosted these open studios since the very first residency at the foundation taking a pause during the Covid-19 pandemic instead creating virtual artists interview series as an alternative way to connect artists to the public. Find the virtual series of past residents at https://www.goldenfoundation.org/residency/past-residents/ The foundation's 18 residents stay on site in small groups of three for a month before the next group takes their place, then the following year at least one piece from each of them will be on display at the annual Made in Paint in exhibit which they are invited to return back for.

“New Berlin hasn't seen the last of me,” said Hambouz, who is already looking forward to the next Made in Paint exhibit. Both artists expressed finding warm, welcoming support and community from their time in New Berlin and at the residency.