We are excited to announce the launch of the 2024-25 Berkeley Carroll Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program, a unique initiative that brings professional visual artists into our school to engage students in hands-on creative experiences. The AIR program encourages artists to view our campus as a dynamic and collaborative space where they can inspire students through workshops, classroom visits, and participatory art installations. This year, we are honored to welcome Nelise Charles Bey as our artist-in-residence.
About the AIR Program
The Berkeley Carroll AIR program, now in its fourth year, is designed to foster a deeper understanding of art’s transformative power, exposing students to a range of artistic perspectives and creative practices. Past residents, including Yusuf Hassan, Jesse Kreuzer, Sara Kamalvand, and Marco Scozzaro, have left a lasting impact on our community. Through their residencies, students have had the opportunity to explore new artistic techniques, participate in creative processes, and experience the profound role of art in shaping our world.
Introducing Our 2024-25 Artist-in-Residence: Nelise Charles Bey
This year, we are thrilled to have Nelise Charles Bey join us. Her residency, which began in October and will run through December, will feature various exciting activities for students and the broader community. Nelise will work with students to explore fabric dyeing and develop a site-specific installation, Protective Hue: Blue, which will be installed in the main staircase of 181 Lincoln Pl.
Protective Hue: Blue draws inspiration from the seven shades of indigo and the work of Malian indigo artist Aboubakar Fofana. The installation will feature seven indigo panels suspended in the stairwell, each adorned with silk lanyards and indigo-dyed beads. This work is a tribute to the rich cultural significance of indigo, which has been used across the world—from Peru to Japan to West Africa—for its color and healing properties.
Get Involved!
We encourage all students and community members to engage with Nelise’s work and take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to explore the world of indigo dyeing and installation art. Here's how you can get involved:
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Check the atrium wall: Updates, information, and upcoming events related to Nelise's residency will be posted here.
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Join the Community Dip: Participate in Nelise’s Indigo Dyeing Workshop on November 9, 2024, at 181 Lincoln Pl, second-floor courtyard and experience the beauty of this ancient dyeing process firsthand.
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Look for the installation: Keep an eye on the main staircase for the development of Protective Hue: Blue and immerse yourself in the story of indigo. The installation will be complete by early December.
We are excited to see how this residency will inspire creativity, curiosity, and collaboration within our community. Don’t miss the chance to learn from and create alongside Nelise during her time here at Berkeley Carroll!