2012: AiR, Zoe Childerley

In 2012, the Museum of Friends launched its first Artist-in-Residence program, hosting UK-based photographer Zoe Childerley. Supported by Creative Industries and private donors, Childerley’s project, Where’s Walsenburg?, focused on capturing the essence of Southern Colorado’s rural communities. Through portrait sittings and interactive installations, she engaged locals, using art to reflect on the area's landscape, history, and cultural connections. Childerley’s work, known for its emphasis on community engagement, explored how we make sense of history and identity through collective storytelling and emotional reflection.

Program Highlights:

Photography Workshop: Participants learned photography techniques and contributed to the Where’s Walsenburg? project.
Exhibition: Featuring portraits by Childerley and community members, alongside Portraits from the Heart by Eudora Welty.
Artist Talks: Engaging discussions on the power of photography and its role in civic engagement.
This residency exemplified the Museum of Friends’ commitment to using art as a tool for social connection and empowerment in rural communities.