RAiR Welcomes Interim Residency Director Justin Richel (RAiR 2020)

After the departure of our Residency Director Larry Bob Phillips for personal reasons, RAiR is happy to welcome Justin Richel as our new Interim Residency Director. Justin was a RAiR artist-in-residence in 2020 and moved to New Mexico in 2016. He’s an artist working in the combined practice of painting and sculpture, with an interest in trickster mythologies, simulacra and perception. Justin has worked closely with fellow artists to help facilitate their projects through all stages of concept, design, execution and problem solving. He brings with him an extensive knowledge of building and materials, having worked in various construction trades. Justin grew up in New Jersey and later moved to Maine where he received a BFA in printmaking from the Maine College of Art and Design. He also studied the technique of icon painting at the Franciscan Monastery in Kennebunk, Maine. Justin has been awarded residencies at the Fine Arts Work Center, Monhegan Artist Residency, Kohler Arts & Industry, and RAIR. He has exhibited at numerous museums and art centers including the Wadsworth Athenaeum, DeCordova Sculpture Park & Museum, and the Fitchburg Art Museum.

The Interim Residency Director is a six month position, and we will be posting the job search for permanent Residency Director in the next few months.

Tonee Harbert