“My residency at SAR began during a hectic, busy time in my life. By the time my residency ended, I felt much lighter than before. I spent my time in the Similkameen Valley lying on the couch watching Project Runway, laughing, experimenting with new forms, writing residency/grant applications, and thrifting. This was the way I decided to begin preparing for an upcoming exhibition, and it worked! Sometimes I forget that I need time to think, do nothing, and play to produce successful work. Like most emerging artists, I have a cafe job that I rely on to pay my rent, living expenses, and artistic expenses. Living at SAR for 3 weeks temporarily relieved me of a strict schedule, allowing me to do literally whatever I
wanted for the entirety of my residency. It was a liberating reminder that my job is to be an artist, working in a cafe is just something I must do for money. Overall, my experience at SAR rewarded me with a well- rested body and mind, completed applications to send in, thrifted objects to consider, and an eagerness to continue on.”

Nico McGiffin, Testimonial