EMERGENCE: Where artists are guided, supported, and invited

 A Living Studio Residency

Conectando Corazones y Mentes a Través de las Artes • Connecting Hearts & Minds Through the Arts

Presented by De La Vega Art Gallery
Tucson, Arizona

Residency Dates: August 1 – September 3, 2026

During the residency, the gallery becomes an active studio space. Visitors can see artists working, developing ideas, and building new work from start to finish. This brings the creative process and the public into the same space

Residency Overview

EMERGENCE is a living studio residency at De La Vega Art Gallery in Tucson. It is designed for artist who are ready to deepen their practice, strengthen their professional presence, and grow within a supportive creative community.

Artists are invited to create new work in the gallery, while the public can watch the process unfold.

The program combines studio time, mentorship, and public engagement in one shared space.

This is not a traditional residency.

It is a working studio where artists create, connect, and grow while inviting the community into the creative process.

Mariana de la Vega

Founder & Residency Director
Artist • Gallery Director • Integrative Coach • Expressive Arts Facilitator

Provides the artistic vision, mentorship, expressive arts guidance, and overall leadership of the residency.

Karyn Holyk

Lead Curator & Professional Practice Mentor
Curator • Artist • Arts Consultant

Provides curatorial guidance, professional critiques, exhibition preparation, portfolio development, and collector readiness.

Cat Silvas

Creative Programs & Community Engagement Coordinator

Artist • Creative Educator • Creative Coach

As the Evening Creative Storytelling Mentor, Cat creates a welcoming space where artists can continue their creative practice, exchange ideas, reflect on their work, and connect with fellow resident artists.

 Studio Residency

• Tuesday–Saturday | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

Extended Evening Studio Hours

• Tuesday & Thursday | 4:00 PM–8:00 PM
• Additional studio access for residents who need evening creative time.

Open Studio

• Thursday–Saturday | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
• Public invited to observe artists at work and engage in conversation.

What Artist Receives

• Studio space inside the gallery
• Mentorship with Mariana de la Vega
• Curatorial guidance with Karyn Holyk
• Weekly group critiques
• Professional Practice Lab sessions
• Artist talk opportunity
• Portfolio and artist statement support
• Professional photos and documentation of your work
• Promotion through gallery platforms
• Introductions to collectors and art professionals
• Inclusion in the final exhibition and Collectors’ Night (for selected artists)
• Certificate of Completion

 Professional Practice Lab

A space to support your growth as a professional artist.

Topics include:

• Developing your ideas and artistic voice
• Building your portfolio
• Pricing your artwork
• Preparing for exhibitions
• Grants and opportunities
• Communication and presentation skills

Collective Exhibition & Collectors’ Night

The residency ends with a curated exhibition of the work created during EMERGENCE. This exhibition is presented during Collectors’ Night, a public event with collectors, curators, artists, and the community.

EMERGENCE Professional Development Series (Optional)

Eight optional one-hour workshops offered during Tuesday and Thursday evening studio hours. Topics may include branding, marketing, artist statements, pricing, grants, exhibitions, talking with collectors, and building a sustainable creative career.

Featured Scholar & Community Partners

EMERGENCE welcomes scholars, universities, arts organizations, collectors, and community partners who enrich the residency through lectures, conversations, and collaboration. Featured scholars, including Dr. Albrecht Classen, may participate in the residency's community engagement initiatives.

Investment Capacity

Early Bird: $750
Regular Tuition: $850
Payment Plan Available
Capacity: 6 to 7 Artists

Studio Amenities

Shared creative workspace
Wi-Fi access
Tables and Chairs
Water Station

Artists are responsible for their own materials and meals.

Our Invitation

EMERGENCE is for artists who want more than studio space. It is a place to create, share, and grow in real time—with the community watching the process unfold.

Here, art is not only made.

It is experienced.

Join