Residency
Meet Artist in Residence Maria D. Rapicavoli
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Maria D. Rapicavoli is an artist and educator born in Catania, Italy. She was a fellow in the Whitney Independent Study Program in 2012 and received her MFA from Goldsmiths University of London (2005) and BA from the Academy of Fine Arts in Catania (2001). She draws inspiration from her native Sicily, a place that holds deep significance as a point of both departure and arrival. Her work explores the sea and the sky as sites of transit where individual narratives intertwine with international politics.
Founded in 1895, Hudson Guild’s mission is to create and sustain a strong, effective community that acknowledges and responds to the potential, achievements, and interdependence of its diverse members. Rooted in and primarily focused on Chelsea and the west side of Manhattan, Hudson Guild seeks to empower all individuals and families to achieve their highest potential, while maintaining a priority focus on those in economic need.
Rooted in the Chelsea neighborhood, Hudson Guild seeks to co-create with individuals and families to achieve their highest potential, while maintaining a priority focus on those in economic need. Many of the families have experienced urgent housing needs.
“The Residency for Experimental Arts Education represents a unique and exciting chance for me to merge my two passions — art and education — without compromising either. I strongly believe that artistic practices and creative community spaces can generate significant social changes by supporting and nurturing the next generations of artists and future generation leaders.”
Maria as a young artist
Tell us about your art practice and how working with children inspires you.
My artistic practice is deeply based on and engaged with the process of researching. I find teaching to be an essential part of my learning experience
Do you have any memorable experiences of children interacting with your artwork?
I loved seeing kids interact with my work A Starry Messenger, a functional telescope made of alabaster, at Socrates Sculpture Park.
Do you have a favorite memory of making art as a child?
I spent the last two months of my elementary school years working on a large mural for the school main entrance, and the mural still exists.
Why is it important to make art accessible to all children and families?
I believe that through art it is possible to create a supportive and inclusive environment where the children can grow and thrive.
