The Artist in Residence program provides no-cost housing and studio space for an emerging visual artist; multimedia artist Brian B.V. Cooper starts a residency at Amira at Westly in Tampa’s Town N Country neighborhood this month 

American Landmark Apartments, one of the fastest-growing multifamily owner-operators in the country, has selected multimedia artist Brian B.V. Cooper as its 2022 Artist in Residence in Tampa, Fla. The program, now entering its third year, provides no-cost housing and studio space for up to one year for select visual artists. In return, grant recipients are asked to implement on-site community art events and educational programs, including classes for adults and children. 

“Everyone has a story to tell, and I am excited to have the space and platform to inspire people in my community to express themselves through art,” said Cooper. “I also look forward to using my space to the best of its ability and create a new series of paintings.”  

Born and raised in New York, Cooper developed his unique skill set by getting involved in the fashion and film industries from Hollywood to Paris. He is skilled in oil painting, digital painting, graphic design, illustration and cinematography, including shooting, directing, and editing short films, music videos and commercials. 

His paintings feature recurring motifs such as women adorned in decadent fashion, often in dreamlike surroundings. His work aims to create an escape from the reality of life and inspire positivity through timeless beauty and dreamscapes.  

Art classes and workshops may not be a traditional ‘amenity’ one would expect to find in an apartment community – but that is one of the reasons it has resonated so well. The artist brings an engaging, positive presence into the community, bringing neighbors and family members together in a fun and constructive way, and benefits the artist by giving them the opportunity to hone their teaching skills. 

Since its inception in 2020, the Artist in Residence program has provided unique career opportunities for emerging artists while developing new platforms for American Landmark’s residents to gather, learn and interact with neighbors. 

Last year, for example, mural artist Austin ‘Slim’ Gee was the “2021 Artist in Residence” at Parc at Wesley Chapel, an apartment community north of Tampa. The residents enjoyed his ”Sketch and Sip” events for adults and children’s art classes so much that management asked him to stay on another year.  

“This opportunity could not have come at a better time,” said Gee. “The ability to focus on my work while feeling so comfortable in my living and workspaces has freed me to grow and develop in ways I never thought possible.” 

For more information on the American Landmark Artist in Residence program, visit https://www.artistsalapts.com/.