Sheherezade Thenard awarded residency in annual program that aims to provide emerging artists with career-building opportunities in exchange for free housing

American Landmark Apartments, one of the fastest-growing multifamily owner-operators in the country, has named Orlando-based figurative painter and illustrator Sheherazade Thenard to its “Artist in Residence” program. The program, now in its second year, provides no-cost housing and studio space for up to one year for select visual artists. In return, grant recipients are charged with implementing on-site art events and educational programs, including classes for children and adults, for residents who live in the same community. 

“American Landmark provides innovative, practical pathways for the arts to thrive, and for creators to regenerate themselves and their communities,” states Artist in Residence co-founder Rachel Lubeck. “We match professional artists with available quality housing, and co-host unique on-site amenities for rental apartment residents.”

Since its inception in 2020, the flourishing program has provided unique career opportunities for emerging artists, while developing new platforms where American Landmark Apartment residents can gather and interact with their neighbors. Thenard’s residency begins in December at Central Station on Orange, an apartment community managed by American Landmark in downtown Orlando, and will run for approximately 11 months.

One of Thenard’s first projects, which will begin on December 8, involves a 10’ X 18’ mural using wall paint, markers, and spray paint to create a whimsical blend of pink, yellow, and white flowers on a pastel green background.

The 26-year-old Thenard holds a BFA from the University of Central Florida (2018) and held a year-long artist residency at the Maitland Art and History Center’s Artist in Action program upon graduation. She recently returned to UCF for a master’s degree in fine arts. She is a recipient of numerous awards and grants at the college.       

 “I am so grateful to have been selected as this year's Orlando artist for American Landmark's Artist Residency Program,” said Thenard. “As I close the chapter on graduate school, this program offers a series of unique opportunities, including being able to give back to the local community through arts workshops that I will lead. It’s truly an inspiring head start in every way.” 

Thenard says she paints to try to make sense of “the fragility of our world, the passing of time and the shared experiences of light, color and space.” With vibrant themes that coalesce through mysticism, escapism and fantasy, Thenard’s aim is to create psychological spaces that are paired with hidden symbolism. 

“How does one navigate what feels like the constant uncovering of selfhood?” she says. “As a black woman scholar and a second-generation daughter to immigrants from Martinique, growing up in the Florida Suburbs I felt that I was constantly negotiating my space in the southern American landscape. My work addresses the autobiographical discoveries I make regarding the intersections of womanhood, sexuality, class and how gender roles influence the space I inhabit through the lens of magical realism.”

Previously selected 2021 Artists in Residence include Calder Kamin, Rose Dunseth and Austin “Slim” Gee.  When asked to comment about the impact of the program on their professional development and the opportunities it presents, the artists said:

• Calder Kamin, recycling artist in residence at Shelby at Northside in Fort Worth, Texas, “The American Landmark Apartments Artist in Residence program has been very beneficial to my practice. I was looking for the opportunity to leave Austin, to seek out a new art scene and community. This is the nicest studio I've had and one of the nicest apartments. Next year will be my biggest year yet.” 
• Rose Dunseth, artist in residence at Midtown 24 in Plantation, Florida, “This residency has given me the opportunity to expand on my existing practice, refining skills and creating more ambitious work. Also, I’ve been able to develop and test out a new portfolio of classes focusing on sustainable art activities within the community. Finally, being back in south Florida has allowed me to get back to a routine centered around active observation and plein air painting as the area has such a wealth of accessible natural landscapes.”
• Austin “Slim” Gee, mural artist in residence at Parc at Welsey Chapel in Wesley Chapel, Florida, “This opportunity could not have come at a better time. The ability to focus on my work, while feeling so comfortable in my living and work spaces, has freed me to grow and develop in ways I never thought possible.”

To apply for the 2022 American Landmark Artist in Residence program near you, visit artistsalapts.com. Applicants must be over the age of 18 working in a visual arts discipline, confident in your artistic voice, and have an interest in expanding your artistic practice in a community-focused context. Artists will be chosen based on compatibility with the needs of the community and likelihood to thrive creatively in this unique program.

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About American Landmark

American Landmark Apartments is one of the fastest-growing multifamily owner-operators in the United States and ranks No. 33 on the National Multifamily Housing Council list of the top apartment owners in the country with approximately 34,000 apartment units in its portfolio. Based in Tampa, Florida, American Landmark specializes in the acquisition and management of value-added multifamily properties located in high-growth markets throughout the Sunbelt, including Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. American Landmark is committed to delivering great service and outstanding living environments to residents and delivering consistent, attractive risk-adjusted returns to investors and partners. For more information, please visit www.alapts.com.