Artist in Residence
OUR PROGRAM
The Magnolia Library & Community Center has long been a place where artists of all kinds are welcomed, supported, and celebrated. In recent years, we have had a number of artists-in-residence, and have recently established an artist-in-residence program to make this an ongoing and enduring part of our center. This program welcomes an artist to establish a short-term studio in our historic building, giving them a quiet, inspiring space to create. Our center seeks artists who are passionate about their work and eager to connect with our community. Applicants should demonstrate a record of artistic accomplishment through publication, exhibition, or performance. The program is open to visual artists working in all media; writers of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry; and composers working in all musical genres. The selected artist will have exclusive access to the Fran Hines Suite on the second floor of the library for the duration of their residency, providing a dedicated space for reflection, exploration, and creative work.
We anticipate our next residency to run from May 1, 2026 through July 31, 2026, with applications due by April 1, 2026.
Important Dates
April 1, 2026 applications due.
April 8, 2026 awardee notified.
About the Space
The Fran Hines Room is a bright, inviting space located on the second floor of the MLCC building. With its high ceilings, plentiful sunlight, and hardwood floors, it offers an inspiring environment for creative work. Please note that the room cannot be locked, as it serves as an emergency egress for the second floor. As our Community Center frequently hosts guests and event rentals in Charles Jones Hall and throughout the building, we ask that the Artist in Residence remain mindful of any events taking place during their studio time to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone in the building.
Artist Engagement
As part of their residency at the Magnolia Library & Community Center, each artist will collaborate with the Board of Directors to host a free event for community members. With input from the Board, the artist is expected to plan and execute a public program at the MLCC prior to the conclusion of their residency—one that reflects their creative practice and encourages meaningful community engagement.
Application
To apply for the May-July 2026 residency please download the application HERE. Please email us at info@magnolialibrary.org with any questions.
CURRENT ARTIST
Our inaugural Artist in Residence is Gloucester Artist, Loren Doucette, a painter for the last 30 years. Her residency commenced on November 1st and will conclude on March 31. Her work has shown in solo and group exhibitions since 2006. She received a BFA in Drawing and Painting in 2013 from Montserrat College of Art where she participated in Montserrat’s study-abroad program in Italy. Her paintings are prayers hovering between realism and abstraction and celebrate the sun, flowers, people and color of this world.
Loren is also currently an instructor at the new Whale Rock Art Studio at 27 Lexington Ave where she and her partner Matthew Billey have a showing of their works till December 1st with a reception and sale on Sunday November 9 from 3-5pm. Loren’s bio and website are below.
To l earn more about Loren and her work please visit her website HERE.
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